Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front has begun mass production of additional protective steel screens for Soviet (T-72), Ukrainian (T-64), and American (M1 Abrams) tanks. After extensive testing and validation, these screens have been provided to the Ukrainian armed forces free of charge. So far, over 25 additional protection systems have been produced and delivered, including seven for M1 Abrams tanks.
The steel anti-FPV (first person view) drone screens for tanks are a completely Ukrainian product. Their designs take into account the specific features of each type of tank, ensuring they protect against external threats without limiting functionality, complicating operations during combat, or hindering the soldiers inside. Each screen weighs up to 430 kilograms.
Commenting on the news, Oleksandr MYRONENKO, Metinvest’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front enterprises have experience creating additional armour for combat vehicle crews, and tank protection is another area of focus. Working with military engineers, we analysed the parts of military equipment typically targeted by FPV drones and identified vulnerabilities that need protection, leading to the development of these additional protective designs. The steel anti-drone screens help to not only protect expensive equipment from enemy attacks, but also save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers. Since the beginning of the war, this has been one of Steel Front’s tasks. We stand side by side with Ukraine’s armed forces to defend our right to live and work on free Ukrainian land.”
Simultaneously, the enterprise engages 10-12 specialists to produce the steel anti-drone screens. It takes up to 12 hours to manufacture and install screens for one tank.
Besides making steel screens for tanks, Metinvest’s enterprises, as part of the Steel Front, manufacture and supply underground "hideout" bunkers, bulletproof vests, mine trawls, lancet catchers, and other products to Ukraine’s armed forces. The Steel Front is also actively involved in building fortifications for the army in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Overall, since the beginning of the full-scale war, SCM enterprises have contributed over UAH 8 billion to support Ukraine’s armed forces and civilians as part of Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front defence initiative. This makes it the largest private donor to the Ukrainian armed forces in the country.
