In a significant move to modernize its armoured warfare capabilities, the Indian Army has unveiled innovative defensive upgrades for its T-90S Bhishma main battle tanks.
During the ongoing 'Exercise Dakshin Shakti 2025' in the deserts of Rajasthan, frontline tanks were observed fitted with three distinct variations of anti-drone armour, popularly known in military circles as "cope cages" or slat armour.
This development highlights the Army's proactive approach to countering the growing threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and loitering munitions along the western frontier.
Adapting to Modern Battlefield Threats
The introduction of these overhead armour structures is a direct response to lessons learned from recent global conflicts, where low-cost commercial drones and First Person View (FPV) loitering munitions have successfully targeted the vulnerable top turrets of expensive heavy tanks.The Indian Army’s Armoured Corps has adopted a pragmatic, field-based approach to this challenge. Rather than waiting for a singular, imported solution, units from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Armoured Divisions have developed three different designs.
These variants are tailored to specific terrain requirements and threat perceptions found in the operational areas.
Indigenous Fabrication and Cost-Efficiency
The protection systems were manufactured domestically, showcasing the ingenuity of the Army's engineering corps. The fabrication was handled by the 505 Army Base Workshop in Jodhpur, the 512 Army Base Workshop in Kharga, and various field workshops within the armoured brigades.Engineers utilized available resources to keep costs low and production speed high. Materials used included surplus turret rings from older T-72 tanks and repurposed metal from scrap Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) boxes.
The financial logic behind this modification is compelling:
- Cost of Protection: Estimated between ?8 lakh and ?14 lakh per tank, depending on the variant.
- Asset Value: This is a negligible expense compared to the replacement cost of a T-90 tank, which stands at approximately ?3–4 crore.
Operational Performance and Specifications
According to Army sources, the new armour has demonstrated high reliability during testing. In over 40 controlled live-fire exercises where FPV drones were flown directly at the tanks, not a single cage was penetrated.While the installation adds weight to the turret and slightly reduces the 125 mm main gun’s elevation capability (limiting it to roughly +4 degrees instead of the standard +6 degrees), the increased survivability is viewed as a vital trade-off.
All three variants of the armour suite feature comprehensive defence measures, including:
- Electronic Warfare: 360-degree LED dazzlers to blind drone sensors and RF jammers powered by the tank's internal 24V system to disrupt control signals.
- Obscuration: Roof-mounted smoke grenade clusters angled upward to create an instant smoke screen against aerial observation.
- Concealment: Integrated hooks for camouflage netting, allowing the tanks to blend into the desert environment effectively.
