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In recent times, small, inexpensive, commercially available drones have become some of the deadliest pieces of weaponry that exist. Now, the US Army is reevaluating how tanks can be used on the battlefield, according to Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, who recently discussed the shift in tactics on the War on the Rocks podcast, noting that drones are now capable of targeting tanks’ most vulnerable points, forcing a reconsideration of how armored units are deployed.
According to Driscoll, historically, tanks like the M1 Abrams have been used to lead aggressive frontline assaults, relying on their heavy armor to absorb enemy fire. However, Driscoll pointed out that with the increasing number of sensors and surveillance systems on the battlefield, tanks can no longer push as far ahead in the formation. Drones, which can be launched at a fraction of the cost of a tank, now have the ability to target weak spots and incapacitate even the most heavily armored vehicles.
To adapt, the Army is considering a major redesign of its tank battalions. By slimming down these units and reducing their exposure to aerial threats, commanders hope to keep the tanks in the fight longer and more safely. This includes moving away from aggressive shock-and-awe tactics, in favor of more strategic positioning behind protected lines.
One key aspect of this shift is the use of drones as escorts for tank units. These drone escorts would act as scouts, identifying and neutralizing threats before they can reach the tanks. This allows the armored vehicles to maintain their offensive capabilities while minimizing their vulnerability to drone strikes. The concept mirrors the Army’s broader push toward integrating unmanned systems with manned units for improved situational awareness and risk management.
As the battlefield evolves, these strategic shifts show the Army’s commitment to adapting its tactics and technologies to counter the increasingly sophisticated drone threat.
