These light tracked vehicles, widely used on the front lines, are especially vulnerable to modern threats like FPV kamikaze drones.
Why MT-LB Needs Protection
The MT-LB (multi-purpose light armored tractor) is a Soviet-era vehicle used for transporting troops and equipment or serving as a weapons platform. However, its thin armor offers limited protection against contemporary battlefield threats. This makes it a frequent target for enemy first-person-view (FPV) drones, which have become a common and deadly tool in modern warfare.
“Steel Front” Response: Protective Steel Screens
To address this vulnerability, Metinvest engineers, in cooperation with vehicle crews, have developed special steel lattice screens that are now being installed on MT-LBs. These grids are mounted on the hull to absorb or deflect explosive blasts from drones before they hit the main structure.
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11 upgraded MT-LB units have already received the new protective gear.
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2 vehicles have been deployed to the 110th Territorial Defense Brigade, where they are used for combat evacuation.
“The advantages of tracked vehicles are obvious in poor terrain or weather. Protection from drones is crucial now. This screen gives us a real chance to save lives,” said Andriy Bystryk, press officer of the 110th Brigade.
Features of the Protective Screens
The newly developed drone protection screens are designed with front-line practicality in mind:
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Lightweight and easy to install
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Do not impair visibility or mobility
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Effective in muddy or snowy terrain
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Increase the chances of crew survival and mission success
“MT-LBs aren’t new, but they still serve. Our job is to make them safer. These screens won’t stop everything—but they give crews a fighting chance,” explained Oleksandr Myronenko, Chief Operating Officer of Metinvest Group.
Part of a Broader Effort
The MT-LB upgrade is part of “Steel Front’s” large-scale initiative, which already includes the production of protective gear for Abrams, Bradley, Kozak, and Roshel vehicles. In total, hundreds of Ukrainian military vehicles have been reinforced with custom steel protection developed by Metinvest.
About “Steel Front”
"Steel Front" is a united wartime effort launched by Rinat Akhmetov’s businesses to support the Defense Forces of Ukraine. In addition to funding and equipment, the initiative manufactures specialized defensive components, including:
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Custom steel protective covers
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Anti-drone screens
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Mini trawls for mine clearance
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Additional tactical support gear
