Russians equip MLRS with cage armor to counter drones

Gunners of the Russian invasion forces are trying to protect their multiple rocket launchers from drones. Militarnyi reports this with reference to a video published by the Russian propaganda media. The Russians are primarily trying to protect their artillery systems from small-sized kamikaze drones and drones that drop munitions on enemy equipment.

The invaders install or weld cage armor on their military equipment, on which a metal mesh is placed, which should protect the combat vehicle from being hit by a kamikaze drone or munition dropped from a drone.

Russian BM-27 Uragan MRL with the anti-drone cage armor, 2023. Frame from the media of the Russian Federation

The media of the aggressor state published a video capturing a BM-27 Uragan multiple launch rocket system, the cockpit and launcher of which were equipped with screens made of metal mesh. The protective shield is placed at a certain distance from the vehicle's hull and launch tubes to reduce the impact of the munition when it hits or intercepts drones and to reduce the likelihood of an explosion.

Russian BM-27 Uragan MRL with anti-drone cage armor, 2023. Frame from the media of the Russian Federation

The process of producing such cage armor for military equipment is relatively simple and cheap.

Such designs also simplify the use of camouflage nets. However, such additional protection has its drawbacks. The screens are increasing the combat vehicle's dimensions.

Also, during transit, such a design can interfere with the movement under power lines, overpasses, etc.

Work on cage armor for the 2S19 Msta-S ACS of the Russian military in Ukraine. Winter 2023. Frame from the video published on social media

The Russians are installing similar cage armor on other military equipment and self-propelled artillery systems to protect them from a drone strike by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian military is also using meshes and screens to protect their artillery systems from attacks by Russian loitering ammunition.

Gunners of the 55th Brigade installing a protective net over the position of the M777 howitzer. December 2022, Ukraine, Bakhmut direction. Photo credits: Krom Pierre

However, it is worth noting that in some cases, the screen does not save equipment from being hit by a kamikaze drone.

Loitering ammunition used by both the Russian invaders and the Ukrainian Defense Forces can hit the vehicle not only in the upper part of the hull but also in the side or back part.