Based on images that have gone viral on social media, it has been observed that the M1A1 tanks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces have started being equipped with Kontakt-1 explosive reactive armor (ERA) blocks to enhance their battlefield survivability. This news comes after several severe setbacks and losses suffered by Ukrainian armored units at the hands of the Russian Ground Forces, including the destruction and capture of several Western tanks, among them American-origin tanks.
In widely circulated photographs from recent days, one of the M1A1 tanks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces is shown fitted with additional Kontakt-1 ERA blocks on its front. This practice by Ukrainian crews has become widespread throughout the conflict. As of now, other models of Western tanks, such as the Leopard 2A4, have also been equipped with this armor reinforcement on both their front and sides.
As previously stated when the first Leopard tanks equipped with this reactive armor emerged, it was noted that “the ERA blocks were designed to enhance defense and mitigate the effects of penetrating anti-tank munitions, such as HEAT projectiles and armor-piercing rounds, as well as explosive charges from anti-tank missiles. Essentially, the ERA block detonates upon impact before the projectile reaches the tank’s hull, creating an effect that reduces the blast’s impact.”
Returning to the M1A1 seen in the photographs, it is evident that Kontakt-1 is not the only reactive armor it is equipped with. The tank also features M-19 ARAT side reactive armor kits on its sides, presumably transferred as part of the package sent to Ukraine, which included 31 M1A1SA tanks.
This version of the Abrams is designated Situational Awareness (SA), incorporating features from previous versions of the tank. Specifically, the M1A1 AIM, which consisted of refurbished tanks equipped with new FLIR sensors, target finders, and communication equipment (such as the FBCB2) to improve the crews’ situational awareness.
However, despite these armor reinforcements, like many armored vehicles, both Western and Russian, the M1A1s have faced limitations due to artillery and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) extensively used by the Russian Ground Forces. This, according to U.S. sources, has led to the Ukrainian Abrams being withdrawn from the front to be preserved. Nonetheless, as reported by Russian media, this has not prevented the destruction and capture of several units. One such tank was recently displayed in Moscow alongside various captured Western equipment, including a Leopard 2A6 tank and M2A2 Bradley ODS-SA infantry fighting vehicles.
You may also like: Russia’s use of Zircon missile in Ukraine attack raises international concerns
