If judged by the performance of previous generations of Russian anti-drone defense systems, this "Dandelion defense device" might actually work—despite its extremely crude appearance.

Simple Working Principle

  Military observer Andrei Btvt discovered that the design scheme of the "Dandelion Tank" was disclosed in a recent patent application submitted by Russia. He wrote: "This passive protection device consists of multiple sets of flexible material rods, which are interconnected to form a tree-like (branched) structure, creating a three-dimensional protective barrier."

  Andrei Btvt explained that the core of this new anti-drone design lies in its layered structure: the tree-like structure is divided into multiple levels, each containing flexible rods of different lengths and cross-sections. The upper layers use rods with thin cross-sections, while the lower layers use rods with thick cross-sections. The number of rods gradually increases from the lower to the upper levels. He added, "The rods are fixed to each other by easily detachable connecting components. The flexible rods are made of glass fiber reinforced plastic bars of different diameters, and the connecting components are made of formed metal plates or impact-resistant plastic. A fine mesh made of high-strength synthetic material (such as Kevlar-grade) is also stretched between the upper layers of the tree-like structure."

From Anti-Drone Cages to Dandelions: A Three-Year Evolutionary Path

  Currently, on the 1,100-kilometer-long front line of the ongoing 45-month special military operation, no tanks equipped with "Dandelion" have been spotted, but they may soon be deployed, representing the next step in vehicle protection evolution.

  In 2022, the "anti-drone cage" emerged—a protective device made of metal bars or mesh installed on top of or around armored vehicle turrets, designed to intercept incoming FPV drones. A year later, the "Turtle Tank" made its debut: the entire vehicle was completely encased in an anti-drone metal shell. In 2024, the Russian military added hundreds of stout metal spikes to some "anti-drone cages" or "Turtle Tanks," a design that proved highly successful—the resulting "Porcupine Tank" could withstand attacks from more drones.

  This year, the metal spikes were upgraded to fine metal "hair" made from unraveled aluminum cables. These "Hedgehog Tanks," potentially carrying tens of thousands of these "hairs," have become the most protected vehicles for Russia in the 45-month special military operation.

  Some of these heavily protected vehicles—particularly "Turtle Tanks," "Porcupine Tanks," and "Hedgehog Tanks"—can withstand dozens of FPV drone attacks before finally being destroyed. This resilience increases the probability of Russian assault groups crossing drone-patrolled no-man's land to deploy infantry and capture new positions.

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Post time:Sep-25-2020