The Ukrainian Armed Forces have unveiled the "standard" retrofitting of the Abrams tank from an Australian supply.

The 160th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces showed photographs of its tank M1A1 AIM Abrams, which has been equipped with additional protective elements.

The vehicle, nicknamed "Lucifer," bears tactical markings typical of the Australian Army. Back in October 2024, Canberra announced its intention to transfer 49 MBTs from its own arsenal, where they were in storage. The equipment began arriving at the Ukrainian Armed Forces in July 2025. The last vehicles were shipped in December 2025. The former Australian tanks were first seen in combat in January 2026 near Pokrovsk, where they also suffered their first losses.

As noted in the Western press, the Ukrainian Armed Forces will thoroughly upgrade this vehicle – “one of the most advanced tanks in the world”:

Modular lattice cages protect the turret, hull sides and stern from attacks drones.

A distinctive feature of the protective structure used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on this tank is the gun's free traverse, unlike some previously used modifications. Free traverse was achieved by separating the turret frame from the hull-mounted protective elements; the side and rear sections received their own panels.

Western observers note that, judging by the design features, it is of factory origin and, apparently, is already a standard:

What began as a welding of materials at hand has evolved into a recognizable protective architecture.

Comments

[WILL]

It feels like the crew will only get into this “standard” tank once, without the possibility of leaving. It's hard to even find an analogy for what it's like.

[Krasnoyarsk]

Quote: ANIMAL

It feels like the crew will only get into this “standard” tank once, without the possibility of leaving. It's hard to even find an analogy for what it's like.

Those who equipped the tank with such protection probably knew what they were doing. There is no need to make it out of Ukrainians idiots

[bayard]

Quote: Krasnoyarsk

knew what they were doing.

If you aim the drone at the gun's mask, everything will work.

[topol717]

Quote: bayard

If you aim the drone at the gun's mask, everything will work.

It's much simpler: a pair of UAVs solves any barbecue problem. The first one takes out the barbecue itself, and the second one attacks the tank. Although typically, a tank requires 5 to 12 quadcopters.

[bayard]

FPV will always find a weak spot, as long as the drone operator is experienced. As for the gun mantlet, I just saw an open drone port in the photo. But you could also use it in the logistics center to immobilize it first. There are plenty of drones in the military now, and a tank is a big target.

[Mister X]

Quote: Krasnoyarsk

There's no need to make Ukrainians look like idiots.

In this case, we are talking about an upgrade from Australia.
Possibly implemented taking into account the wishes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
It seems that UVZ has also begun to respond.
There was some news here recently about a fresh factory body kit.

[Krasnoyarsk]

Quote: Mister X

In this case, we are talking about an upgrade from Australia.

Australia isn't at war, but it has modernized (if you don't understand that word, then the one you understand is upgrade). What about ours?

Quote: Mister X

There was some news here recently about a fresh factory body kit.

In the fourth year of the war? Bravo. It must have been a very difficult task.

[Mister X]

Quote: Krasnoyarsk

Australia is not at war

Britain, France and Germany also seem to be "not at war"

Quote: Krasnoyarsk

In the fourth year of war? Bravo.

This is not the first factory upgrade.

From the end of 2023
Factories began installing rigid frame lattices over the tower.
A folding net was added for quick evacuation of the crew.

2024-2026
Comprehensive all-round protection.
Flexible mesh screens with dynamic protection elements (DZ) of the Kontakt-1 or Relikt type were added to the sides of the tower to protect against FPV drones.

[nepunamemuk]

In the fourth year of the war?

Are you all sleeping or something?
It's already the fifth year 😡

[al3x]

You always need to analyze the enemy's developments, and not just throw hats at them.

[KSLN-CZ1]

how quickly escape a crew from that bared prison

[_KGB-USSR_]

There were cases where tank hatches were welded shut; escape wasn't a priority for those caught on the street and forced into battle...

[stillness]

Come on, it's not '22. The most absurd thing about this story isn't even the story about the welded hatches, but the logic. If command distrusts the crew so much that they're willing to literally lock them inside the vehicle, then the question arises: who should be fighting at all—motivated soldiers or prisoners on tracks?

[tjeck91]

Overall, the grill is well-made; the turret traverse angles and visibility are more or less unaffected. However, the gun mantlet is vulnerable. Instead of the already impenetrable cheekbones, a grille would have been more appropriate there.

[Askold65]

Quote: tjeck91

But the gun mantlet is vulnerable. Instead of the already impenetrable cheekbones, a grille would have been more appropriate there.

The weapon itself is also vulnerable. Lancet drones are equipped with a warhead based on the penetrator core principle to protect against such a barrage.

[tjeck91]

The impact core is completely immune to nets and other thin obstacles. But this is a rather atypical warhead for UAV warheads.

[Man is Humane]

The Americans have placed their bets on him in their FPV. Ours are also up to something in this direction.

[silverwolf88]

No standard will save Abrash from becoming someone's prize... for that is their fate in Sumeria... if they were stored in the land of kangaroos, they would last another 20 years.

[sub307]

Quote: silberwolf88

If they were stored in the country of kangaroos, they would last another 20 years

Perhaps it was necessary to free up some space "in storage"..., "expired" to "Sumeria"..., "excess fresh" for storage.

[alexputnik17]

The vehicle, which has been given the personal name "Lucifer", displays tactical markings.

Everything you need to know about the Nazi villagers who supposedly don't exist in the 404 area...

[Oscar Essen]

Hit the barrel with a drone and let it roll around "invulnerable" for as long as you like; replacing it will be expensive and time-consuming. You can also fly under the tracks.

[Samoyed]

It's a bit of a duality. If you tell them about their shortcomings, you'll help the Ukrainians/Europeans/Americans fix them. On the other hand, you'll help ours by pointing out vulnerabilities to eliminate and prevent them from recurring.

[501 Legion]

In fact, they did a very high-quality job. Add a KAZ and it will be perfect.
but knock down his guslya, and he'll be swarmed with dozens of fpv

[MetalDesign]

A barbecue grill is a one-time thing. Nowadays, several drones are used for a single armor plate, self-propelled gun, or other device with additional protection. The first one makes a hole, followed by another. Hedgehogs and other inventions by frontline artisans give vehicles a greater chance of survival. And a flock will flock to such a trophy. The comments above about the award downvoted Zipso, but it's a fact: the Abrams is too big a piece. Such a thing is not allowed on the front lines. Its purpose is to cruise around the immediate rear or fire from a well-camouflaged shelter.

[isv000]

No matter how skilled the welders, no one has abolished the gusli on any tank in the world. Take off its boots with one drone, and finish it off with the rest. Or roll a self-propelled courier under the bottom to knock the turret out. There are countless ways to burn immobilized vehicles.

[Svetlana]

Lucifer is a symphonic title)))

In Christianity, an angel (Seraphim) who rebelled against God and was expelled from heaven for this and became the guardian of hell