The United States delivered M1A1 Abrams tanks to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and fitted them with M-19 Abrams Reactive Armor Tiles ARAT, a dynamic protection system designed to increase survivability against anti-tank projectiles. The news item in question analyzes this update as reported by Drive and notes the armor package as a key enhancement for the new vehicles in service with Ukrainian units.
A video circulating on social networks since January 14 shows the upgraded Abrams navigating through a wooded area. In the footage, the tank moves with care, and the hull along with its reactive armor modules appear to have camouflage that emphasizes low visibility in a forest setting.
The ARAT system, created by Ensign-Bickford Aerospace and Defense, is composed of layers of explosive material sandwiched between metal plates. The M-19 modules have been part of the U.S. Army protection kit since 2006, serving as a mature solution in armor protection against shaped charges and certain kinetic threats. When an incoming projectile strikes, the explosive layer detonates in a controlled manner. The resulting blast disrupts the projectile’s penetration path and reduces the amount of energy transferred to the main armor underneath.
One practical aspect of dynamic protection like M-19 ARAT is that it is typically a single-use or short-service-life system. After a detonation, the affected module requires replacement to restore the protection profile. This aspect is standard for this type of defense technology and is a consideration for maintenance cycles and supply stability in ongoing operations.
Analysts and observers have weighed in on the role of these modules in the broader defense landscape. Anatoly Matviychuk, a retired colonel who has previously served in the Russian Armed Forces, offered comments on how such technologies influence armored warfare and the readiness of allied forces to counter advanced armor threats. The assessment underscores the evolving balance between offensive capabilities and protective systems on contemporary battlefields.