A Polish PT-91 Twardy, nicknamed “Tardy,” recently appeared in Ukraine equipped with mesh screens and a heavy protective cage designed to shield the vehicle from drone strikes. The sighting was shared via a Telegram channel known for military intelligence updates, which tracks equipment movements and battle readiness across the region.
The vehicle, assigned to Ukraine’s 117th Mechanized Brigade, shows side hull screens and armor on the front of the turret. The conspicuous cage around the turret area indicates an emphasis on drone defense measures, a response to the growing threat from unmanned aerial systems operating in conflict zones. These additions are part of a broader pattern where armored units adapt to modern battlefield challenges by adding defensive technology to existing platforms.
PT-91 Twardy is a Polish variant derived from the Soviet-era T-72M1. In this adaptation, Poland installed an engine delivering around 850 horsepower and added ERAWA dynamic protection to improve survivability against shaped charges and kinetic penetrators. Historical production of this model by Poland exceeded two hundred units before 2002, reflecting a period of heavy investment in armored capabilities and interoperability with allied forces in the region.
In a related development, Ukrainian forces previously received Rosomak armored personnel carriers, a Polish-designed vehicle, which have seen deployment in the Kharkiv region. The Rosomak platforms were among the equipment shifted to Ukraine following a broader exchange of materiel between Warsaw and Kiev. Russian drone operators reportedly monitored the Rosomak’s movements and attempted to disable the vehicles using airborne systems, though success in neutralizing them has not been publicly confirmed. This sequence underscores the evolving tactical landscape where reconnaissance and anti-vehicle drone operations intersect with mobility platforms on the battlefield.
Earlier reports indicated that some Rosomak units had been in use by Ukrainian forces, with subsequent assessments highlighting ongoing adaptation and logistical support as critical factors for sustained use. The broader context highlights how international defense collaborations continue to influence frontline capabilities, from armored fighting vehicles to air-delivered and ground-based drone countermeasures. Observers emphasize that continued integration of protective technologies and rapid deployment of upgraded platforms are likely to shape future engagements in the region.
In sum, the recent appearance of the PT-91 Twardy in Ukraine, reinforced with drone defense features and a robust protective cage, illustrates the ongoing effort to bolster armored survivability under the pressure of modern drone warfare. The incident also reflects a wider pattern of cross-border equipment transfers and tactical adaptations that contribute to the evolving balance of power on the battlefield, where protection, mobility, and resilience are increasingly interdependent in contemporary ground combat.