How Tanks Defend Themselves from Rockets and Missiles

How Tanks Defend Themselves from Rockets and Missiles

Typically, protecting tanks has consisted of adding new, increasingly heavy armor plating. But kinetic active protection systems, such as t... 2:31 AM

Typically, protecting tanks has consisted of adding new, increasingly heavy armor plating. But kinetic active protection systems, such as the Russian ARENA system in this video, are growing increasingly popular.

The video shows the Russian ARENA system at work using ultra-high-speed 18,000-frames-per-second cameras. Developed by the KB Mashinostroyeniya Design Bureau located outside Moscow, ARENA automatically detects incoming targets at approximately 50 yards and has a .07 second reaction time. 

Anti-tank rockets and missiles, like the Russian RPG-7 and the American TOW, travel at up to 300 yards per second, making them slow enough to be intercepted (but too fast for the system to be operated manually). ARENA-equipped tanks have are equipped with between 22 and 26 interceptor rockets. Interception takes place approximately 10 feet away from the tank.

Other nations are catching on to the APS concept. Israel's Trophy system protects Israeli tanks from rockets and missiles in terrorist hands, South Korea is equipping its K-2 Black Panther tank with a domestic version, and a shift back to big-power warfare (particularly versus the Russians) has the U.S. Army testing APS with Abrams tanks and Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. APS systems will almost certainly be part of the next round of upgrades for both, as well as the Stryker interim armored vehicle.