A leaked internal Bundeswehr report reveals that Ukrainian forces find many German weapons unreliable in combat, with the outdated Gepard surprisingly outperforming newer systems.
Of course, nothing is completely self sufficient, but the major advantage a tank has is that it’s very well protected against semi-heavy weapons. Until recently, the primary response to enemy tanks was either calling up your own tanks, or bringing in air/artillery support, or having specialised anti-tank equipment on hand. Even autocannons can’t reliably deal with a tank.
With modern drone use that story has fundamentally changed. In order for tanks to remain relevant, they need some way of countering the kind of drone support any infantry platoon can commonly be expected to have. Again, that doesn’t mean they need to be invincible, but they shouldn’t be any more exposed to being taken out by drones than by an RPG.
Of course, nothing is completely self sufficient, but the major advantage a tank has is that it’s very well protected against semi-heavy weapons. Until recently, the primary response to enemy tanks was either calling up your own tanks, or bringing in air/artillery support, or having specialised anti-tank equipment on hand. Even autocannons can’t reliably deal with a tank.
With modern drone use that story has fundamentally changed. In order for tanks to remain relevant, they need some way of countering the kind of drone support any infantry platoon can commonly be expected to have. Again, that doesn’t mean they need to be invincible, but they shouldn’t be any more exposed to being taken out by drones than by an RPG.