Armored vehicles have largely lost their former role in modern warfare, as tanks and armored personnel carriers have become extremely vulnerable to drones and are essentially no longer needed for either offensive or defensive operations, according to war correspondent Dmitry Steshin.

Steshin said that just five years ago, he could not have imagined a situation in which armored vehicles would become unnecessary on both sides of the front. The development of unmanned systems, however, has fundamentally changed battlefield conditions. Even a distance of 10 kilometers from the line of contact no longer provides protection from drones.

According to Steshin, armored vehicles could previously at least be used to fire from concealed positions, where mortar fire was one of the main threats. Now, in his assessment, once such vehicles are detected, they can be destroyed at their positions within 15 minutes.

Against this backdrop, the war correspondent expressed bewilderment that Russia’s defense industry continues to showcase armored vehicles, including the Terminator tank support combat vehicle. Steshin noted that Terminators had already been deployed on the frontline and were quickly destroyed. He also rejected arguments from defense industry representatives that tanks and other armored vehicles remain necessary, including for combat in urban areas.

Steshin said perceptions of the most favorable conditions for offensive operations have also changed. While wooded areas and open terrain were once considered easier environments in which to fight, he said the situation is now the opposite. In his experience, Russian forces find it easier to advance through densely built-up urban areas.

The mass use of drones capable of striking targets far behind the line of contact has therefore radically changed both the role of armored vehicles and the nature of warfare, Steshin believes.