In recent combat operations in the Novopavlivka direction, in the month of August 2025, three Russian “Turtle Tanks” were destroyed by the WORMBUSTERS UAV detachment of the 414th Ukrainian Brigade. The engagement took place as the armored group attempted to breach defensive positions, with the lead vehicle equipped with a dozer blade designed to clear embankments and fill trenches.
The first tank in the formation, identified as a heavily modified T-72B3 fitted with improvised cage-style “turtle” armor and electronic jamming systems, was the primary target. The opening drone strike impacted the top of its tracks but caused minimal damage. A second UAV attempted a frontal strike, but the tank’s suspended chain defenses deflected the hit, allowing it to continue advancing. Moments later, a third drone delivered a direct frontal impact, forcing the crew to abandon the vehicle. A fourth UAV then penetrated the driver’s hatch and detonated inside, resulting in the complete destruction of the tank.
The second turtle tank sustained two drone strikes before catching fire and burning out. The third vehicle was targeted from the rear, with its crew evacuating after the first hit. A follow-up UAV strike left it ablaze.
While the assault failed to break through Ukrainian defensive lines, the engagement demonstrated that the turtle armor—though ultimately ineffective in preventing destruction—did offer additional protection. The added layers slowed the rate of catastrophic damage, giving crews more time to evacuate and potentially saving lives.
