Ukraine Kharkiv Tank Attack Survives Drones, Mines With New Protections, Tactics

In another example of how Ukraine's evolving tactical and technological innovations are defeating Russian forces, the 475th Assault Regiment attacked Russian positions in Kharkiv oblast using tanks with new protections. 

These included additional armor and electronic defenses, but also, in a tactical development seen during Operation Vivaldi, in Donetsk, the tank attack was preceded by as well as accompanied with a variety of recon, FPV and heavy bomber drones to limit the Russians' ability to respond. The tanks survived both Russian FPV drone attacks and running over mines before successfully returning to their own lines. The implication is that the Ukrainians have found ways of reintroducing armored assaults that limit the impact of drone attacks. This will make the Ukrainians' 2026 offensive momentum even more difficult for the Russians to counter. JL

Taras Safronov reports in Militarnyi:

Ukraine's 475th Assault Regiment attacked Russian occupation forces in the village of Vilkhuvatka, Kharkiv region, using tanks supported by drones. The tanks were equipped with additional protection against FPV drones before the operation. The column was accompanied by several types of unmanned systems, including FPV drones, reconnaissance UAVs and VAMPIRE bomber drones. On the way, the tanks drove over light mines, which did not damage the vehicles. At the target area, the tanks opened direct fire on buildings where Russian infantry were positioned. During the withdrawal, the vehicles came under several FPV drone attacks but returned to their positions undamaged. 

The CODE 9.2 Regiment attacked Russian occupation forces in the village of Vilkhuvatka, Kharkiv region, using tanks supported by drones.

The regiment said that the tanks were equipped with additional protection against FPV drones before the operation.

The column was accompanied by several types of unmanned systems, including FPV drones, reconnaissance UAVs and VAMPIRE bomber drones. 

On the way, the tanks drove over light mines, which did not damage the vehicles. 

At the target area, the tanks opened direct fire on buildings where Russian infantry were positioned.

During the withdrawal, the vehicles came under several FPV drone attacks but returned to their positions undamaged. 

The 475th Separate Assault Regiment CODE 9.2 is known for conducting offensive operations using armored vehicles and drones. 

Today, each such operation is a complex process requiring coordination between armored vehicles, reconnaissance assets and cover elements.

Battle for Vilkhuvatka

Vilkhuvatka is located in the northeastern Kharkiv region, in the Kupiansk district.

The Ukrainian operation indicates the presence of Russian troops in the area. In its September 30 report, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said Russian forces were only attempting to advance toward Vilkhuvatka. 

“The invaders attempted to advance toward the settlements of Starytsia, Okhrimivka, Mala Vovcha, Vilkhuvatka, Vilcha, Khrypuny and Chuhunivka,” the General Staff report said.

In the Kharkiv region, Ukrainian forces are attempting to liberate territory from Russian occupation forces. Days earlier, fighters from the R.U.G. Regiment of the Khartia Corps cleared Russian troops from a tree line in the Kupiansk direction.