Ukrainian tanks now have dynamic “Knife” defense system
The protection of Ukrainian tanks was reinforced by the Ukrainian dynamic protection “Knife”, which was manufactured in 2012.
This was told by a Ukrainian tanker known for his YouTube channel Shawshank Redemption.
The dynamic protection demonstrated by the tanker was manufactured in January last year, before the full-scale invasion began.
The soldier also added that he has not yet seen a “Knife” vehicle with the 2023 marking.
Ukrainian companies developed the third-generation Nizh system in 1997-1998, and it was adopted by the Ukrainian Army in 2003.
This complex destroys attacking munitions, creating a counter-cumulative jet.
It occurs during the detonation of extended shaped charges (the so-called “shaped knives”) placed in dynamic protection blocks.
Such impact can destroy or destabilize the attacking munition, significantly reducing its destructive characteristics.
Prior to the full-scale invasion, the Ukrainian army installed the Knife on T-64BM Bulat and T-84 tanks.
The Knife system can be used as part of built-in or mounted dynamic protection systems for tanks and light combat vehicles.
Dynamic protection modules “Knife” KhSCHKV-34 and KhSCHKV-19 are designed as parallelepipeds with dimensions of 250x125x36 mm or 250x125x26 mm, weighing 2.8 kg and 2.1 kg, respectively, inside which profiled cumulative elements “knives” are installed, the total number of which reaches 7 units. The KhSCHKV-34 modules shown in the photo are used to protect the frontal projection of the tank’s hull and turret. KhSCHKV-19 modules are designed to protect the upper part of the tank turret.
As a reminder, Leopard 2A4 tanks of the Ukrainian Defense Forces have also been equipped with dynamic protection. The installation of dynamic protection units should increase the tank’s survivability on the battlefield.
