South Korea equips main battle tanks with improvised anti-drone cages

South Korea is actively testing improvised anti-drone cage armor on its K2 Black Panther main battle tanks to counter the growing threat posed by inexpensive first-person-view (FPV) drones and loitering munitions. Recent images from a live-fire training exercise show the tanks fitted with rectangular lattice structures—commonly known as “cope cages”—mounted above the turret roof. These metal mesh frames create a stand-off gap designed to disrupt top-attack munitions or drone-delivered explosive charges without interfering with the tank’s primary functions, such as firing its 4.7-inch L55 smoothbore gun. The experiments reflect a broader global trend where armies have added similar protective lattices to frontline armor in response to increased drone threats, especially highlighted by recent conflicts like the Russian-Ukrainian war. The cage covers critical areas such as the turret and crew hatches, potentially reducing damage from aerial attacks. Live-fire testing indicates that crews are adapting to the added weight and altered visibility