Masking in Russia. Airplane tires and buckets of burning coal

Photos of Russian military equipment covered with car tires have circulated online. However, this is not preparation for shipment, as the rubber cover has been found on bombers, tanks, and recently even on multi-role Su-34s. This is about makeshift defense against Ukrainian drones.

Strange tactics of the Russians

User OSINTtechnical shared unusual photos on Twitter showing the Russian Su-34 aircraft almost entirely covered with car tires. Rubber protection may not necessarily seem like appropriate armor, but this method is a new tactic on the Russian side. The idea is to counteract Ukrainian kamikaze drones.

The photos show how thoroughly the plane was “secured”. The tires were placed not only on the fuselage and wings, but even on the missiles and tanks protruding from under the structure. However, we are still talking about tires, not real armor. So what do the Russians want, and how would it help?

https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1700083418900340826

Drone protection

The arrangement of tires over the entire surface of the plane is allegedly a way to protect against incoming drones from the Ukrainian side. These are kamikaze models that try to fly into the aggressor's equipment. It turns out that the Russians want to minimize the risk of losing the unit. In their opinion, the tire can absorb some kinetic energy.

The drone's explosion can then occur further away from the fuselage, which will either reduce or avoid damage. It must be admitted that this is quite a peculiar way to protect vehicles in the era of such advanced military technology. According to the website bulgarianmilitary.com, this solution is supposed to be temporary.

https://twitter.com/AllBiteNoBark88/status/1699632550623453288

On the other hand, there are rumors that an entire industry will be created in Russia related to the production of tires, the main purpose of which will be to be placed on the hulls and armor of aircraft, transporters, and tanks. The Su-34 example is not an isolated one – there are photos on the Internet of bombers (e.g. Tu-95) also covered with rubber additives for protective purposes.

In fact, it has zero impact on machine safety

The claim that tire arrangement is intended to protect military equipment is wishful thinking. In fact, it has virtually zero impact on the safety of the machine - this is what NATO experts and others believe. First, tires will not make it difficult to identify vehicles when drones use infrared cameras.

https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1700083418900340826

Moreover, such “armor” does not have to provide protection against drone explosions. In the event of an explosion, the tires will not damage the hull or other structural elements. The only chance for the Russians is that the rubber cover will prevent the fuse from being activated. Regardless of the final effect, the Russians' new tactics look bizarre.