A Strange Enemy Combat Vehicle Noticed in Donetsk.

At the front in Ukraine, a Russian combat vehicle with an unusual appearance has been spotted, namely with sharp 'bristles' and long wavy 'hair'. This modification was showcased on a Russian propaganda television channel and has been named a modern improvised defense used to counteract drones, reports The Telegraph.

It is likely a vehicle that is a rusty BMP-1. It was covered with metal sheets in a rudimentary construction, which were first used during World War I to cover weak points in defense, according to UNIAN.

However, now Russia has added curly steel bundles that hang over the open, bare rear of the vehicle, and thick 'bristles' resembling a broom protrude from the openings on the sides.

The publication notes that these additions, which look like hair, are intended to keep small drones filled with explosives at a distance.

According to military analyst RUSI Alexander Daniyuk, he has never seen such protective means used on the battlefield before.

In turn, Ukrainian weapons expert and editor of Defence Express Valerii Ryabykh believes that the 'hair' and 'bristles' are used to 'prematurely trigger the fuses on the warheads of ATGMs to prevent severe damage to anyone or anything under the improvised protection.'

According to him, such homemade devices are part of broader efforts to protect armored vehicles from the increasing number of more sophisticated drones.

Ryabykh added that the 'hairy' BMP could be a response to the new drones being used by both sides.