On 25 September 2025, Iraq’s Ministry of Defence announced that T-90S/IQ tanks of the 5th Tank Battalion, 35th Armored Brigade, have been fitted with overhead cages and reinforced side protection, according to Iraqi Ground Forces and the X account @shadowh55543098. The move reflects adaptations to battlefields dominated by FPV drones and top-attack munitions, shifting survivability away from frontal armor toward protection against vertical and oblique strikes. Unlike ad-hoc fixes, Iraq is institutionalizing wartime lessons at battalion level, echoing practices seen in Ukraine. This step is significant for Iraq’s heavy forces engaged in internal security, border defense and rapid reaction missions. It underscores a pragmatic doctrine: prioritizing crew and mission protection with solutions that can be standardized and maintained. Read Full Defense News At This Link.
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| By upgrading its T-90S/IQ tanks with turret-top cages and reinforced side armor at battalion scale, Baghdad has translated recent combat experience into a practical, replicable standard that improves crew survivability against the most common kill vectors on today’s battlefield (Picture source: x Account/@shadowh55543098) |