Metinvest develops protective shields for Bradley and other AFU vehicles

Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front initiative has intensified efforts to create advanced protective shields for Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. As part of his ongoing support for Ukraine, the businessman—who has allocated over UAH 9 billion to aid the country during the war—is expanding Metinvest’s military assistance program through cutting-edge innovations. The production of defense screens is a direct response to the evolving challenges of modern warfare. Read more here https://akhmetovfoundation.org/en.

New defense system for American BMPs

Metinvest developers have designed protective screens for Bradley that take into account the vehicle’s unique features and the experience of military personnel.

Key advantages of the new defense system:

1. Modular design – The system is divided into two parts, allowing a single person to install it easily, making field installation significantly more convenient.
2. Comprehensive protection – Shields the turret and sides of the vehicle, preventing damage from heavy projectile fragments and various types of ammunition.
3. Enhanced resistance – Effectively counteracts kamikaze drones and FPV drone attacks, significantly reducing the risk of critical damage.
4. Battle-tested materials – The screens are crafted from high-strength Ukrainian-made steel, proven in real combat conditions.
5. Rapid installation – The full kit can be installed in under 12 hours, even in field conditions.

The design preserves the Bradley’s mobility and combat effectiveness, ensuring it retains all its tactical advantages.

Integrated approach to vehicle protection

Metinvest engineers have adapted NATO standards to the realities of modern warfare. According to Oleksandr Mironenko, the group’s Chief Operating Officer, this is the first time U.S. equipment has encountered such large-scale drone warfare, making the development of additional protective measures essential. Soldiers from the 47th Independent Mechanized Brigade, who operate Bradley vehicles in the Pokrovsk direction, confirm the effectiveness of the newly designed screens.

At the same time, Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front continues expanding its protective systems for various military vehicles. The company has already delivered more than 300 protection kits for different armored vehicles, including M1 Abrams, T-64, and T-72 tanks. Additionally, Metinvest has successfully completed the development of an armored shell for the Patriot control module—a 200-element structure weighing 2.6 tonnes, crafted from high-strength 30KhN2MA steel.