The idea that the Soviets had was to just have a Tunguska running around within tank platoons, that's why it's also a tracked system. The thing with drones is that we have been de-emphasising SHORAD systems since the West always assumed air superiority, while the East was more into asymmetrical defense against expensive platforms, imagine stuff like the 9K31 or the Osa. Somehow nobody thought that progress means that while more and more advanced expensive platforms become reachable, the knock-on effect is that already-available platforms become much much cheaper.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

Of course, nothing is completely self sufficient, but the major advantage a tank has is that it's very well protected against semi-heavy weapons. Until recently, the primary response to enemy tanks was either calling up your own tanks, or bringing in air/artillery support, or having specialised anti-tank equipment on hand. Even autocannons can't reliably deal with a tank.

With modern drone use that story has fundamentally changed. In order for tanks to remain relevant, they need some way of countering the kind of drone support any infantry platoon can commonly be expected to have. Again, that doesn't mean they need to be invincible, but they shouldn't be any more exposed to being taken out by drones than by an RPG.