[ELI5] How does a non direct hit from artillery destroy a tank? (not talking about airburst ammunition)

Question

Seen some videos where a shell seems to explode ~5m near a tank after which a tank start to burst in flames.

In: 9

Answer 1

Modern tanks have **Explosive Reactive Armour** which is designed to protect the crew inside from the shaped charge of enemy rounds by setting off targeted explosives built into the tanks armour to blow that section of plate off. Possibly what you are seeing is an explosion shockwave / shrapnel setting off all the reactive armour.