This is the 17353rd most frequent Russian word.
танками
"Tанками" means "by tanks" or "with tanks" in English.
The word 'танками' is used to indicate the means or instrument ('with tanks') by which the battle was conducted.
Сражение велось танками на открытой местности.
The battle was fought with tanks in the open terrain.
Here, 'танками' refers to the subject ('with tanks') in the context of performing an action (maneuvering).
Танками трудно маневрировать в узких улицах города.
It is difficult to maneuver tanks in the narrow streets of the city.
In this sentence, 'танками' is used to specify the means ('with new tanks') by which the defense was enhanced.