Russian armoured vehicles: An upgrade over old classics
On one hand, the Russians, who have recently been vocal about peace, are simultaneously sending additional arms shipments to Ukraine. These shipments involve rail transport of old equipment, which, despite their age, are still an improvement over a Lada or Moskvich. We explore what they are and what they offer.
The Russians, while persistently accusing Ukraine of initiating the war and lacking negotiating intent, continue to supply heavy equipment to their forces in Ukraine. The footage below highlights a BTR-D transporter accompanied by BRDM-2 armoured vehicles.
BTR-D transporters and BRDM-2 armoured vehicles - better than a Lada or Moskvich
BTR-D transporters are essentially extended, turretless BMD-1 vehicles, capable of carrying up to ten infantry soldiers alongside a three-person crew. However, similar to the infantry fighting vehicles BMD, as described by Wirtualna Polska journalist Łukasz Michalik, their armour is inadequate and can be penetrated even by a rifle such as the FN FAL loaded with armour-piercing rounds.
The second category comprises BRDM-2 armoured vehicles, originating from 1960s design. These are reconnaissance vehicles weighing nearly 7 tons, equipped with 4x4 drive and capable of reaching speeds up to 60 mph, as well as crossing water obstacles at speeds up to 6 mph.
The protection for the four-person crew consists solely of steel armour, which can withstand fire from handheld small arms loaded with standard ammunition or provide some defence against mortar shell fragments. It is not a heavily armed vehicle, as the standard configuration for the reconnaissance version includes a heavy machine gun KPW calibre 14.5x114 mm mounted in the armoured variant.
There were, however, tank destroyer versions using 9P133 Malutka-P or 9P148 Konkurs missiles. While the former have become obsolete in the current conflict, the latter still hold potential due to their range of up to 2 miles and their capability to defeat single-layer reactive armour.
Although this is not modern equipment, considering that in recent months Russians have often resorted to adapting Ladas or Moskviches for assaults, even the antiquated BRDM-2s provide significantly greater protection.
