Ukraine makes its own infantry fighting vehicle (video)
Ukraine has produced tracked infantry fighting vehicles of its own production, whose pedigree stretches back to the 60s of the last century.
It is safe to say that this is still Made in Ukraine, as the BMP uses the chassis of the MT-LBu armored tractor, which was developed and manufactured at the Kharkiv Tractor Plant. Today, specialists at one of the country’s armored plants have turned it into a full-fledged infantry vehicle.
We are not talking about mass production yet. Experts of the specialized portal Militarnyi are inclined to believe that the version of the BMP on the classic base vehicle, which, according to the latest developments, also had remotely controlled BM-7 Parus combat modules, was released in a simplified version already during martial law. As an argument, it is argued that one of the combat modules lacks a launcher for Stugna-P anti-tank missiles.
In the original version, the BM-7 module is also equipped with an automatic 30-mm ZTM-1 cannon, a PKT machine gun, and an automatic KBA-117 grenade launcher. The combat system is controlled by a control panel located in the landing compartment or at the vehicle commander’s position in the front of the hull.
Experts point out that the combat vehicles, judging by the photos, have also undergone improvements in terms of armor. The upgraded MT-LBU in the BMP version received a set of additional armor protection that improves the strength of the 7mm sides of the MT-LBU, which previously could only protect against machine gun bullets and light fragments.
MT-LBU with BM-7 combat module, July 23. Source: Militarnyi Videonews
The 122-mm self-propelled artillery launcher 2C1, better known as the Gvozdika, was once built on this platform. In general, up to a hundred different versions were made on this basis with superstructures, front and stern mounts for engineering, firearms, transportation of manpower or property, and even command and staff vehicles. Many of the techniques from the above are still used today.
In June 2023, the portal’s experts note, similar equipment, but with a different combat module, was spotted in a convoy of six vehicles, most likely somewhere at a training ground.
Modernized Ukrainian MT-LBU armored personnel carriers, June 23. Source: Militarnyi Videonews
