Russo-Ukrainian War: The 2S7 Pion 203mm SPG

Source: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

     Artillery in the Soviet Army is said to have earned the label the “God of War” from Iosef Stalin in a speech he gave some time in 1944. Even the U.S. Army's artillery branch considers itself the “King of Battle”. In the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, the undisputed “king” of artillery is shown here, the 2S7 Pion (“Peony”) 203mm self-propelled gun (seen here in service with the 43rd. Artillery Brigade “Taras Triasylo”). The 203mm 2A44 gun is one of the most powerful pieces of artillery currently in operational service in the world while the 2S7 itself is the largest self-propelled gun in theater. Both belligerents in the conflict operate the 2S7 with Russia also using the upgraded 2S7M Malka. Ukraine only operates the 2S7 because the 2S7M is exclusively a Russian modernization. Originally known in the West as the M1975, the 2S7 started full service with the Soviet Army in 1976 with production of the 2S7 ending in 1990. Sources differ on how many 2S7 rolled off the line but it ranges as few as 250 all the way up to 1,000.

     The 51-ton 2S7 is built upon a chassis (designated originally as Obiekt 216) that makes use of T-80 tank components and for an engine, it utilizes a V-46-1 turbocharged, liquid-cooled V-12 diesel motor that develops 840 horsepower. The engine is paired to a manual transmission with an 8-speed gearbox. The top road speed of the 2S7 is 32 miles per hour and enough fuel is carried to provide a maximum cruise range of no more than 404 miles.

     The heart of the 2S7 is its 2A44 203mm L/56 gun. With a weight of 8 tons, the barrel sits in a hydraulically powered cradle which permits a maximum of 60 degrees of elevation down to 0 degrees. The gun can be traversed 15 degrees to the left or right of center but any more requires the entire vehicle to turn. The 2A44 uses a 2-cycle screw-type breech. As the photograph shows, there is no gun shield to protect the crew when in operation. Speaking of crew, the 2S7 carries seven men (commander, driver, gunner, and the remaining being loaders) while another vehicle (typically carrying additional ammunition) contains another seven men who assist with transferring ammunition to the 2S7 when in action. The loaders are provided with a powered ammunition handling system that includes a rammer. This is positioned on the right rear of the vehicle. In the photograph, the soldier by the gun's breech is standing in the control platform for the system. The 2S7 only carries four rounds of ready ammunition which is the reason it is accompanied by a vehicle with additional projectiles and powder bags. A skilled crew, using the ammunition handling system, can maintain a rate of fire of 1.5  to 2 rounds a minute. The 2A44 barrel has a service life of 450 rounds before it should be replaced. If need be, the 2S7 can be loaded manually though the rate of fire is far less.

     The gunner is seated on the left side, also near the breech, but lower than the loader's station. At his position, he uses a PG-1M panoramic telescope to sight the gun for indirect fire and also has a K-1 collimator at his disposal. If forced to engage in direct fire, the gunner has a OP4M-87 telescope to aim with. The basic round for the 2S7 is the ZOF 43 HE-FRAG (High-Explosive Fragmentation) and the 2S7 can lob this 243 pound projectile to a maximum range of 23 miles. However, the Ukrainians have shot about all of their Soviet made ammunition and so most Ukrainian 2S7s are firing U.S. M106 HE projectiles that were used by the M110 8” self-propelled howitzer (which was retired in U.S. service in 1994). If provided with a RAP (Rocket Assisted Projectile), the 2S7 can achieve a range of 29 miles though this projectile is much lighter at 227 pounds. The 2A44 uses a pneumatic recuperator and has hydraulic recoil brakes. To help absorb recoil and assist with stabilization, a spade at the rear of the 2S7 is deployed. Due to the massive concussive shock wave when the gun fires, the 2S7 has a siren that sends out warning tones for five seconds before the gun fires. This gives soldiers near the 2S7 that do not have hearing protection or are near the muzzle area to protect their ears and/or get clear of the muzzle. A trained crew can have the 2S7 in action, from the halt, within 6 minutes and can have the 2S7 in traveling order within 5 minutes.

     The chassis of the 2S7 supports only 10mm of welded steel armor and this protects the cab, crew compartment, and other hull components such as the engine. This is only proof against some small arms calibers and artillery shell splinters. In the forward cab sits the commander, driver, and the gunner and the front windows can be covered with armored shutters. There are two cab roof hatches and the commander and driver have periscopes for vision when “buttoned up”. Behind the cab is the engine then behind that, a crew compartment where the loaders ride in with access by two hull top hatches. There is a overpressure-type NBC (Nuclear Biological Chemical) system along with anti-radiation liners for the cab and crew compartment along with a heater system for cold weather operations and crew comfort. To power systems with the engine off, the 2S7 has a 24-horsepower 9R4-6U2 APU (Auxiliary Power Unit). For communications, the 2S7 uses the R-123M and R-173 radio systems and a 1V116 crew intercom system.

     The 2S7 has no defensive armament outside of small arms carried by the crew though the 2S7 usually carries one to two 9K32 Strela-2 (NATO reporting name SA-7 Grail) MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defense System) to defend against aerial attack.

     The 2S7M Malka (a species of corydalis flower found in the Caucasus) appeared in 1983 with the main modifications being the ability to carry 8 rounds of ready ammunition, an improved ammunition handling system which can permit a sustained rate of fire up to 2.5 rounds per minute, usage of the V-84-B multi-fuel engine (which provided for more cruise range), updated R-173 radio systems, digital fire control system, and a reduction in crew to six.

     To date (April 7, 2025), the Russians have lost thirty-two 2S7/2S7M vehicles while the Ukrainians have lost thirteen 2S7 vehicles.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Tokarev TT-33 Pistol

Source: The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

     Some small arms simply refuse to disappear into history and the Russo-Ukrainian War has seen a multitude of old infantry weapons being used by both sides. From pre-WW2 PM1910 Maxim machine-guns to WW2 Soviet PTRD-41 anti-tank rifles, both the Ukrainian forces as well as Russian Federation forces are using vintage weapons that have seen conflict for decades. In part, this is simply due to the vast quantities these weapons were made in which has seen them remain in use. For example, the Mosin-Nagant M1891 bolt-action rifle seen in use by pro-Russian separatists had been produced from 1891 to 1973 with over 37 million rifles having left Soviet factories. Another venerable small arm which was built in very large numbers and remains in service around the world is shown here in the hands of soldiers belonging to the 118th. Mechanized Brigade: the Tokarev TT-33.

     The TT-33 was accepted for service by the Soviet Army in 1933 and it was a modernization of the earlier TT-30 pistol. The primary changes were to simplify manufacture (for example, using a one-piece frame) and reduce the production cost. However, the hammer/sear firing mechanism was updated to be easier to both construct and maintain. All told, some 1.6 million pistols (TT-30 and TT-33 combined) were built by Soviet manufacturers from 1930 to 1955.

     Empty, the TT-33 weighs 1.9 pounds and it is chambered for the 7.62x25mm Tokarev round. However, there is a Russian civilian variant of the TT-33 chambered for the non-lethal 10x33mm self-defense cartridge. The TT-33 is a single-action pistol and uses a short recoil operated, locked breech action. There is no external safety on the TT-33 which makes keeping a round in the chamber a risky proposition. Thus, the TT-33 requires the firer to pull the slide back to chamber a round though this is not easy thanks to a stiff recoil spring. The muzzle velocity is 1,378 feet per second and the effective range is 50 yards. The TT-33 is fed from a 8-round detachable box magazine. Standard sights is a front blade and a rear notch.

     The TT-33 was replaced by the 9x18mm Makarov pistol (PM) in 1951 as the Soviet military's standard pistol.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The GAZ-69

Source: Reddit

     The sad state of the Russian Federation's inability to adequately supply front line troops with logistical vehicles has seen the deployment of mules to some units but more often than not, Russian troops commandeer whatever they can find that has wheels. Case in point is this vehicle, a civilian GAZ-69 taken into service by a Russian unit and fitted out with a crude anti-drone metal screen arrangement. Development of the GAZ-69 began in 1946 and after trials and acceptance, production of the GAZ-69 commenced in 1953. It remained in production until 1972.

     The 2.4-ton GAZ-49 is powered by a modified M-20 straight-4 engine that was used in the GAZ-20 “Pobeda” (“Victory”) passenger car. Developing 55 horsepower, the M-20 is mated to a 3-speed manual transmission. The maximum road speed is 55 miles per hour. The GAZ-69 has two fuel tanks with a 12 gallon tank underneath the floor and as one can see in the photograph, the other is a 7 gallon tank under the passenger seat. On average, the GAZ-69 consumes around 3.7 gallons for every 62 miles so a maximum cruise range is somewhere in the vicinity of 325 miles.

     The GAZ-69 is not armored and besides the front driver and passenger seats, there are two folding benches in the back for a total seating capacity of six passengers. One of the folding benches can just be seen behind the passenger seat. There would be a passenger and driver side door but neither is present on this vehicle. It is a good possibility that the doors were removed to allow the crew to quickly evacuate the vehicle in case of attack. The side mirrors are not of the type used on the GAZ-69 nor does the GAZ-69 have a roll bar. These were added on by the unit whom this vehicle belongs to.

     Other features of the GAZ-69 include spring suspension with double-acting shock absorbers, single-plate dry clutch, drum brakes, canvas top, and canvas upper sides (which would be on the doors). There is also a heater but it only works when the vehicle is in motion.

Russo-Ukrainian War: Supacat HMT 600 w/ ASRAAM

Source: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

     In February 2024, a video appeared online showing this vehicle, a British Supacat manufactured 6x6 HMT 600 (High Mobility Transporter) which is fitted with a launch system for the British ASRAAM (Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile; AIM-132 in U.S. service) short range missile. It was originally believed this was the British Gravehawk SAM system but more recent reports state the pictured “FrankenSAM” is not Gravehawk. The final Gravehawk system is fitted within a standard shipping container which is transported by a Leyland DAF 8x8 DROPS (Demountable Rack Offload and Pickup System) truck. It uses Soviet-era Vympel R-73 missiles that are utilized by Ukrainian Air Force fighters as short range AAMs (Air-to-Air Missiles). As there is a surplus of R-73 missiles (NATO reporting name AA-11 Archer) due to the fact air-to-air combat between Ukrainian and Russian jets is rare, the R-73 is seeing use as a SAM.

     However, the launcher on the Supacat HMT 600 is very similar to the one used on the Gravehawk, down to the shiny bolts that hold it together. In addition, the mast mounted sight is nearly identical to the one used on the Gravehawk. So, it is very possible that some of the equipment and apparatus seen here on the Supacat HMT 600 was incorporated into the final Gravehawk system.

     Returning to the ASRAAM, it entered service in 1998 and it uses a dual-burn, high-impulse solid fuel rocket motor that can accelerate the ASRAAM to speeds exceeding Mach 3 (2,300 miles per hour). The maximum range around 30 miles. For a warhead, the ASRAAM has a 22 pound HE-FRAG (High-Explosive Fragmentation) payload and it can be triggered by one of two means: proximity fuze or impact. The ASRAAM uses LOAL (Lock-On After Launch) which means it can be launched and the onboard inertial guidance system will guide the missile towards the target, making adjustments as necessary to ensure a hit. There looks to be a Chess Dynamics Hawkeye optical suite which provides targeting, tracking, and target identification for the operator. The suite can be used with the ASRAAM to bring it to bear on a target. Speaking of targets, the ASRAAM is primarily deployed against Russian drones, loitering munitions, and cruise missiles.

     As for the HMT 600, it is powered by a Cummins 6-cylinder diesel engine developing 180 horsepower and this provides for a top road speed of 75 miles per hour. The engine is paired to a Allison 5-speed automatic transmission. 53 gallons of fuel provide for a maximum cruise range of 435 miles. The cab is armored though to what level isn't stated in Supacat literature. It is also mine-resistant, in part due to the high wheelbase. Other features include ABS (Anti-lock Brake System), power steering, adjustable ride height, and four-wheel drive. As optional items, the HMT 600 can be fitted with runflat tires, self recovery winch, smoke grenade launchers, a RWS (Remote Weapons Station) mount, and IR lights.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Panzerhaubitze 2000 155mm SPH

Source: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

     Perhaps the most advanced SPH (Self-Propelled Howitzer) in use by Ukrainian artillery units is the German designed and built Panzerhaubitze 2000 (PzH 2000; Armored Howitzer 2000). This particular PzH 2000 is being operated by the 43rd. Artillery Brigade “Taras Triasylo”. Developed by KNDS Deutschland and Rheinmetall, the PzH 2000 entered service in 1998. Ukraine has been provided, to date, with 28 PzH 2000 of which eight came from Dutch stocks and the remainder from Germany. Crew training commenced in May 2022 with the first deliveries of the PzH 2000 arriving in Ukraine starting in late June 2022. As of March 23, 2025, one PzH 2000 has been destroyed with another damaged.

     Power for the 57-ton PzH 2000 comes from a MTU MT881 Ka-500 diesel engine that develops 986 horsepower and this is paired to a Renk manufactured HSWL284C transmission. This provides for a maximum road speed of 41 miles per hour and off-road, terrain depending, up to 28 miles per hour can be achieved. Enough on-board fuel is carried to give the PzH 2000 a maximum cruise range of 260 miles.

     Of course, the crown of the PzH 2000 is its 155mm L52 howitzer and the automation and integration that surrounds it. The 4-man turret provides for a full 360 degrees of traverse while the gun mount permits for a maximum of 65 degrees of elevation and 2.5 degrees of depression. Housed within the hull is a magazine holding 60 rounds of ready projectiles and in the turret is a fully automatic ammunition handling system that draws projectiles from the magazine and loads them via a transfer arm and pneumatic flick rammer. In the back of the turret (behind blast doors) are the propellant bag charges, 288 of them, which are handled by the two loaders. The propellant compartment is air-conditioned to keep the bags at optimal temperature. The fuzing for each projectile is automatically set prior to loading into the breech. A trained crew can burst fire 3 rounds in ten seconds, empty half the magazine in five minutes, or fire the entire 60 rounds in ten minutes.

     In order to provide pin-point accuracy, the PzH 2000 utilizes a fire control computer (FCC) with a integral ballistics calculator. The FCC is coupled to a navigational system and secure channel communications node which can receive target data from higher echelon units or artillery control systems. Using an electrical gun laying system, the howitzer can be brought to bear on target automatically using coordinates provided from the FCC. It should be noted that gun laying and loading can be manually done if there is some failure in the automatic systems. Also, the gunner or commander can utilize a semi-automatic firing mode if desired. If need be, the PzH 2000 has an optical sight for the gunner to allow him to engage targets in direct fire out to 1.2 miles.

     Range for the PzH 2000 depends on the 155mm projectiles being used. The basic German DM121 HE-FRAG (High-Explosive Fragmentation) projectile can be shot to a range of 19 miles while the South African produced M1711 HE-FRAG base bleed projectile can attain a maximum range of 25 miles. Finally, the Rheinmetall M2005 V-LAP (Velocity-enhanced, Long-range Artillery Projectile) is a rocket-assisted projectile (RAP) that can reach out to 34 miles. The PzH 2000 can also fire the U.S. made M982 Excalibur guided munition with the M982A1 being able to strike targets at 31 miles. Finally, the PzH 2000 can also fire the Leonardo (an Italian company) Vulcano GLR (Guided Long Range) projectile out to 43 miles. The FCC and fire control system (FCM) permits the PzH 2000 to conduct Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) fire in which several rounds are fired in a sequence which will have all fired rounds impacting the target at the same time. A “shoot and scoot” fire mission can be done in 1 minute, 40 seconds. This includes 25 seconds to get into action, 1 minute to fire 10 rounds, and 15 seconds to secure the PzH 2000 and move out.

     For protection, the PzH 2000 uses welded steel armor. Though the exact thickness is classified, it is said that the hull and turret can resist up to and including some 14.5mm heavy machine-gun ammunition. The turret roof can be fitted with passive add-on armor (seen in the photograph) to provide a measure of protection against drone-dropped munitions and light caliber mortar rounds (60mm for example). Other protective features include internal spall liners, automatic fire extinguishing systems in the crew and engine compartments, NBC (Nuclear Biological Chemical) protective system, and optional smoke grenade launchers (also seen here). The PzH 2000 can also be fitted with a machine-gun for local defense.

     Other systems in the PzH 2000 include a laser range finder, day/night optics for the driver and commander, APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) to power systems with the engine off, GPS navigation system, BITE (Built-In Test Equipment) to rapidly assess vehicle status, and a phased array radar in the front upper hull to measure muzzle velocity.

     In Ukrainian service, the PzH 2000 quickly showed that it was not capable of withstanding the volume of fire that typifies the Russo-Ukrainian War. According to KNDS/Rheinmetall, 100 rounds every 24 hours is considered the maximum the PzH 2000 can handle. As an example, a LawfareMedia.org article published on April 3, 2024 stated that at a minimum, Ukrainian artillery units need at least 20,000 shells per day, per gun tube, for them to maintain operational capacity. In 2023, Ukrainian artillery fired between 4,000 to 9,000 rounds per day (the Russians tripled or even quadrupled that). Thus, PzH 2000 equipped units often fired well over the 100 projectile limit and this led to breakdowns of the automatic loading system. Since repairs such as this could not be done in Ukraine, it meant shipping the PzH 2000 vehicle(s) to Lithuania and the consequence was the PzH 2000 was out of action for weeks. Another issue was that some Ukrainian artillerymen “hot loaded” projectiles which meant using powder charges over the maximum limit in order to boost range but induced more rapid wear on the gun barrel, breech, and recoil mechanisms.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Yazicilar Duello PXD Shotgun

Source: inukraine.official on Instagram

     A screen capture from a smartphone video showing a Ukrainian soldier armed with what looks to be a Duello PXD 12-guage pump-action shotgun. Made by Sibergun, a subsidiary of the Turkish company Yazicilar Av, the PXD series (and CSSP series) can be identified by the polymer buttstock which has a integral holder for four shotgun shells. This soldier has an extended shell tube and the shotgun is not fitted with optics or rails outside of the basic iron front post sight that normally comes with the weapon.

     It should be mentioned that another Turkish shotgun manufacturer, Pardus, also offers their Pardus PXD pump-action tactical shotgun which has almost the same exact buttstock but the Pardus PXD uses a magazine feed rather than the usual underbarrel tube magazine. The Pardus PXD can use 2-, 5-, and 10-round magazines.

     The Duello PXD is a civilian shotgun, one of many types of shotguns being used by Ukrainian forces to combat drones.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The KS-19 100mm Anti-Aircraft Gun

Source: Reddit

     Another venerable artillery piece is shown here, the KS-19 100mm anti-aircraft gun. First accepted into service in 1948, the KS-19 was the long range companion to the AZP S-60 57mm anti-aircraft gun, the latter engaging targets at short- to medium ranges. In fact, both weapons shared the same SON-9 (NATO reporting name Fire Can) fire director radar while in Soviet service. The advent of SAMs (Surface-to Air Missiles) saw the KS-19 phased out with no attempt to keep it viable with modern target detection and fire control systems as has been done with the AZP S-60. Thus, the Soviets sold off most of the approximately 10,500 KS-19 to friendly client states and the gun still sees service to this day with a little over a dozen countries. The KS-19 first appeared in the Russo-Ukrainian War soon after the start of the conflict when the Russians captured a number of Ukrainian KS-19 guns that had been in storage in the city of Balakliia, Kharkiv Oblast. Lacking ammunition, the Russians set up some of the KS-19s as decoys. The Ukrainians retook the city on September 10, 2022 during the Kharkiv counteroffensive and recovered the KS-19 guns. In the spring of 2023, the KS-19 next appeared in Ukrainian service as ammunition had been acquired (or located from stocks). Since then, the KS-19 has shown up in social media from time to time with some of the guns mounted on heavy trucks. The KS-19 is deployed as a quick firing artillery gun, delivering indirect fire (or even direct fire) against enemy targets.

     The towed KS-19 weighs in at 10 tons and so once it is set up in a firing position, it cannot be manhandled around. In Soviet service, the KS-19 was usually towed by a fully tracked AT-S or AT-T prime mover but any truck with a compatible towing ability can be used as well. Maximum tow speed on roads is 25 miles per hour. It takes time to both set up the KS-19 as well as prepare it for moving which makes it vulnerable to counter-battery fire. This is one reason gun trucks using the KS-19 have been put into service to provide more rapid mobility. The gun uses a semi-automatic, horizontal sliding wedge breech block which means that after firing, the empty shell case is automatically ejected from the breech. The KS-19 has a power rammer and a well trained crew (a full crew is 15 men though as few as 7 men can man the KS-19) can manage a maximum of 15 rounds in a single minute. A more sustained rate of fire is 9 rounds per minute while a hour long bombardment is between 1 to 2 rounds per minute. This allows for barrel cooling. The KS-19's gun mount permits a maximum elevation of 85 degrees and no more than 3 degrees of depression. The mount sits on a turntable which permits 360 degrees of traverse. While moving the gun is manual, the traverse and elevation controls are powered. 

     The photograph here shows a KS-19 in a dug-in position and it has a rather worn looking appearance. The two seats are for the gunners who control the gun's position. The dual hand cranks are for the traverse while the single hand crank is for elevating and depressing the gun barrel. The squarish box-shaped components contain dials which contain the azimuth and elevation indicators and for the one at the rear, the fuze setting apparatus (which would be used if the KS-19 was engaged in anti-aircraft fire). The telescopic sight for direct fire is visible along with the corresponding round aperture in the gun shield. Right behind it is the panoramic periscope sight used for indirect fire. The top half of the gun shield can be lowered down with the shield thick enough to only provide protection against light small arms calibers and shell splinters.

     When firing the UOF-412 HE (High-Explosive) round, the KS-19 can lob the shell and its 3 pound TNT warhead out to a maximum of 12 miles. The shell uses a V-429 series fuze and a NDT3 propelling charge. If forced to combat enemy armor, the KS-19 can fire the BR-412B AP-T (Armor-Piercing Tracer) round that has a maximum range of 2.5 miles but an effective range of .6 of a mile where the BR-412B can penetrate up to 185mm of armor. The BR-412B uses A-IX-2 explosive and also utilizes the NDT3 propelling charge.

     It is not known exactly how many KS-19 are in active service with Ukrainian forces but as of March 17, 2025, none have been reported as lost by the Oryx website.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The 57mm AZP S-60

Source: inukraine.official on Instagram

     The Russo-Ukrainian War is, for anyone that follows the weapons deployed by both Ukraine and Russia, a war of old and new arms technology. Both sides utilize weapons that saw manufacture in World War Two and built in the following decade past 1945. One example is shown here, the AZP S-60 57mm anti-aircraft gun. Standing for Avtomaticheskaya Zenitnaya Pushka (Automatic Anti-Aircraft Gun), the AZP S-60 first appeared in prototype form in 1946 and was accepted for service in 1950. Originally designed as a short- and medium range anti-aircraft gun, it is woefully obsolete in that role today without modern upgrades such as fully powered gun controls, improved ammunition,k and guidance systems. Instead, both the Ukrainians and the Russians are primarily using the AZP S-60 on ad-hoc self-propelled mountings as a rapid fire, short range artillery gun.

     Normally, the AZP S-60 is mounted on a four-wheel carriage with outriggers to stabilize the platform when in action. The centrally mounted turntable permits 360 degrees of traverse while the gun mount allows for 85 degrees of maximum elevation and 4 degrees of depression. The combat weight of the AZP S-60 is five tons and a full crew consists of seven men. A 7mm thick gun shield offers a measure of protection to the gun crew from light small arms calibers and shell splinters. Typical gun crew in action is four men of which three are provided with seats (commander and two gunners to operate the power assisted, manual traverse and elevation/depression controls) and a loader. The remainder of the men are typically ammunition handlers, pushing clips to the loader. Speaking of clips, the AZP S-60 is fed from four-round clips which are pushed into a horizontal loading tray on the left side of the weapon. A well trained crew can maintain a sustained rate of fire of 70 rounds per minute though the AZP S-60 is capable of 120 rounds per minute.

     The series of photographs here are screen captures from two different videos showing Ukrainian AZP S-60 crews in action, both posted on social media in February and March 2025. The first two show one of the self-propelled mountings, this particular one using a KamAZ-4310 6x6 truck. This is a typical mount, simply placing the gun and turntable onto a flat deck. The gun shield's upper half is folded down to lower the profile while to the left of the image (as one looks at it), the seat for the gunner can be seen along with the dual controls that raise and lower the gun. It is this gunner who fires the AZP S-60 via a foot trigger. Wooden crates of ammunition are lashed down to the bed. On the roof the KamAZ-4310's cab are at least two drone jammers. The next image shows the gun in action. The loader and commander are holding onto the traverse controls as the gun recoils and causes the truck to rock. The seat for the gunner who would have managed the traverse and the commander's seat (in the middle) have been removed though their mounts can be seen by the feet of the commander. As the gun is being used for indirect fire, to the right of the image is a panoramic periscope sight to enable the gunner to aim the weapon. Also of note, just behind the loader is a ready rack with a full clip for him to grab and load once the weapon is empty.

     The second set show a AZP S-60 crew from the 112th. Territorial Defense Brigade preparing their gun for action while on a firing range. They are firing the UOR-281U HE-T (High-Explosive Tracer) ammunition. The sequence shows one of the ammunition handlers pushing the 4-round clip into the breech while the last image shows the loader cocking the charging handle. At this point, the weapon is ready to fire. Using such ammunition, the maximum range is around 3.8 miles.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The BTR-70DI Defender APC

Source: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

     A Ukrainian BTR-70DI “Defender”, also known as the BTR-7 “Defender”, belonging to the 151st. Mechanized Brigade. Photographed during a training exercise early in 2025, the BTR-70DI is a Ukrainian produced modernization of the Soviet BTR-70 8x8 armored personnel carrier (APC) and first appeared in 2011. Though Ukroboronprom offers refurbished BTR-70 vehicles in its export catalog, Ukroboronprom emphasizes the BTR-70DI with its upgrades and ability to be fitted with optional weapon fits that make it more lethal than the BTR-70 from which it is derived.

     Externally, the BTR-70DI looks much like the BTR-70 except that the hull was adapted to use the side hatches of a BTR-80. The BTR-70 does not have side hatches which means the troops within need to dismount by climbing out of roof hatches then clamber down the back or sides of the vehicle. The BTR-80 style side hatches are split. The upper portion of the hatch opens to the left, offering a small measure of protection as soldiers exit. The bottom half drops down, acting as a step. Total crew is three men (commander, driver, gunner) and up to seven infantrymen.

     “Under the hood”, the 13.6-ton BTR-70DI swaps out the two Soviet era 3M3-4905 petrol engines for two FPT Iveco Tector 4-cylinder, inline diesel engines with each generating 150 horsepower. The engines are paired to a mechanical transmission with a 6-speed gearbox. On roads, the BTR-70DI can achieve a top speed of 62 miles per hour while off-road (terrain depending), the maximum speed is 37 miles per hour. The BTR-70DI retains the amphibious ability of the BTR-70 with its rear mounted water jet able to propel the BTR-70DI to a top water speed of 6 miles per hour. Enough fuel is carried to provide for a maximum cruise range of 497 miles.

     The armor thickness of the BTR-70DI is classified. It uses RHA (rolled homogeneous armor) but one can assume the level of protection is similar to the BTR-70 and thus armor thickness frontally is 9mm thick while the sides and rear support 7mm thick armor as does the roof and floor. However, the floor is reinforced to STANAG 4569 Level 3 protection, allowing the BTR-70DI to withstand mines with up to 18 pounds of explosive. The turret has 6mm thick armor along the front arc. Because of the sloping on the front of the vehicle, the effective thickness of the armor is able to resist up to 12.7mm ammunition. The remainder of the protection is good against some small arms calibers and shell splinters. Other protective equipment includes an automatic fire extinguishing system and a filter ventilation system for NBC (Nuclear Biological Chemical) defense. As an optional piece of defensive equipment, the BTR-70DI can be fitted with the Zaslon APS (Active Protection System) which can detect incoming anti-tank missiles.

     The “out of the box” armament is shown here, consisting of BPU-1 turret fitted with a KPVT 14.5mm heavy machine-gun and a co-axial PKT 7.62mm machine-gun. The usual ammunition load is 500 rounds for the KPVT and 2,000 rounds for the PKT. The guns sit within a biplanar, electromechanical stabilizer mount with elevation and traverse controls being electromechanically powered. If need be, the turret and weapons can be manually controlled. The gunner is provided with the “Track” sighting system consisting of a day/night sight and laser rangefinder. Both the vehicle commander and gunner share the video feeds provided by the “Panorama” observation system that is tied into the “Track” system. This is in addition to the more standard TNPO-115 style vision blocks. The effective range of the KPVT is 1.9 miles with a maximum range of 2.5 miles. Rate of fire is 600 rounds per minute. The B-32 API (Armor-Piercing Incendiary) round can penetrate 32mm of RHA at 500 meters. Of course, Ukroboronprom offers two optional weapon load-outs.

     The first option is the Bug RWS (Remote Weapon Station) and this retains the KPVT and PKT but adds a AG-17 Plamya 30mm automatic grenade launcher (with 87 rounds) and two rails for the Barrier ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missile). Also known as the Stugna-P or Skif, the Barrier ATGM can be guided via laser beam or set to engage automatically upon launch. Maximum range in daylight is 3 miles while at night, 1.9 miles. The 130mm RK-2S tandem-charge HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank) missile's warhead can drill through 1,000mm of RHA armor after explosive reactive armor (ERA). The Bug RWS has two Barrier ATGMs on the rails with another two missiles carried within the BTR-70DI for reloading. The PKT machine-gun's ammunition quantity drops to 1,500 rounds.

     The second option is the Ingul RWS and this replaces the KPVT with a ZTM-2 30mm automatic cannon, the Ukrainian produced version of the Russian Shipunov 2A42. 360 rounds are provided and the ZTM-2 has a rate of fire as low as 200 rounds per minute up to 800 rounds per minute. The ZTM-2 has a dual feed, allowing for a mix of ammunition. The usual is the 3UBR6 APBC-T (Armor-Piercing, Ballistic Cap – Tracer) round that can defeat 20mm of RHA at a 60 degree slope at .4 of a mile while the 3UOF8 HEI (High-Explosive Incendiary) round can be fired out to 2.5 miles. The co-axial PKT is retained with 1,500 rounds of ammunition as well as two rails for the Barrier ATGM (two missiles ready to fire, two reloads stored in the vehicle). A Tucha smoke discharger system is fitted to the front of the turret face with two banks of three smoke grenade launcher tubes.

     Other equipment includes an air-conditioning system for crew comfort, a R-173M radio station, R-173Pv radio receiver, AVSK intercom set for the crew, independent suspension, and all-wheel drive.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Lofting Attack Technique

Source: Reddit

     A tactic being used by both Ukrainian and Russian pilots when firing unguided rockets is called “lofting” and that technique is being illustrated here by a Ukrainian Mil Mi-8 (NATO reporting name Hip) helicopter firing S-13 122mm rockets from its B-13L launchers.

     To execute a lofting attack, the helicopter (or ground attack jet) flys low to the ground to make it a difficult target for anti-aircraft gun fire and/or MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defense System). When the pilot gets near the release point, he pulls up sharply while ripple firing the rockets. Once the rockets  are on their way to the target, the pilot turns sharply away while deploying flares (and/or other countermeasures) and returns to low level flight to egress the area.

     Lofting has two main benefits. The first is that it extends the range of the rockets. The most common unguided rockets used by both the Ukrainians and Russians is the 80mm S-8 rocket and to a lesser degree, the 122mm S-13 rocket. The maximum range for the S-13 (which depends on the type) is between 1.4 miles up to 3.7 miles. Lofting can greatly increase this range (sometimes doubling the range) which brings about the second benefit, keeping the helicopter or jet further away from enemy air defense.

     The S-8 and S-13 are direct fire rockets, meaning the helicopter or jet has to fly at a higher altitude and in a relatively straight line in order to unleash the rockets against the target and achieve hits. Of course, this leaves the helicopter or jet vulnerable to anti-air defenses during the attack run. If firing direct within the rocket's maximum range, the rockets maintain a tighter grouping when they hit the target area. Lofting, however, gives the rockets more time to spread out due to their longer flight time. This reduces the number of rockets that strike the intended target. In addition to the fewer number of rockets impacting on target, unless the loft is executed perfectly, the rockets may overshoot or undershoot the target. This is not so much of an issue if the intent is to simply bombard an area without any specific target in mind.

     Despite the lack of accuracy, it is pretty clear that lofting will continue to be a common practice by both sides in order to preserve air assets which are not easily replaced (especially on the Ukrainian side) but more importantly, the crews themselves.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The RBU-6000 Smerch-2

 

Source: Reddit

     Early in 2023, Russian Federation forces were seen fitting armored vehicles with weapon systems taken from Russian naval ships. This was taken as a sign that Russian tactics, which took (and still do) a toll on armored vehicles, saw the inability for the Russian military to replace such losses. Thus, units took it upon themselves to scavenge various naval weapons with the most common being the 2M-3 turret that mounts two 25mm 110-P autocannons. Another relatively “popular” naval weapon seeing use is the RBU-6000 Smerch-2 which is a 12-tube, 212mm anti-submarine rocket launcher and this is shown here, burned out along with the T-72 tank it is mounted upon. The vehicle was destroyed on August 1, 2024 by an FPV drone from the Drone Battalion, 3rd. Assault Brigade. The location is Ploshchanka, Luhansk Oblast.

     The RBU-6000 has been in service since 1961 and can be found on a host of Russian warship classes. When fitted to ships, the RBU-6000 enjoys the benefits of the Burya FCS (Fire Control System) which itself is tied into the vessel's sonar system (for munition guidance), power aiming (traverse, elevation, and pitch/roll stabilization), and a below-deck automatic loading system from either a 72 or 96 round magazine. Of course, being mounted onto the hull of a T-80 tank means the RBU-6000 has to be manually aimed and loaded by the crew. The RBU-6000 can be traversed 180 degrees to the left or right of center, elevated to a maximum of 65 degrees, and depressed to a total of 15 degrees. Without power, the manual rate of traverse is 4 degrees per second.

     The RBU-6000, as an anti-submarine weapon, fires two types of rockets. The first is the 250 pound RGB-60 and this is a unguided rocket with a impact or proximity fuzed 50 pound explosive warhead. The RGB-60 has a variable range depending on how far or close the enemy submarine is. The minimum range is .2 of a mile to a maximum of 3.4 miles. Maximum depth is .3 of a mile. It is presumed that the Russians are utilizing the RGB-60 in their land-launched RBU-6000 systems as it is the least sophisticated munition the RBU-6000 fires and probably more plentiful. Plus, the RGB-60 has a larger warhead and a longer range compared to the other rocket the RBU-6000 fires. That other rocket, the 90R, is a guided weapon and uses a 43 pound shaped charge that is meant to actually strike the submarine or torpedo rather than act as a depth charge. However, it can be fitted with a proximity fuze if needed. Minimum range of the 90R is .4 of a mile to a maximum range of 2.7 miles. Regardless of the rocket type, the RBU-6000 can be set to fire a single rocket at a time, all 12 rockets simultaneously, or ripple fire 2, 4, or 8 rockets at a time.

     The tank, which appears to be a T-72B, likely had a non-operational turret which was removed and the RBU-6000 (replete with its naval vessel base) put in its place. The crew fitted anti-drone screens to the top of the launcher and what looks like the engine decking as well. Slat armor panels are on the sides and rear as well as flat upon the front glacis plate. What looks like a work platform can be seen on the front. The RBU-6000 was no doubt electrically fired using a length of cabling and aiming was likely done using the common PG-1 series panoramic telescope. However, the rather short range of the RBG-60 rocket means any vehicle mounting the RBU-6000 has to be close to the front line, making it vulnerable to attack. As a comparison, the BM-21 122mm MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) can fire the basic 9M22U HE-FRAG (High Explosive Fragmentation) rocket out to 12 miles. This is a possible reason some of the RBU-6000 launchers are fitted to tanks such as the T-72 seen here but also T-80 tanks.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The DShK M1938 "Dushka"

Source: Regional Directorate of the Territorial Defense Forces South

     A soldier of a territorial defense brigade posing for the camera with his “Dushka”, the venerable DShK M1938 12.7mm heavy machine-gun. First introduced in 1938, the DShK (standing for Degtyarov-Shpagin Krupnokaliberny; Degtyarov-Shpagin Large-Caliber) remains in service with dozens of military forces around the world and it has seen combat starting in World War Two and in just about every military conflict since then, to include the Russo-Ukrainian War. This particular make is the DShKM, evidenced by the muzzle brake, which appeared in 1946. When production ended in 1980, over 1 million DShK machine-guns had been built and to date, it has yet to be fully replaced in Russian Federation service despite newer weapons such as the NSV and Kord machine-guns. In addition to ground mounts, the DShK is also used on armored vehicles and tanks as a anti-aircraft machine-gun.

     The DShKM seen here is utilized by a rapid reaction anti-drone unit, hence being mounted in the bed of a pick-up truck. The locally fabricated pedestal mount permits traverse and elevation and it even has minimal gun shield. Usually, the DShK uses a 60-round metal ammunition can and this constitutes a single belt (which is usually 50 rounds). However, when engaging drones such as the Shahed-136, volume of fire is a factor in scoring a successful hit. As such, a single belt can be expended very quickly and in some cases, the drone(s) can leave the kill zone quickly, meaning the DShK is out of action while a new belt is fed into the weapon. Here, the fabricator of the gun mount adapted a 20 liter (5 gallon) metal fuel canister to act as an extended ammunition can. From appearances, it can hold up to five ammunition belts for a ready ammunition count of 250 rounds.

     Empty, the “Dushka” weighs 74 pounds and it uses a gas-operated flap-locking action. The 5.4 foot long DShK has a cyclic rate of fire of 600 rounds per minute but a practical rate of fire is between 100 to 200 rounds per minute. The most often used round is the B-32 steel-cored API (Armor-Piercing Incendiary) bullet which, despite being introduced in 1936, remains in production. The B-32 can penetrate 20mm of rolled homogeneous armor at 500 meters. As such, the DShK is a threat to lightly armored vehicles. A similar round is the BZT-44 APIT (Armor-Piercing Incendiary Tracer) and this is often mixed into ammunition belts of B-32 rounds. Another round used is the MDZ incendiary bullet and this might also be mixed with API ammunition. The maximum effective range is 1.2 miles with a maximum range of 1.6 miles.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The BRM-1K Korshun

Source: Public Affairs, 117rd. Heavy Mechanized Brigade

     A Ukrainian BRM-1K Korshun belonging to the 117th. Heavy Mechanized Brigade. The BRM-1K is a variant of the venerable BMP-1 IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) which first entered service in 1966. The Korshun (“Kite”) appeared in service after 1973 and is designed as a battlefield reconnaissance vehicle, equipped with an array of apparatus to allow the crew within the ability to gather a wide range of information.

     The 13-ton BRM-1K is powered by a UTD-20 6-cylinder, water-cooled diesel engine that develops 300 horsepower. It is paired to a manual transmission with a 6-speed gearbox (5 forward, 1 reverse). Top road speed is 40 miles per hour while off-road in suitable terrain, the maximum speed is 28 miles per hour. Like the BMP-1, the Korshun is amphibious and in calm water, a top speed of 5 miles per hour can be achieved. A total of 122 gallons of diesel fuel are carried which provide the Korshun with a maximum road range of 372 miles and off-road, 236 miles. 

     For armament, the Korshun retains the same 73mm 2A28 Grom low-pressure, smoothbore gun. The gun mount provides a maximum of 30 degrees of elevation and 4 degrees of gun depression while the turret permits 360 degrees of traverse. As the Korshun is not meant to engage the enemy unless forced to, the Korshun only carries 20 rounds of ammunition. By comparison, the BMP-1 carries 40 rounds. The gunner is provided with a 1PN22M gunsight. The two most common projectiles are the PG-15V HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank) and the OG-15V HE-FRAG (High-Explosive Fragmentation) munitions. The Korshun has no provision for ATGMs (Anti-Tank Guided Missiles). The PG-15V can penetrate up to 400mm of rolled homogeneous armor at a range of .8 of a mile. As for the OG-15V, it has a maximum indirect fire range of 2.7 miles and a direct fire range of .6 of a mile. Secondary armament consists of a co-axial PKT 7.62mm machine-gun which is provided with 2,000 rounds of ammunition in 250 round belts. The Korshun only has three gun ports, one on each side (towards the rear of the vehicle) with the third being in left rear door. This is one means to identify it from a BMP-1 which has three gun ports per side. Thus, the crew can employ their small arms if need be.

     The Korshun uses the same welded rolled steel armor as the BMP-1 to protect the 6 man crew (commander, driver, gunner, two radio operators, and an equipment operator). As such, the front of the hull has a maximum of 19mm of armor, between 16mm to 18mm on the sides, 16mm of armor on the rear of the Korshun, and 6mm of armor on the top. The turret supports 13mm thick frontal armor, 13mm on the sides and rear, and 6mm of armor on the turret top. As the Korshun seen in the photograph is a early production model, it lacks the fittings for the 902V Tucha smoke grenade launchers on the turret sides. However, the Korshun can inject diesel fuel onto the hot exhaust which generates a smoke screen. 

     Of course, the stock in trade of the BRM-1K is reconnaissance. In the back of the turret is a PSNR-5K (NATO reporting name Tall Mike) surveillance radar. When not in use, the dish is housed within the turret, beneath an armored cover (as shown in the photograph). When raised, the radar can detect vehicles at 4.3 miles and infantry at 1.2 miles. To enable communication between units and higher echelon forces, the Korshun has a R-123M, R-130, and R-148 radio set installed (hence, the two radio operators). Other equipment includes a ERRS-1 radio direction finder (37 mile maximum range), DKRM-1 laser range finder (5 mile maximum range), TNA-3 Kvadrat-1 (“Square-1”) navigation system, IMP-1 mine detector, PPChR radiological-chemical detection system, WPChR chemical detection system, 1G11N gyro-compass, 1T25 survey apparatus, and a pair of 1PN33B night binoculars for crew use. To power systems when the engine is off, the Koshun has a small AB-1-P gasoline powered APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) which has a 1 kilowatt output.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The M2A2 .50 Caliber HMG

Source: Oksana Chorna, 23rd. Mechanized Brigade

     A gunner of the 23rd. Mechanized Brigade on the practice range, operating a Browning M2A2 .50 caliber (12.7mm) heavy machine-gun. The M2A2 is secured onto a locally fabricated anti-aircraft pedestal mount which permits a good bit of elevation to allow the gunner to track and aim at Russian drones. The pedestal mount itself is bolted down onto the bed of a pick-up truck and from appearances, it is capable of being lowered down into the bed when not in use, permitting the tarp (seen rolled up) to cover the bed and protect the mount, M2A2, and ammunition from the elements. The M2A2 seen here is able to utilize scopes and other optics as evidenced by the rail mount on the top rear of the receiver, just forward of the trigger. To the left of the M2A2 is the ammunition can, held via a cradle secured to the mount. Based on the muzzle, the weapon is likely a U.S. Ordnance manufactured M2A2.

     The roof of the pick-up truck's crew cab has no less than five drone jammers of three different makes. It is now more the norm for Ukrainian as well as Russian vehicles to have more than one jammer. The intent is generate interference across multiple frequencies in the hope that any drone that seeks to attack the pick-up happens to be using one of the jammed channels.

For more information on the Browning M2, visit:

https://photosofmilitaryhistory.blogspot.com/2025/02/russo-ukrainian-war-m2e2-ma-deuce-50.html

Russo-Ukrainian War: The ATGL-L RPG

Source: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

     Bulgaria, as part of their military aid packages to Ukraine, had sent a undisclosed number of ATGL-L RPGs (Anti-Tank Grenade Launcher – Light Rocket Propelled Grenade) in November 2022. The ATGL-L is the Bulgarian version of the Soviet RPG-7 and it is produced by JSC Arsenal AD. The ATGL-L is offered in a number of variants but this soldier of the 154th. Mechanized Brigade is using the original ATGL-L as identified by the marking on the trigger grip. The photograph was taken in January 2025 (though the image has been censored to prevent geolocation).

     The ATGL-L is slightly lighter than the RPG-7, having a weight (with PGO-7V sight) of 14 pounds compared to the 15 pounds of a RPG-7 with the same sight. The ATGL-L, in addition to the PGO-7V sight, can utilize the MGO-7V optical sight or a red dot reflex sight. Here, the firer is using the standard iron post front sight with the graduated rear sight. By using the iron sights, the effective range is approximately 200 meters and this is the maximum graduation on the rear sight. Hence, when able, sights are fitted. With the PGO-7V sight, the effective range increases to 500 meters.

     A 40mm caliber weapon, the ATGL-L fires a oversize 73mm grenade. From appearances, the grenade in the photograph is a RHEAT-7MA2. This has an effective range of 300 meters which is slightly less than the similar 85mm PG-7V grenade's 330 meter effective range when fired from the RPG-7. The RHEAT-7MA2 can penetrate 300mm of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) in comparison to the 260mm penetration of the PG-7V.

     The RHEAT-7MA2 grenade uses a CP-71 booster charge and it is this which launches the grenade out of the ATGL-L's tube. At about 10 meters from the firer and after the stabilizing fins have extended, the grenade's SM-73 sustainer motor is triggered and it is this which propels the grenade towards the target. The RHEAT-7MA2 uses a piezoelectric AF78 fuze. While the ATGL-L can be completely operated by one man, usually there are two men with the second man carrying additional grenades. Thus, with a trained team, a rate of fire of 4 to 6 grenades is possible.

    As a note, it is known that the Bulgarian RTB-7MA thermobaric grenade (also made by JSC Arsenal AD) is in use by Ukrainian forces, typically fired from the ATGL-L but the grenade is compatible with any RPG-7 or RPG-7 clone.

     The gas mask appears to be an Israeli M-15 which some 1,000 of which were donated to Ukraine by Israel in the summer of 2022. Censors have obscured the label on the filter so it isn't possible to see the type and/or manufacturer.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The VMZ Bullspike-AT RPG

Photograph via the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

     A soldier of the 67th. Mechanized Brigade on the training range with a Bullspike-AT anti-tank rocket launcher. Designed and built by the Bulgarian company Vazovski Mashinostroitelni Zavodi (VMZ), the country of Bulgaria provided a unknown number of Bullspike-AT weapons in the summer of 2022.

     The Bullspike is a modernization of the Soviet RPG-22 Netto (which entered service in 1985) with VMZ making some slight improvements. The Bullspike launches the 72.5mm PG-22 rocket propelled anti-tank grenade but whereas the original RPG-22 grenade has a maximum range of 250 meters, the Bullspike can attain 500 meters. Still, the effective range is much the same as the RPG-22, being between 150 to 200 meters. Penetration is also the same as the RPG-22 with a maximum armor penetration of 400mm. Another VMZ upgrade is the pop-up sight which is graduated out to 350 meters. By comparison, the RPG-22 is graduated only to 250 meters. The Bullspike is heavier than the RPG-22, being 7.7 pounds while the RPG-22 is 6.2 pounds. Finally, the deployment time for the Bullspike is between 8 to 10 seconds which is about the same time for the RPG-22.

     As a side note, there are two additional variants of the Bullspike. The first is the Bullspike-TB which fires the TB-22M thermobaric grenade and the second is the Bullspike-AP which uses the OG-22M fragmentation grenade. In all cases, the launch tube is the same but what type of grenade is within is designated by a stencil on the rear of the tube. For the Bullspike-AT, it is a black stencil of “AT”, for the Bullspike-TB, it is a red stencil of “TB”, and for the Bullspike-AP, it is a white stencil of “AP”.

     Of interest, the soldier is wearing a current issue Bundeswehr “Flecktarn” camouflage jacket. Germany, as part of its military aid to Ukraine, has provided thousands of German Flecktarn uniforms, jackets, and cold weather uniforms. As such, it is not too unusual to find Bundeswehr uniform items being worn by Ukrainian troops.

Russo-Ukrainian War: URO VAMTAC ST5 Alakrán Mortar Carrier

Source: 210th. Assault Brigade

     In late 2022, Spain provided Ukraine with twenty VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico; High Mobility Tactical Vehicle) vehicles. Built by the Spanish firm UROVESA (URO Vehiculos Especiales S.A.), the VAMTAC is a multi-purpose armored vehicle along the same lines as the U.S. military's HMMWV. Like the HMMWV, the VAMTAC has many variants, to include an armored ambulance, anti-tank vehicle, anti-aircraft vehicle, and other roles. In November 2024, articles appeared showing men of the Ukrainian 2nd. Artillery Battery, 210th. Assault Regiment “Berlingo” training with VAMTAC ST5 vehicles fitted with the Alakrán mortar system using a 120mm mortar built by the French company Thales. This is one of those photographs.

     The basis of the mortar carrier is a VAMTAC ST5, the current production version of the vehicle. The ST5 can be fitted with a number of Steyr Motors engines. The most powerful is a 245 horsepower 6.7 litre, 6-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine. This is mated to an automatic transmission with a 7-speed gearbox (6 forward, 1 reverse). A total of 29 gallons of diesel fuel is carried and provides for a maximum cruise range of 370 miles. Top road speed is 84 miles per hour. The cab is protected by at least STANAG 4569 Level 1 or Level 2 armor which is proof against 5.56x45mm/7.62x51mm ball ammunition (Level 1) or 7.62x39mm API (Armor-Piercing Incendiary) ammunition (Level 2). A separate model, the VAMTAC ST5 BN3 supports STANAG 4569 Level 3 armor which can defeat 7.62x51mm AP (Armor-Piercing) and 7.62x54R API ammunition.

     The Alakrán (Scorpion) system was developed and is produced by the Spanish company Milanion NTGS. It can be fitted to many suitable vehicles and the system has seen use already by Ukraine, fitted to Bogdan Bars-6 armored vehicles. As can be seen here, the remainder of the VAMTAC ST5 is made up of the  Alakrán system. The mortar, when in travel order, lays between the ammunition cabinets. Just behind the cab is the controls for deploying the mortar, storage cabinet, and a spare tire. When being deployed, the mortar is raised upward in its cradle by a electro-pneumatic arm. On the bottom of the cradle is a base plate which is used to spread out the mortar's recoil forces when a projectile is fired. The mortar cradle permits a total of 60 degrees of traverse and between 45 to 85 degrees of elevation. A feature of the Alakrán is a barrel cooling system and this permits the mortar to fire a sustained 16 projectiles per minute. The Alakrán incorporates a fire control system (FCS) that utilizes a geographic information system (GIS) that permits the mortar to conduct zonal shooting (the FCS automatically makes slight adjustments to the barrel to permit wide area strikes) as well as simultaneous impact (the FCS adjusts the mortar to permit multiple rounds to hit the target at the same time). The Alakrán system, from the halt, can be ready to fire in half a minute. A trained crew can halt, deploy the mortar, fire two rounds, then be on the move to a new firing location in under a minute. If there is a fault with the deployment system, the mortar can be set up manually. Likewise, if the FCS goes down, the mortar can be manually aimed. The mortar has a maximum range of 8 miles. Spanish produced mortar bombs provided to the Ukrainians are HE (High-Explosive) though inert training munitions are also likely included.

     It is not known how large the purchase order for the VAMTAC mortar carriers was but at least six are known to be in service as of November 2024.

Russo-Ukrainian War: Minenräumpanzer Keiler

Source: inukraine.official on Instagram

     A crewman of a Ukrainian Minenräumpanzer Keiler (MiRPz Keiler; Mine-Clearing Tank “Boar”) hams it up for a smartphone video (posted in July 2024) of which this is a screenshot from. In January 2023, Germany provided Ukraine with four MiRPz Keiler vehicles. The MiRPz Keiler is not new and it is actually a heavily modified M48A2 Patton medium tank (specifically, the German upgraded Kampfpanzer M48A2GA2), the M48 having been in service with the Bundeswehr before being retired in 1993. Only 24 Keiler vehicles were converted between 1996 and 1998. MaK GmbH and Thyssen Henschel Wehrtechnik were responsible for the development and production of the Keiler.

     The 53-ton Keiler is powered by a MTU MB 871 liquid-cooled, turbocharged diesel engine that develops 986 horsepower and which is mated to a Renk HSWL 284 M 6-speed transmission (4 forward, 2 reverse). This replaced the Keiler's original Continental AVI-1790-8 606 petrol engine and Allison GMC CD-850-5 transmission as part of a Keiler modernization program that occurred in 2015. The MB 871 engine can propel the Keiler along roads at a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour and top reverse speed of 15 miles per hour. Enough fuel is carried to provide for a maximum cruise range of 370 miles.

     Because the Keiler retains the hull of the M48A2CGA2, the crew is protected by 101mm to 120mm thick frontal armor, 76mm thick side armor, 44mm to 51mm thick rear armor, 44mm thick floor armor, and 57mm thick top armor. As for armament, the Keiler has none outside of any small arms the 2-man crew has with them. The Keiler does have 76mm smoke grenade launchers arranged in a single bank of 16 launchers arranged in two, 8 launcher rows. The bank is mounted on the left side of the rear engine deck. Each grenade has a range of 165 feet and all sixteen grenades create a smoke screen in a total arc of 90 degrees.

     Of course, the main piece of apparatus on the Keiler is its flail. The reason for the flat superstructure is to accommodate the flail which is positioned horizontally over the hull when in travel mode. When the flail is deployed for use, the arm that supports it swings 110 degrees to the front and then lowers the flair onto two hydraulic rams which control the up and down motion of the flail. These rams stick out like the tusks of a boar, hence the vehicle's name. Once the flail is in place, a shield fitted to the front lower glacis plate of the Keiler is lowered so that it barely touches the ground. The shield serves two purposes with the first being to protect the rams from mine detonations and the second is to act as a spade to prevent the Keiler from tipping forward as it becomes front heavy with the flail deployed. 

     The flail has two shafts, each fitted with twelve quick-connect chains ending in 53 pound, bell-shaped weights. The Keiler's MB 871 provides drive power to the flail, spinning it at 400 revolutions per minute. This, however, has the side effect of consuming a lot of fuel which can limit the operational range of the Keiler or reduce its operating time when mine clearing. The weights strike the ground at a speed of 125 miles per hour and any mine struck with either detonate or be so damaged from the impact that it is unusable. Nevertheless, a sapper would have to come remove it due to the explosive that remains. The Keiler is said to have a near perfect detonation rate. The flail clears a path 15.5 feet wide and can clear to a depth of 10 inches. During operation, and terrain depending, the Keiler's top clearing speed is 1.25 to 2.5 miles per hour. Due to damage incurred during flailing, every 1.9 miles, the chains need to be replaced to maintain effectiveness. A total of six spare chains and weights are carried atop the hull by the engine deck.

     On the back of the Keiler is a CLAMS (Clear Lane Marking System) built by IMI (Israeli Military Industries) and it deploys a marker flag in the center of the cleared path. The CLAMS can be set to deploy markers automatically or manually. If automatically, the CLAMS can be set to drop a marker every 6, 12, 24, 26, or 48 meters.

     The driver, given his position in the front of the vehicle, is provided with a reinforced hatch to withstand the overpressure wave of exploding mines. Also, because his vision blocks typically get obscured by kicked up soil, he is provided with a gyroscope that keeps him on course.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The M2E2 "Ma Deuce" .50 Caliber HMG

Source: Reddit

     A mainstay weapon of Ukrainian rapid response anti-drone units is the Browning M2 .50 caliber (12.7mm) heavy machine-gun. Here, it looks to be mounted in the bed of a 5th. generation Toyota Hilux double-cab pick-up truck. Nicknamed the “Ma Deuce”, the development of the M2 commenced in 1918 and first entered U.S. military service in 1933. Besides being used by infantry as a heavy support weapon, the M2 and its derivatives were used in aircraft (both as main armament and defensive armament), mounted on naval ships, mounted on tanks (typically for anti-aircraft use), and more. The M2 is still in production and has seen action in dozens of conflicts around the world in the hands of over two scores of military forces. The version of the weapon shown here is a M2E2 which incorporates a quick change barrel.

     By itself, the M2 has a weight of 84 pounds of which the barrel accounts for 24 of those pounds. It uses a short recoil-operated action and has a cyclic rate of fire of between 450 to 550 rounds per minute. However, the M2 is a select-fire weapon, being able to fire one round at a time as well as full automatic. The gunner, with training, can conduct slow fire which consists of 5 to 7 round bursts every 10 to 15 seconds (a rate of fire of under 40 rounds per minute) or rapid fire which is 5 to 7 rounds every 5 to 10 seconds (a rate of fire over 40 rounds per minute). The gunner must bear in mind that firing more than 150 rounds in two minutes will heat the barrel to the point that a round can cook off in the breech. The gunner has 10 seconds to extract a unspent round from the breech before a cook off can occur. If the round cannot be extracted, then the gunner has to wait at least 5 minutes before attempting extraction and give time for the barrel to cool. The M2 is belt fed and ammunition is held together by either M2 or M9 links.

     Typical ammunition is the M2 ball, M1 tracer, M2 AP (Armor-Piercing), and M8 API (Armor-Piercing Incendiary) cartridges. The M2 ball round can penetrate up to 1 inch of concrete at 1,500 meters and 6 inches of sand at the same distance. The M2 AP round can penetrate 8mm of homogeneous armor at 1,500 meters (just under 1 mile), 5mm of face-hardened armor at 1,500 meters, and 406mm of sand at the same distance. The maximum range is 7,400 meters or 4.6 miles. The M2E2 seen here is using the standard leaf-type rear sight and the front blade-type sight. The rear sight is graduated from 100 to 2,600 yards and has a windage knob for deflection adjustments.

     The gunner is wearing a Partizan Camouflage uniform which is also known as SS Leto/Autumn (“leto” means summer in Russian). The camouflage is made by the Russian company Kula and it is derived from the Russian military camouflage pattern of the same name which first appeared in 2004. For anyone familiar with German World War II camouflage, Partizan is based on the Waffen-SS camouflage pattern known as SS-Eichenlaubmuster (“oakleaf pattern”). Like Waffen-SS camouflage, Partizan is reversible into the “autumn” side which replaces the green base color with a brown hue. Kula makes another similar pattern, SS Spring (also called Medusa or Partizan-M), which uses the same pattern but uses a dark brown background with various shades of green splotches. The latter also more closely matches the coloration of the Waffen-SS “oakleaf” camouflage.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Tula TOZ-66 Shotgun

Source: inukraine.official on Instagram

     Ukrainian troops riding in the back of a pick-up truck or similar vehicle. The soldier taking the video is showing off his anti-drone weapon of choice; a vintage Tula TOZ-66 12-gauge, side-by-side shotgun.

     The Tula Arms Plant introduced the TOZ-66 in 1968 and production ran until 1974. Nevertheless, the ruggedness of the design and having been produced in great numbers, the TOZ-66 saw widespread use well after Tula had moved on to more modern designs. As seen here, the TOZ-66 can still be found and this soldier is using it to hunt drones rather than game.

     Although the external hammers gives the 8 pound TOZ-66 an antiquated appearance, their use allows the firer to easily see if the shotgun is ready to fire. In the image, the hammers are cocked, meaning the TOZ-66 is ready to fire. Had they been uncocked, the shotgun could be carried loaded with a good measure of safety against accidental discharge. The TOZ-66 has double triggers, allowing the firer to discharge each barrel independently. 

     The TOZ-66 is a break action shotgun, meaning, to reload, the firer uses the center lever just behind the breech to unlatch the barrels which hinge downward. This downward motion engages an extractor catch which ejects the spent shells. The firer loads new shells then brings the barrels up, engaging the latch. After cocking the hammers, the TOZ-66 is ready to fire. The rate of fire is purely based on how trained the operator is in reloading.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The PKM GPMG

Source: davinciwolves on Instagram

     A machine-gunner of the 108th. Mechanized Battalion “Da Vinci Wolves”, 59th. Motorized Brigade “Yakiv Handziuk”. He is armed with a PKM general purpose machine gun (GPMG), one of the most common machine-guns in use by the Ukrainian military as well as the armed forces of the Russian Federation. Entering service in 1961 as the PK (Pulemyot Kalashnikova; Kalashnikov's machine-gun), the modernized PKM (Модернизированный; Modernized) appearing in 1969. The PKM and its variants remain in production and equip dozens of military forces around the world.

     The PKM is chambered for the Soviet 7.62x54mmR cartridge and the machine-gun uses a gas-operated, long-stroke piston, open/rotating bolt action. The open bolt assists in cooling the breech to prevent ammunition cook-off due to heat generated by automatic fire. The bolt and bolt carrier are upside down and the gas piston and the gas system are mounted beneath the barrel. The cyclic rate of fire of the PKM is 600 to 800 rounds per minute though the practical rate of fire is far less, being 250 rounds per minute. With the cartridge generating a muzzle velocity of 2,707 feet per second, the effective range of the PKM is 1,000 meters though its maximum range is 3,800 meters. Ammunition usually comes in 100-, 200-, or 250-round belts using non-disintegrating metal links with the belts kept in ammunition boxes. The 100-round belt box is considered the “assault” box as it can be attached to the bottom of the PKM. The larger belts are typically utilized when the PKM is being fired from a tripod, the tripod having mounts for the boxes. The rounds feed from the right and the spent brass ejects to the left. In practice, after firing 400 rounds in succession, the barrel is either changed out and replaced with another to give the removed barrel time to cool or the gunner ceases fire to permit the barrel to cool in place. Failure to do this risks bore wear.

     The PKM weighs a tad shy of 20 pounds which includes the detachable bipod but does not include the assault ammunition box. If a full assault box is attached, the weight increases by 8 or 7 pounds depending on if the box is the standard one or the lighter, aluminum version. Normally, aiming is done using iron sights but the PKM can be fitted with aiming optics using a side-rail bracket on the left side of the receiver. The more common optical sight used is the 1P29, a 4x magnification optic. The rear iron sight is a sliding tangent type with 100 meter increments starting at 100 meters up to 1,500 meters. The rear sight also has small side dials to adjust for windage.

Russo-Ukrainian War: M113AS4 Armored Logistics Vehicle (ALV)

Source: ArmyInform

     Australia, as part of the country's military aid to Ukraine, provided a total of 56 M113AS4 armored vehicles. While many are the M113AS4 armored personnel carriers (APCs), it is clear some of the delivered vehicles were variants of the M113AS4. One of them is clearly shown here and that is the M113AS4 ALV (Armored Logistics Vehicle), here in service with the 33rd. Mechanized Brigade. Behind the M113AS4 ALV is another M113AS4 though what model cannot be accurately determined. Because is lacks a turret, it is possible it is a M113AS4 AA (Armored Ambulance). A characteristic of the Australian M113AS4, which is a improved version of the M113AS1 and M113AS3 (that are themselves modifications of the U.S. Army's M113A1 APC), is the lengthened chassis that adds a sixth road wheel. The ALV variant appeared in 2007 and in total, 50 of them were built. 

     Power for the 18-ton ALV comes from a Daimler-Chrysler MTU 6V199TE diesel engine that develops 350 horsepower which is paired to a ZF LSG 1000 R transmission, 8-speed gearbox (6 forward, 2 reverse), and a FFG manufactured final drive. The ALV has a top road speed of 40 miles per hour and with a total of 95 gallons of fuel, the ALV has a maximum cruise range of 310 miles. On the standard M113AS4 as well as the M113AS4 AA, the fuel tanks are mounted externally on the back of the vehicle. These can be seen with the vehicle behind the ALV. However, with the ALV, the tanks are moved inside the hull. The ALV is not amphibious.

     The rear bed has the capacity to carry up to 5 tons of cargo or up to 20 soldiers can pile onto the bed though they would not benefit from any armor protection.

     This particular ALV is not fitted with any armament though the mount for a 12.7mm heavy machine-gun is seen in front of the open hatch. Usually, the weapon of choice is a Browning M2 fitted to the mount along with a small ACAV (Armored Cavalry Assault Vehicle) armored shield to offer the gunner a measure of protection from the front. As a standard, 2,000 rounds of ammunition is carried though this can be adjusted as needed. The only other armament would be any small arms the two man crew would have.

     For protection of the crew and any passengers, the hull of the ALV sports armor able to resist 14.5x114mm API (Armor-Piercing Incendiary) ammunition which means the ALV has STANAG 4569 Level IV defense. Against 155mm shell fragments, the armor is proof against them at a minimum distance of 25 meters. Finally, the vehicle can withstand anti-tank mines with up to 22 pounds of explosive payload. To improve the level of protection, there are appliqué ceramic armor panels fitted to the hull sides and front and internally, there are spall liners. The crew has added their own appliqué armor in the form of slat armor screens around the hull and portions of the roof as a measure of defense against HEAT munitions.

     Other ALV features include a radio system which complies with MIL-STD-461D (control of electromagnetic emission and susceptibility characteristics), 24V electrical system (which includes four SLABs [Sealed Lead Acid Batteries], twin caliper disk brakes with a dual hydraulic circuit, and a cooling system capable of operating in conditions as hot as 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and the ability to ford up to 5 feet of water without preparation.