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.

Russo-Ukrainian War: Burned Out Russian "Loaf"

Source: Reddit

     No matter how many drone jammers a crew puts on their vehicle, it is no guarantee that any of them will succeed in stopping a drone attack. This is graphically illustrated here by this burned out Russian UAZ-452 series van. The crew had placed no less than four multi-channel drone jammers on each corner of the van's roof. That they were multi-channel can be told by each set having more than one antenna though the driver's side set has lost all of its antenna from the drone strike. We can see that the sets were at least 4-channel jammers, meaning, each antenna jammed a specific frequency (channel) that drones are known to operate on. The crew added a wire mesh cage which covered the front, a small portion of the sides of the van, and the portion of the roof over the front seats. Not that any of it prevented the Ukrainian drone (or drones) from successfully hitting the van.

     In part, this strike could be due to the Ukrainian FPV drone being capable of operating on multiple frequencies. If the drone detects its control signal is being degraded by an active jammer, it automatically switches to a different frequency. This is one reason both Russian and Ukrainian deployment of drone jammers on vehicles almost always incorporates more than one jammer in the hopes that a wider frequency range can be jammed. Another possibility is that the drone's video feed was jammed but the operator had already put the drone into its terminal flight path and simply kept the controls locked so that the drone still flew into the van.

     Speaking of the UAZ-452, it is a 4-wheel drive, off-road van which has been in production since 1965. Originally made for the Soviet military, the UAZ-452 can also be found in large numbers in civilian versions. The UAZ-452 is nicknamed the “Bukhanka” which means “Loaf” due to its shape that looks like a loaf of bread. Because the Russian logistical complex is unable to adequately provide units with military transport or even armored personnel carriers to replace losses, Russian troops have been using the UAZ-452 and its variants more and more as front-line transport and in some cases, as assault vehicles with disastrous consequences.

     It is probable the burned out remains is a UAZ-39625, one of the more recent versions of the original UAZ-452. It can seat 8 and the van is powered by a 2.7-liter petrol engine that develops 112 horsepower. This is paired to a manual transmission with a 5-speed gearbox and a 2-speed transfer case. On roads, the UAZ-39625 can reach a maximum of 79 miles per hour and 55 miles per hour, the van consumes 3.6 gallons of fuel every 62 miles. Total fuel capacity is 20 gallons.

Russo-Ukrainian War: "Garpiya" 8-Channel Drone Jammer

Source: Krasnaya Zvezda

     With the inability of Russian logistics to adequately supply Russian Federation troops in the field with counter-drone equipment, it is not unusual that those troops who have the wherewithal purchase their own equipment off the civilian market or campaign via social media for donations either in funds for the unit to buy the gear or equipment is purchased by donors who then send it to the unit. Either way, the drone jammer seen here is one available on the Russian civilian market.

     Called the “Гарпия” ("Garpiya" meaning “Harpy”), the jammer can generate interference on eight drone channels via a 400 total watt output capacity. Each of the omidirectional antennas broadcasts the interference in a set band or the operator can elect to use a single directional panel antenna. The “Harpy” is offered in two versions, the difference being what frequencies the jammer operates against. The frequency in parenthesis is the primary frequency for that range. The first version targets drone control frequencies using 428 to 438MHz (433MHz), 860 to 930MHz (900MHz), 1,180 to 1,430MHz (1.2GHz), 1,380 to 1,430MHz (1.4GHz), 1,550 to 1,620MHz (1.5GHz), 2,400 to 2,500MHz (2.4GHz), 5,150 to 5,350MHz (5.2GHz), and 5,725 to 5,850MHz (5.8GHz). The second version targets frequencies between 300 to 400MHz (350MHz), 380 to 480MHz (459MHz), 500 to 650MHz (600MHz), 640 to 750MHz (700MHz), 750 to 920MHz (800MHz), 910 to 1,100MHz (1GHz), 2,390 to 2,500MHz (2.4GHz), and 5,720 to 5,860MHz (5.8MHz). The “Harpy” consumes 500 watts of power and it uses a 20 amp hour battery. This gives the “Harpy” approximately 8 hours of usage between battery changes or recharge.

     The pack weighs 35 pounds and the maximum range is 1.2 miles though this can be impacted by terrain and other conditions. If operating where mobile network signal is dense, the range of the “Harpy” is degraded. The “Harpy” does include anti-interference technology to combat electronic countermeasures (ECM). To keep the entire system cool, the pack incorporates heat sinks and cooling fans. Finally, the operator is provided with a remote control pad for the “Harpy”, tied into the unit via a cable. This permits the operator to use the “Harpy” without having to take it off his back.

     The weapon the soldier is using looks to be a TOZ-34 over-under shotgun. It does appear he is using 12-gauge shells, likely #00 buckshot.

Russo-Ukrainian War: DITA 155mm SPH

Source: Public Affairs, 12th. Special Operations Brigade

     The Netherlands has provided Ukraine with nine DITA 155mm self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) and this is one of them, in service with the Artillery Group, 12th. Special Operations Brigade “Azov”. The DITA (Digital Integrated Targeting Artillery), built by the Czech arms manufacturer Excalibur Army, entered production status in 2023 and it shares a high level of commonality with another Excalibur Army product, the DANA M2 152mm SPH. The key difference is the caliber of the howitzer. The DANA M2 uses a 152.4mm howitzer, a caliber that is mainly unique to artillery from the former Soviet Union, from former Warsaw Pact countries, and currently from the Russian Federation. The DITA, on the other hand, uses a 155mm howitzer which is the standard caliber across most NATO countries and thus is capable of firing any compatible 155mm projectile regardless of the country of manufacture. Both calibers still find widespread use in military forces around the world, to include Ukraine which fields self-propelled guns and towed artillery using both 152mm and 155mm calibers, the latter typically coming via military aid from NATO countries. In addition to the nine, the Netherlands has pledged to provide another six DITA. 

     The 29-ton DITA uses a Tatra 815 VP31M 8x8 wheeled truck chassis which uses a Tatra T3C-928-90 12-cylinder, air-cooled, turbocharged vee diesel engine that develops 408 horsepower that is mated to a Tatra Norgren 10-TS-210N semi-automatic transmission. The gearbox has 12 speeds: 10 forward, 2 reverse. This provides the DITA with a top road speed of 55 miles per hour and in optimum off-road conditions, the maximum speed is 15 miles per hour. Off-road performance is improved through a central tire inflation system (CTIS). Enough diesel fuel is carried to give the DITA a maximum cruise range of 372 miles.

     The main weapon is a 155mm L45 howitzer situated within a centrally mounted turret. The mount permits a maximum howitzer elevation of 70 degrees and 3 degrees of depression. The turret does not provide a full 360 degrees of traverse, offering only a total of 60 degrees of total traverse. The DITA has outriggers to stabilize the vehicle when firing from the halt with hydraulics that can quickly deploy and retract to enable the DITA to be ready for firing fast and move just as fast once the fire mission is complete. The DITA uses much the same electronics from the Czech company Retia that equips the DANA M2. In regards to the howitzer, the ASAP (Automatic Setting of Action Position) system permits the DITA to fully automate firing data calculations which in turn directs the turret to traverse and the gun mount to lay the howitzer at the optimum elevation to engage the target. The ASAP system also selects the appropriate ammunition from the 40 rounds carried in the DITA's 40-round automatic loader. Both the commander and the gunner are provided with a digital fire control system (FCS) that tie into the ASAP system. The DITA can be manually aimed using a ZZ-73 mechanical sight, a PG-1M-D panoramic telescope, a K-1 collimator, and a PAB-2A artillery compass. These are calibrated for the 155mm caliber. For manual direct fire, the gunner would use a OP-5-38D telescopic sight. With the automatic loader, the DITA can fire up to 6 rounds in the first minute with a sustained rate of 5 rounds per minute. It is known that some of the DITAs in Ukrainian service are firing the U.S. made M107 155mm HE (High-Explosive) projectile. The M107,which remains in production despite being introduced in 1959, has a weight of 95 pounds with a M739 fuze of which 14.6 pounds is Composite B explosive. Upon detonating, the M107 can produce almost 2,000 fragments. With a full powder charge, the M107 has a maximum range of 12 miles and if using a base bleed M107 variant, the range can be extended out to 20 miles. Of course, the 155mm L45 howitzer can fire RAP (Rocket Assisted Projectile) shells which can reach a maximum range of 24 miles. Unlike the DANA M2, the DITA is not fitted with a heavy machine-gun for anti-air or local defense. Instead, the DITA has to rely on any small arms carried by the crew.

     For armor, the cab is protected to STANAG 4569 Level 1 standard. This is proof up to 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm ball ammunition at 30 meters and against 155mm artillery shell fragments at 100 meters. Against explosives, the armor can protect against hand grenades and small artillery fragmentation submunitions. The turret is not armored as the howitzer can be operated from within the cab. The cab is also NBC (Nuclear Biological Chemical) protected and crew comfort provided by a heater and air-conditioning system. Speaking of crew, the DITA can be operated with as few as two men though three is the usual compliment.

     Other systems mounted on the DITA include 24 volt water-cooled auxiliary power unit (APU) paired to hydraulic pump which permits the vehicle's electrical systems to work and the pump allows the gun controls to function if the engine is turned off or broken down. If even the APU fails, the howitzer has manual controls which can be used to aim, load, and fire the howitzer. The driver is provided with a Retia digital diagnostics system to monitor critical systems as well as a video system to enhance situational awareness while driving. A Retia digital communications suite includes a C2I (Command, Control & Intelligence) function, VHF/UHF tactical radio station, and a intercom system for the crew. A Retia inertial navigation system is backed up by a GPS (Global Positioning System) and this is also tied into the ASAP system.

Russo-Ukrainian War: DANA M2 152mm SPG

Source: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

     Belonging to one of the two self-propelled artillery battalions of the Artillery Group, 56th. Motorized Brigade “Mariupol” is this DANA M2 152mm self-propelled howitzer. Standing for Dělo Automobilní Nabíjené Automaticky (literally “gun on truck loaded automatically”), the DANA M2 is a Czech modernization of the Samohybná Kanónová Húfnica vzor 77 DANA (ShKH vz. 77 DANA; Self-propelled Howitzer Model 77) which entered service in 1981. The modernization is done by the Czech arms company Excalibur Army. Ukraine had purchased 30 DANA M2 vehicles and as of February 12, 2025, none have been lost in combat.

     The 30-ton DANA M2 uses a newer Tatra 815 8x8 wheeled truck chassis which uses the more powerful Tatra T3-930-52M 12-cylinder, air-cooled vee diesel engine that develops 355 horsepower that is mated to a Tatra Norgren semi-automatic transmission. This provides the DANA M2 with a top road speed of 55 miles per hour and in optimum off-road conditions, the maximum speed is 15 miles per hour. Off-road performance is improved through a central tire inflation system (CTIS). Enough diesel fuel is carried to give the DANA M2 a maximum cruise range of 372 miles.

     The main weapon is a 152.4mm howitzer situated within a centrally mounted turret. The mount permits a maximum howitzer elevation of 70 degrees and 4 degrees of depression. The turret does not provide a full 360 degrees of traverse, offering a maximum of 225 degrees of total traverse. Traverse is lesser if the howitzer is at full elevation, being limited to 45 degrees of total traverse. The DANA M2 has outriggers to stabilize the vehicle when firing from the halt with hydraulics that can quickly deploy and retract to enable the DANA M2 to be ready for firing fast and move just as fast once the fire mission is complete. Excalibur Army was not stingy in equipping the DANA M2 with electronics from the Czech company Retia. In regards to the howitzer, the ASAP (Automatic Setting of Action Position) system permits the DANA M2 to fully automate firing data calculations which in turn directs the turret to traverse and the gun mount to lay the howitzer at the optimum elevation to engage the target. The ASAP system also selects the appropriate ammunition from the 36 rounds carried in the DANA M2's 36-round automatic loader. A further 4 rounds plus charges are stored in the turret. Both the commander and the gunner are provided with a digital fire control system (FCS) that tie into the ASAP system. The DANA M2 can be manually aimed using a ZZ-73 mechanical sight, a PG-1M-D panoramic telescope, a K-1 collimator, and a PAB-2A artillery compass. For manual direct fire, the gunner would use a OP-5-38D telescopic sight. With the automatic loader, the DANA M2 can fire up to 5 rounds in the first minute with a sustained rate of 4 rounds per minute. Ukraine does utilize Czech ammunition and so the usual munitions are the 152-EOF HE (High-Explosive), DN1CZ HE-ER (High-Explosive Extended Range), and the 152-EPrSv HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank) shells. The HE shell has a maximum range of 11 miles while the DN1CZ shell can attain a range of 16 miles. For direct fire using the HEAT round, the typical effective range is 1.2 miles. The DANA M2 is fitted with a 12.7mm NSVT heavy machine-gun for anti-air and local defense in addition to any small arms the crew may have.

     For armor, the cab is protected to STANAG 4569 Level 1 standard. This is proof up to 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm ball ammunition at 30 meters and against 155mm artillery shell fragments at 100 meters. Against explosives, the armor can protect against hand grenades and small artillery fragmentation submunitions. The turret is not armored as the howitzer can be operated from within the cab. The cab is also NBC (Nuclear Biological Chemical) protected and crew comfort provided by a heater and air-conditioning system. Speaking of crew, the DANA M2 can be operated with as few as two men though three is the usual compliment with room in the cab for 1 to 2 passengers.

     Other systems mounted on the DANA M2 include 24 volt auxiliary power unit (APU) paired to hydraulic pump which permits the vehicle's electrical systems to work and the pump allows the gun controls to function if the engine is turned off or broken down. The driver is provided with a Retia digital diagnostics system to monitor critical systems as well as a video system to enhance situational awareness while driving. A Retia digital communications suite includes a C2I (Command, Control & Intelligence) function, VHF/UHF tactical radio station, and a intercom system for the crew. A Retia inertial navigation system is backed up by a GPS (Global Positioning System) and this is also tied into the ASAP system.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Repkon Defence RDS-40 AGL

Source: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

     A soldier of the 95th. Air Assault Brigade “Polesia” operating a Repkon Defence RDS-40 40mm automatic grenade launcher (AGL). Another unit known to use the RDS-40 is the 3rd. Assault Brigade. It remains unknown exactly where the grenade launchers were sourced nor how many are in service. Turkey, the country Repkon is based in, has not reported such a transfer nor has the Ukrainian Army reported receiving the weapons from Turkey. Thus, it is thought they were purchased or obtained by another country and distributed to Ukraine as part of a military aid package.

     If the RDS-40 looks familiar, that is because it is a variant of the U.S. Army's Mk.19 40mm AGL. The Mk.19 is currently built under license in Turkey by MKE (Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi; Mechanical & Chemical Industry Corp.) and information is scant on if Repkon Defence has picked up the license or if MKE has contracted with Repkon for a modernized version. As Repkon's name can be found on the RDS-40, the former might be the case. Repkon utilizes flow forming in its metal manufacturing. In simple terms, flow forming involves using rollers to shape a metal preform against a mandrel (a support for the preform as it is shaped by the rollers). The end result is the ability to manufacture seamless components to minimize the need for welding with the components benefiting from a higher tensile strength at a lower weight as well as mitigating variance in thickness in the components.

     Differences in the RDS-40 compared to the Mk.19 is the usage of flow forming manufacturing to reduce the number of components needed to construct the weapon. According to TurDef Global Defence News, the rear sight of the Mk.19 was redesigned so as to produce it with fewer parts but what other aspects of the Mk.19 were reworked to take advantage of Repkon's manufacturing process hasn't been stated. Another change noted by TurDef is a redesign of the feed mechanism to lessen the chance of jams or other ammunition related stoppages. Finally, the spade grips and trigger have been ergonomically shaped to improve handling and firing.

     How much the RDS-40 weighs in comparison to the 73 pounds of the MKE built Mk.19 isn't specified. The cradle and tripod (21 and 44 pounds respectively) are the same as the Mk.19 as is the performance. The RDS-40 is fed either by a 32- or 48-round belt of 40x53mm grenades, held in an ammunition can on the left side of the weapon. Based on the coloration of the grenades in the photograph, it appears the operator is firing the M430A1 HEDP (High-Explosive Dual Purpose) grenade. This means the grenade can be fired against soft and hard targets. The grenade is armed after traveling at least 18 meters upon firing and has an effective range of 1,500 meters (.9 of a mile) though the RDS-40 can fling the M430A1 out to 1.5 miles. The M430A1's Composition A5 explosive payload has a kill radius of 16 feet with a wound radius of 50 feet. Armor penetration is 76mm of standard steel (not rolled homogenous armor as used on tanks) which makes the RDS-40 a threat to light armored vehicles. The M430A1 uses a M549A1 fuze and M55 detonator. The RDS-40 has a cyclic rate of fire of 325 to 375 rounds per minute but the more practical is the sustained rate of 40 rounds per minute. The RDS-40 uses iron sights but the RDS-40s in use by the 3rd. Assault Brigade are fitted with a panoramic sight to permit more accurate indirect fire.

     Of interest is the paint brush the operator has tucked onto the front of his plate carrier vest.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The DOK-ING MV-4

Source: ArmyInform

     In August 2023, the Estonian Rescue Association (Päästeliit) donated a single DOK-ING MV-4 demining vehicle to Ukraine along with other equipment such as metal detectors to help civil Ukrainian sappers in locating and destroying Russian mines. DOK-ING, a Croatian company, specializes in remote controlled vehicles and was founded in 1992. The MV-4, shown here, is one of two mine clearing vehicles the company offers with the other being the larger MV-10. As of January 2024, Ukraine had fourteen MV-4 vehicles in service.

     Power for the 6-ton (base weight) MV-4 comes from a Perkins 1106 C-E70 TA 6-cylinder, water-cooled, turbocharged diesel engine. The motor produces 250 horsepower but the MV-4 is not built for speed. Maximum speed is 4 miles per hour and for this reason, the MV-4 is transported to the work area by a trailer truck. During demining operations, the speed varies based on the conditions but ranges from as slow as .3 miles per hour to a little under 1 mile per hour. Fuel capacity is 18 gallons of fuel though fuel consumption depends on what the MV-4 is being used for and the terrain it is working on. As such, the consumption can be as little as 1.8 gallons per hour up to 6.6 gallons per hour.

     The MV-4 can be fitted with an array of mine clearing equipment but here, a segmented roller is being used. The apparatus consists of 12 individual rollers whose weight causes mines to detonate when the roller passes over them. The clearing width is 6.8 feet. The reason for having multiple rollers is that when a roller (or rollers) is damaged by a mine, it can be easily (and less expensively) replaced rather than having to replace the entire roller had it been a single roller drum (such as those found on steam rollers).

     Other demining apparatus include a flail and a tiller. The flail consists of a rotating drum to which are attached 34 chains ending in metal balls. As the flail spins at 900 revolutions per mine, the ends of the chains strike the ground and upon hitting a mine, cause the mine to detonate. Like the rollers, damaged chains can be individually replaced. The flail can clear a path 5.9 feet wide and trigger mines buried up to 11 inches deep.  The tiller, like a garden tiller, churns up the ground and will either unearth buried mines or detonate them. Like the flail, the tiller clears a 5.9 foot wide path but can reach down to 1.1 feet. Mines not detonated but exposed are dealt with by sappers.

     Being remote controlled, the operator can be just under 1 mile away from the MV-4 though this is the maximum and assumes an unblocked line of sight to the vehicle. Atop the MV-4 is the fully controllable camera system which includes low-light capable cameras, a infrared light, and regular lights to give the operator the best view possible. Other cameras are located on the hull to further provide views during operation. One of them can be seen in the photograph, just under the side light.

     To provide a measure of protection, the entire hull is built using Hardox® 450 steel produced by SSAB (Svenskt Stål AB) with thickness ranging from 6mm to 20mm. This protects the engine and other critical systems from mine blasts and low caliber small arms.

     The MV-4 is used by the Russian Federation as the Uran-6 and the U.S. Army deploys the MV-4 as the M160.

Russo-Ukrainian War: Tula TOZ-34 Shotgun

Source: Reuters

     The case can be made, and successfully, that the wide-scale usage of drones in the Russo-Ukrainian War has changed the modern battlefield. The Ukrainians have totally embraced drones as they have a low production cost, can be produced in relatively large numbers, and in many cases, the monetary cost of what they destroy far outweighs the money and materials that went into the drone. Ukraine makes use of drones in the air, on sea, and on land. In fact, Ukrainian naval drones have pretty much turned Russia's Black Sea Fleet into a useless entity as what ships remain have to operate at ranges that exceed their ability to provide any meaningful support to ground units. Of course, Russia is also making heavy use of aerial drones, to include the deadly ZALA Lancet loitering munition. As such, like Russian troops, Ukrainian troops have to be constantly aware of any drone activity and this photograph illustrates that.

     Often, Ukrainian front-line troops are supplied not by large military logistical trucks but much smaller vehicles such as civilian pick-up trucks. The crews of these supply vehicles are always on the watch for enemy drones and rely on reports from other units in the area of drone activity. Also, they take steps to protect themselves and on the roof of the cab of the pick-up are at least two drone jammer domes. This allows the crew to jam more than one frequency though it is a near constant issue of frequencies being changed to mitigate jamming and the jammers having their frequency spectrum changed to allow them to jam the latest drone frequencies being used. Jammers are not fool-proof and so while two of the crew work to unload supplies, the third crewman keeps his eyes skyward. A weapon of choice to combat drones is the shotgun and here, the soldier looks to have a Tula TOZ-34 over-under shotgun.

     The TOZ-34 first appeared in 1964 and is one of the most prolific and popular civilian hunting weapons made by the Russian Tula Arms Plant (TOZ; founded in 1712) with over 1 million having been built. The 7 pound shotgun is typically chambered for 12 gauge shells but it was also produced in 20, 28, and 32 gauge at one time or another. The TOZ-34 uses a break action and the rate of fire depends on how skilled and quick the firer is with reloading. The TOZ-34 only has iron sights but later variants had provisioning for optical sights. 

     As the typical 12 gauge shotgun has an effective range of around 150 feet, it means a very close fight with a drone. The operator relies on the spread of the buckshot to inflict damage on the drone though at maximum range, the spread pattern is such that a hit is a 50 percent prospect. As such, to increase the odds of downing a drone, the operator would engage at 75 feet or less. At such close quarters, there may be no second chances if the drone is not destroyed with one or two shots from the TOZ-34. This is because there may be no time to reload.

Russo-Ukrainian War: Ukrainian Triple-Mount RPK-74

Source: Global Images Ukraine.

     One of the main components of Russia's aerial raids against Ukrainian infrastructure (power plants, factories, electrical distribution centers, etc.) and civilian targets is the Geran-2, the Russian version of the Iranian HESA Shahed 136 loitering munition. The Geran-2 is relatively cheap at a single unit cost of no more than $80,000 for the current model. As such, they can be launched enmasse (and  usually in combination with other weapons, such as cruise missiles) in order to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses and ensure successful strikes. A component of Ukrainian air defense comprises rapid response anti-drone units which, upon receiving the flight paths for Russian drones, deploy in or near the flight paths to engage them with an array of light, medium, and heavy machine-guns mounted on trucks. Given the 115 miles per hour top speed of a Geran-2, utilizing machine-guns to shoot down the drones is a viable (and cost effective) method. In some cases, static anti-drone defenses are set up around valuable targets or as a secondary layer of defense against any drones which get through the mobile anti-drone units as illustrated here. One of the techniques to increase the chances of a successful hit against drones is to simply throw as many bullets as possible into the path of the drone and hope one or more of the rounds strike the drone to such a degree as to down it. And so this anti-drone mount holds three RPK-74 light machine-guns.

     Introduced into Soviet Army service in 1974, the RPK-74 is chambered for the Soviet 5.45x39mm round and all three of the RPK-74 weapons are secured to a metal frame which permits a high degree of elevation (very useful for anti-air duties) which in turn is fitted to a heavy tripod. To the right of the central RPK-74 is a shoulder stock which the gunner can use to stabilize the mount, assist in absorbing recoil, and guide the mount when traversing and elevating. Below the shoulder stock is a trigger which permits the gunner to fire all three RPK-74s at the same time. Between the center and outer right RPK-74 is a ring sight and given the electrical cord, it is possible that a night sight or a spotlight is connected to the gun mount to aid the gunner in acquiring his target. The basket, though empty, is likely for keeping additional magazines to speed reloading. Speaking of magazines, the RPK-74 can utilize either a 30- or 45-round box magazine.

     Using a gas operated, rotating closed bolt action, the RPK-74 is capable of firing up to 600 rounds per minute. Assuming the 45-round magazine, a single RPK-74 can empty the magazine in 3.5 seconds. So, with three RPK-74 weapons firing in unison, this means the gunner can send 135 rounds towards the target in those same 3.5 seconds. With a muzzle velocity of 3,149 feet per second, the 5.45x39mm round has an effective range of .6 of a mile (1,000 meters) if using saturation fire. The bullet itself can travel as far as 2 miles but accuracy is about nil at such a distance. Given the short effective range, this particular anti-drone weapon arrangement relies on the Geran-2 to be flying at low altitude (it can fly as low as 197 feet) and close to the gun emplacement for a realistic chance of the gunner being successful in his engagement. Otherwise, it really does become a “fill the sky with lead” in the direction of the drone and hope to get a very lucky hit. Fortunately, some Geran-2 do fly at low altitudes to make detection more difficult and to lower the window of time the defenders have to engage before the drones move out of range or lines of sight get blocked by terrain and terrain features.

Russo-Ukrainian War: Russian T-80BVN, Central Military District

Source: Evgeny Biyatov, Sputnik Media Bank

     A Russian T-80BVN belonging to a unit within the Central Military District, operating somewhere near Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast on September 28, 2024. One of five such military districts in Russia, a good number of its subordinate units have been deployed to Ukraine. This includes elements from the 2nd. and 41st. Guards Combined Arms Army and the 25th. Combined Arms Army.

     The crew of this particular T-80BVN have added a sizable anti-drone cage to the turret, portions of which overhang the front and rear hull. The camouflage netting obscures much of what comprises the cage though through the gap, one can see lengths of chain hanging down. These have become a common method for anti-drone defenses as the chains, with their weight, have the capability of breaking the rotors and/or rotor pylons of FPV drones. The cage uses fencing elsewhere with the chains forming a portion of the cage that allows the commander and gunner to enter and exit the tank. Shorter lengths of chain hang down from the bottom edges of the front facing portion of the cage (visible in another photograph of the same tank).

     Along the sides of the tank is a long strip of rubberized material (most often conveyor belts) which is a simple form of appliqué armor which provides a small measure of protection to the turret ring. The T-80BVM does have rear mounted slat armor as standard but here, the crew has added more slat armor panels and it appears that they have created a raised anti-drone cover over the engine deck but the camouflage netting covers much of it. Barely visible are rubber panels, with heavy netting, secured to the edges of the turret's front mounted Relikt explosive reactive armor panels.

Russo-Ukrainian War: Knocked Out Russian BTR-82A

Source: Reddit.

     A knocked out Russian BTR-82A IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle), photographed sometime in the late spring or early summer of 2024. Of note is the Kontakt-1 explosive reactive armor (ERA) blocks placed as best possible on the turret, hull front, and sides of the vehicle. ERA is not something the BTR-82A is normally fitted with, hence the haphazard placement. The crew also added slat armor, a single (and scorched) panel seen on the right side and another just visible on the left side near the driver's hatch. Despite all the added defense, it did not stop the BTR-82A from being put out of action. The BTR-82A is an improved version of the similar looking BTR-80A and it first appeared to the public as a prototype in 2009. By 2013, the Russian Ministry of Defense officially accepted the BTR-82A for service.

     Power for the 16-ton 8x8 wheeled BTR-82A comes from a KamAZ-740.14-300 diesel engine that develops 300 horsepower and is paired to a fixed-ratio, manual transmission. This permits the BTR-82A to obtain a top road speed of 50 miles per hour. Off-road, the speed is lower though cross-country performance is assisted by a central tire inflation system (CTIS) and heavy duty shock absorbers. The BTR-82A is amphibious and can achieve a top water speed of 6 miles per hour in calm water. Rear-mounted water jet provides propulsion. Enough fuel is carried to permit a maximum cruise range of 435 miles.

     The primary armament is a 30mm 2A72 automatic cannon mounted in a unmanned turret. The 2A72 uses a dual-feed and typically has a combination of AP-T (Armor-Piercing Tracer) and HE-I (High-Explosive Incendiary) ammunition to permit the gunner to engage different target types. Total ammunition capacity for the cannon is 300 rounds. The HE-I ammunition has an effective range of 1.2 miles (and against slow, low-flying aircraft,  2.5 miles) while the AP-T ammunition can defeat up to 25mm of armor at a 60 degree slope from a maximum range of .6 of a mile. Fitted co-axially is a 7.62mm PKTM machine-gun which is provided with 2,000 rounds. The weapons are fitted to a 2-plane, electro-mechanical stabilizer with the turret providing 360 degrees of traverse while the gun mount offers 70 degrees of elevation and 5 degrees of depression. Traverse speed of the turret is up to 6 degrees per second. The gunner is provided with a TKN-4GA-01 day/night sight and FCS (Fire Control System) which permits engagement from the halt or on the move. The commander is provided with a TKN-AI surveillance camera, that includes a laser rangefinder, for locating targets out to a maximum range of 1.9 miles. On each side of the BTR-82A's hull are three firing ports for the crew and/or passengers to utilize their small arms.

     The BTR-82A has improved laminate armor over the BTR-80A's hardened steel but what thickness (or equivalent) it has isn't fully known. It is very likely on par with STANAG 4569 Level III armor protection which means it can defeat up to 7.62x54Rmm API (Armor-Piercing Incendiary) ammunition at 30 meters and 155mm shell fragments at 60 meters. As for mines, it can protect the vehicle's occupants from mines with up to 18 pounds of explosive. Additional protection to the crew of  three (commander, driver, and gunner) and passengers (up to 7 infantrymen) is provided by interior spall liners and a reinforced, multi-layer floor along with blast resistant seats. Finally, an automatic fire suppression system equips the BTR-82A as well as a 902V Tucha 81mm smoke grenade launcher system with six launchers mounted on the turret front. 

     Other equipment includes a R-168-25-U2 digital radio system with encryption, Trona-1 topographic orientation system (which taps into independent satellites for navigational data) to enhance the vehicle's navigation system which uses the Russian GLONASS global positioning system (and can also use the NavStar GPS), APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) to permit the BTR-82A to function with the engine off, heating/air-conditioning system, bilge pump, and a NBC system (using over-pressure).

Russo-Ukrainian War: T-80BVM obr. 2022

Source: Reddit.

     A Russian T-80BVM obr. 2022 belonging to the 67th. Motorized Rifle Division (the unit's tactical symbol is on the side of the turret), displaying a rather extensive array of passive and active defenses. It is being transported by what looks to be a KamAZ-65225 tank transporter and was photographed sometime in January 2025. The T-80BVM is a modernization of the T-80BV which first appeared in service with the Soviet Army in 1985. The first T-80BVM made its public debut in 2017.

     Power for the 46-ton T-80BVM comes from a GTD-1250TF gas turbine engine that develops 1,250 horsepower and can propel the T-80BVM along roads at a maximum speed of 43 miles per hour and off-road, up to 34 miles per hour terrain depending. The GTD-1250 consumes fuel at a very high rate and had a much higher production cost in comparison to a standard diesel engine. Thus, the T-80BVM has a maximum cruise range of 208 miles (via 290 gallons of onboard fuel) and as such, the tank is often equipped with two external fuel tanks (total of 195 additional gallons) to increase the range to 310 miles. The engine is paired to a manual planetary transmission with a 6-speed gearbox (5 forward, 1 reverse). The external fuel tanks are secured to racks on the rear of the tank and here, they are not present.

     The main armament is a 2A46M-5 (or 2A46M-4 in some sources) 125mm smoothbore cannon which is mounted to a 2-axis, electro-hydraulic 2E26M stabilizer. The turret provides for 360 degrees of traverse while the gun mount allows for a maximum of 14 degrees of elevation and up to 5 degrees of depression. As with most Russian tanks, the cannon is provided with a updated Korzina automatic loader which is fed from a carousel that sits beneath the turret at the bottom of the hull. It holds 28 rounds of ammunition and with it, a rate of fire between 4 to 6 rounds per minute is possible. A further 17 rounds of ammunition are carried, kept both in the turret and hull, along with 6 Refleks-M missiles (see below). Accuracy is aided by a 1A45T Irtysh fire control system (FCS). The gunner is provided with a stabilized Sosna-U sight which incorporates a day sight, thermal sight, laser rangefinder, and a ballistic computer. Some late T-80BVM may utilize the PNM-T sight which is Sosna-U alternative built from wholly Russian components. Typical ammunition used includes APFSDS (Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot), HE (High-Explosive), and HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank) rounds plus the 9K119M Refleks-M tube-launched, laser guided anti-tank missile (NATO reporting name AT-11 Sniper). The 3BM59 “Svinets-1” APFSDS round can penetrate around 315mm of RHA (Rolled Homogeneous Armor) at a 60 degree slope at 1.2 miles. At a 0 degree slope, the 3BM59 can penetrate 540mm of RHA at the same range. The 3BK31 HEAT round can penetrate 350mm of RHA at a 60 degree slope at a range of 1.9 miles.   The 3OF26 HE round can be fired out to a range of 2.5 miles while the Refleks-M can attain a range of 3 miles and drill through a maximum of 700mm of armor at a 90 degree slope after ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor) thanks to its tandem charge warhead. The gunner provides the guidance to target using a modulated laser beam. Secondary armament consists of a coaxial PKT 7.62mm machine-gun while mounted on the turret near the commander's hatch is a NSVT 12.7mm heavy machine-gun. 1,250 rounds of ammunition are available for the PKT while a total of 300 rounds are carried for the NSVT of which 50 rounds is ready ammunition.

     For protection, the T-80BMV uses composite armor on the hull and turret with the cheeks of the turret having additional defense called Combination K which consists of a cavity filled with ultra-porcelain ceramic rods arranged in a matrix. This gives the turret front the equivalent of 550mm of steel armor. The front glacis plate uses a sandwich-style of composite armor consisting of an outer layer of 80mm thick steel which is backed by 105mm of glass-reinforced plastic then a 20mm thick base layer of steel armor. This gives the front hull of the T-80BMV the equivalent of over 500mm of armor. In addition to the base armor, the T-80BMV utilizes Relikt explosive reactive armor (ERA) blocks on the upper front hull, turret front, hull sides, and the top of the turret. Cage armor is fitted to the rear of the tank hull, offering a measure of protection to the engine compartment from HEAT munitions. The T-80BVM can be fitted with 4S24 Karkas ERA and this is the case here in the photograph in the form of large metal blocks on the turret sides and here, unusually, on top of the side Relikt ERA. The crew has added rubber and mesh appliqué armor to the turret sides and front plus ad-hoc bar armor to the rear area of the turret. In addition, the crew has created a large anti-drone cage consisting of metal framing with what looks like chicken wire. Additional defense comes from a 902B Tucha smoke grenade launcher system consisting of two banks of four launcher tubes on the turret sides. The T-80BMV can also be fitted with active protective systems such as Arena but it is not standard. Atop the anti-drone cage are antenna for drone jammers, added there by the crew rather than it being standard.

     Other systems of the T-80BVM include a TVN-5 night sight for the driver, internal crew intercom system, TKN-4S Agat-MR day/night sight & TKN-3M day sight for the commander, automatic fire suppression system, PDT-7151 auxiliary sight, DVE-BS turret roof mounted meteorological sensor, R-168 series VHF radio station, and a ZETS-11-2 NBC protection system (Nuclear Biological Chemical). 

     The T-80BVM obr. 2022 specifically uses Kontakt-5 ERA on the turret roof to provide for more protective coverage and cage armor is added to the rear of the hull and turret (though only the rear hull piece appears intact). Another feature of the T-80BVM obr. 2022 is the removal of the rear side cage armor and replacing it with Relikt ERA panels. Finally, Relikt ERA is built into the tank's front mud guards. Some T-80BVM obr. 2022 tanks may have elderly 1PN96MT-02 thermal gun sights due to shortages of the Sosna-U.

Russo-Ukrainian War: VCC-2 APC, "Donechchyna" Battalion, National Police of Ukraine

Source: National Police of Ukraine.

     Operating somewhere in Donetsk Oblast is this VCC-2 armored personnel carrier (APC), in service with the special forces “Donechchyna” Battalion of the National Police of Ukraine. Such units are, more or less, similar to SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics) teams within many police forces in the U.S. Such personnel are trained to deal with high risk threats that regular police officers are not equipped to handle. Like SWAT teams, Ukrainian National Police special forces units receive additional training in heavy weapons, usage and deployment of armored vehicles, and other tasks and skills which are above the regular training of rank and file policemen. The VCC-2 is an Italian variant of the U.S. M113 APC and to date, a little over ten VCC-2 have been received from Italy as part of the country's military aid packages.

     The biggest modification was replacing the M113's Chrysler 75M engine and Allison TX-200-2A transmission with a more powerful General Motors 6V53 Model 5063-5299 6-cylinder, water-cooled diesel engine and paired it with a Allison TX-100-1 transmission with a 8-speed gear box (6 forward, 2 reverse). This drive train is the same as used in the M113A1. This gives the VCC-2 a top road speed of 40 miles per hour and in being amphibious, the top water speed is 3 miles per hour in calm water. Propulsion in water is via the VCC-2's tracks. 95 gallons of internal fuel provide for a maximum cruise range of 317 miles. The VCC-2 uses fiberglass fuel tanks in the rear of the vehicle with dual fuel lines into the engine for a measure of redundancy if there is a problem with one of the fuel tanks. The fuel system, along with rearranging the interior of the troop compartment, reduces the troop capacity to six men (instead of eleven). The crew of the VCC-2 consists of the commander, driver, and the gunner.

     For protection, the VCC-2 retains the welded hull consisting of the same rolled 5083/5086 H32 aluminum armor of the M113. From the front, armor thickness is 38mm at a slope between 30 degrees (lower front) and 45 degrees (upper front). The sides, which have no sloping, support between 31mm to 44mm while the rear of the VCC-2 has 38mm of armor with a 9 degree slope (upper rear) and 8 degrees of slope (lower rear). The top of the hull has 38mm thick armor while the bottom has 28mm of armor. To boost the level of protection, the VCC-2 has appliqué steel armor between 5mm to 6mm thick fitted directly onto the front and sides of the vehicle. The VCC-2 can shed up to 12.7mm ball ammunition (which is not armor-piercing) at 200 meters.

     For armament, the gunner is provided with a open-topped turret which, here, supports a Browning M2A1 12.7mm heavy machine-gun. On each side of the VCC-2 are two firing ports which allow soldiers within the troop compartment to utilize their small arms. Just above the firing ports are bullet-proof vision blocks. A fifth firing port is located in the drop-down rear ramp which makes up the majority of the back of the VCC-2.

     The commander's cupola is on the left side of the roof, behind the driver's hatch, and even with the gunner's cupola/turret on the right. He is provided with five M17 periscopes but the gunner's cupola limits the commander's field of view. The driver has four M17 periscopes and a single, fully traversable M19 infrared periscope for night driving. All of these vision devices are as the M113. Further Italian modifications include two roof-mounted exhaust fans to evacuate smoke from the interior and updated electrical systems.

     Ukrainian modifications include a rather intricate camouflage paint scheme and fitted to the roof towards the left rear are five antennas for drone jammers.

Sources:

http://web.tiscali.it/stefano67/vcc2.htm

http://afvdb.50megs.com/usa/m113.html