Russo-Ukrainian War: The IRM Zhuk

Source: Reddit

     Engineering vehicles, while not glamorous nor getting the limelight of photographic coverage, are an important component of ground forces and the Ukrainian Army is no exception. This particular vehicle, photographed sometime in early June 2025, is fairly rare in Ukrainian service though it has a rather unique purpose. Called the IRM Zhuk, the IRM stands for Inzhenernaya Razvedyvatel'naya Mashina (Engineer Reconnaissance Vehicle) while Zhuk means “Beetle”. A Soviet-era vehicle, the IRM entered production in 1980 and by 1986, only 50 IRMs rolled off the line. What makes the IRM rather unique is that it is optimized for route reconnaissance. U.S. Army manual FM 3-90 Tactics defines route reconnaissance as an “operation to obtain detailed information of a specified route and all terrain from which the enemy could influence movement along that route.” Where able, the U.S. Army would deploy engineer reconnaissance as they have the expertise to evaluate the terrain, bridges, tunnels, roads, trails, gap/water crossings, and other infrastructure to determine not only enemy potential to target assets on the route but also if the selected route is capable of being traversed by follow-on units. To that end, the IRM Zhuk is outfitted to accommodate such a task.

     The 19-ton IRM is based on the BMP-1 Infantry Fighting Vehicle but has a lengthened hull with seven road wheels per side rather than the BMP-1's six road wheels. Power comes from a UTD-20 inline 6-cylinder, water cooled diesel engine that generates 300 horsepower and this provides a top road speed of 32 miles per hour. The IRM is amphibious and mounted on the rear hull are two, 3-bladed propellers within cowls. In calm water, the IRM has a maximum water speed of 6 miles per hour. There is a trim vane on the hull front to keep water off the upper hull. With 158 gallons of fuel, the maximum operational range is 310 miles.

     For protection, the IRM uses all-welded, steel armor but the exact level of defense is not easily obtained but it is thought the maximum thickness is 19mm. This provides the six man crew (commander, driver, and four engineers) with a measure of defense against some small arms and shell splinters. Other protective measures include a NBC (Nuclear Biological Chemical) overpressure-type system (with scrubber) and smoke screen generator. The latter is accomplished by injecting diesel fuel into the exhaust where the fuel vaporizes on the hot exhaust, condenses, then cools which forms a white smoke cloud. Finally, the IRM is equipped with automatic fire extinguishers.

     The only defensive armament consists of a turret mounted 7.62mm PKT machine-gun which is provided with 1,000 rounds in 50-round ammunition belts. Aiming is manual and done using iron post sights. The crew, of course, can utilize their own small arms to defend the vehicle.

     Of course, as a engineering reconnaissance vehicle, the IRM has a lot of tools to perform its tasks. Firstly, the IRM is equipped with a TNA-3 inertial land navigation system. The TNA-3 uses accelerometers and gyroscopes to determine the vehicle's position, orientation, and velocity. A benefit is that inertial navigation systems are independent of GPS and thus not susceptible to GPS jamming and can operate where GPS isn't available. Next, the IRM is fitted with a RShM-2 mine detector which is able to pick up ferromagnetic objects up to a depth just shy of 1 foot. The apparatus is mounted on hydraulically operated arms, one per side of the hull (the right side arm is visible here in the stored position). The arms can be deployed to the front of the vehicle in less than 3 minutes. When using the mine detector, the IRM can drive no faster than 3 miles per hour. If an object is detected, the IRM is automatically brought to a halt. Kept inside the IRM are three hand-held mine detectors; the RVM-2M, IMP-2, and RVM-2. In order to accurately test water depth at river crossings, the IRM has a EIR echo-sounder which can give depth values up to 65 feet. The EIR is paired to a recorder for data retention. To compliment the EIR, the IRM has three sonar transducers which work by sending out sound waves and then detecting the returning echoes. For measuring the azimuth for the purposes of determining both horizontal and vertical terrain angles, the IRM has a PAB-2AM aiming circle. For surveying from within the vehicle, the IRM has an extendable PIR-451 periscope for the commander which includes a DSP-30 rangefinder. Other equipment includes an AGI-1S horizon indicator and a man-portable PR-1 penetrometer. The latter, used by a dismounted engineer, tests for soil crossability and when coming upon ice, the AGI-1S has a ice drill and ice stake to determine ice thickness. For communication, the IRM has a integral R-147 radio set while two portable R-147 sets are kept in store if needed. Finally, the IRM is equipped with TNP-370, TNV-25M, and TNPO-160 periscope observation blocks.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Sukhoi Su-24MR Fencer-E

Source: ArmyInform

     Photographed in late May 2024, the Sukhoi Su-24MR (NATO reporting name Fencer-E) “Yellow 11” rests in its revetment. The aircraft belongs to the 7th. Tactical Aviation Brigade “Petro Franko”. The Su-24MR is the dedicated reconnaissance variant of the Su-24M tactical bomber and first entered service in 1983 with production ending in 1993 after 130 examples were built.

     Externally, the Su-24MR looks much like the Su-24M upon which it is based. But, there are some visible differences which tell them apart. The first can be seen underneath the fuselage, along the centerline, a bit forward of the side intakes. In place of the Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-6-23M rotary 23mm cannon, a fairing contains a AP-402M panoramic 90.5 focal length camera and behind it, a “Aist-M” (“Stork-M”) TV camera/reconnaissance system. Of interest, the cassette cartridge that stores the photographs taken by the AP-402M can be jettisoned, the cartridge falling to earth via parachute.

     Another external means to tell the Su-24MR apart from the Su-24M assumes it is fitted with a SRS-14 “Tangazh” (“Pitch”) ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) pod, as fitted here underneath the fuselage. The SRS-14 is designed to detect emitting radars then determine their origin point, the type of radar(s), and the mode the radars are operating in. Another specialized pod which is used is the Shpil'-2M (“Spire”) laser imager with a 25cm resolution. Altitude affects the image quality so that when flying at low altitudes, the quality improves to almost photographic levels. The “Spire” can be used day or night and the image data can be transmitted to ground stations in real time.

     On the outer pylon of the right wing looks to be a M-341 Efir-1M (“Ether-1M”) radiation detector. It measures radioactivity levels and records the data onto magnetic tape or, if desired, the pod can transmit the data to ground stations. The drop tanks are PTB-3000 models which hold 793 gallons of fuel each.

     The nose-mounted Orion-A radar suite used by the Su-24M is replaced with a RDS-BO “Shtyk” (“Bayonet”) SLAR (Side-Looking Airborne Radar). The minimum range of the radar is .2 of a mile to a maximum range of 17 miles. The RDS-BO (sometimes designated the M-101) is a pulse-only radar, is able to classify ground targets, and is equipped with a moving target indicator. This data is compiled via the BCR-1 intelligence complex (which also assesses information taken in from other sensors).

     Because the Su-24MR is unarmed, it is fitted with extensive defensive systems, collectively called the BKO-2M Karpaty complex. It consists of the SPO-15M Bereza (“Birch”) which alerts the crew to being “painted” by radar and also homing radar as used by missiles. Against infrared homing missiles, the L-082 Mak-UL (“Poppy”) detector is fitted for alerting to missiles that utilize infrared seeker heads. Another piece of the complex is the SPS-161/162 Geran-F (“Geranium-F”) radar jammer along with the APP-50A flare dispenser. The entire complex was controlled by a Neon-F digital computer system.

     Other reconnaissance equipment include the A-100 oblique mounted camera which has a 1,000 focal length. The aperture for the camera is mounted underneath the left air intake. Finally, there is a “Zima” (“Winter”) infrared sensor system mounted beneath the right air intake and it can just be seen near the rake fitted to the edge of the intake.

     “Yellow 11” first saw combat during the Donbas War when, on July 2, 2014, a separatist fired MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defense System) struck the aircraft while it was operating over Slavyansk, Donetsk Oblast. The strike caused a fire which forced the crew to shut down one of the engines. The stricken Su-24MR was able to return to base but upon landing, a new fire started which caused significant damage before it was extinguished by ground crew. It would take many months to repair the aircraft but in April 2015, “Yellow 11” was back in service.

For more information on the Su-24M, visit:

https://photosofmilitaryhistory.blogspot.com/2025/06/russo-ukrainian-war-sukhoi-su-24m.html

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Sukhoi Su-24M Fencer-D w/ Vympel Kh-29L

Source: Reddit

     A Sukhoi Su-24M (NATO reporting name Fencer-D) belonging to the 7th. Tactical Aviation Brigade “Petro Franko” sorties for a mission. This particular photograph started appearing in social media in early November 2024 though given the color of the foliage, it was taken much earlier (possibly in August 2024).

     Based on the minimal armament and lack of external fuel tanks, the mission may be a training one or a combat mission within the standard range of the Su-24M. Speaking of armament, the visible weapon is a Vympel Kh-29L (NATO reporting name AS-14 Kedge-A) air-to-surface missile. By no means is the Kh-29 missile new, having first appeared in service in 1980 with development having begun in 1975. Primarily, the Kh-29 family of missiles is used against targets such as buildings, bridges, airfields, hardened shelters, and even against large naval vessels.

     The Kh-29L is powered by a solid fuel rocket motor that pushes the missile through the air at a maximum speed of 1,400 miles per hour. The operational range is 6 miles. The missile is brought onto target by semi-active laser homing. This is accomplished using the integral Kaira-24 laser designator fitted into the Su-24M. The laser has a maximum range of 11.5 miles and so while the Kh-29L could travel further, its range is limited to that of the designator. The Kaira-24 is more of a targeting system that consists of the laser designator (called Spire) which is tied into the ILS-31 HUD (Heads-Up Display) used by the WSO (Weapon Systems Officer). The Kh-29L arms within 1.2 miles and has a flight envelope as high as 3 miles in altitude down to as low as 200 meters off the ground.

     Curiously, the Kh-29L is missing the vanes on the seeker head and the four rotating ailerons on the forward portion of the missile.

     Of interest is the yellow underside of the Su-24M. At the start of the Russo-Ukrainian War, both sides used Soviet-era aircraft, to include the Su-24M and Su-24MR (of which Russia still has some 300 in service). As such, in April 2022, the 7th. Tactical Aviation Brigade painted the undersides of their Su-24 aircraft yellow to enable Ukrainian ground forces to easily identify them and avoid any further friendly fire incidents. The dragon is a rendition of the brigade's crest that consists of a heraldic black dragon. Finally, the insignia beneath the cockpit is actually the “winged archer” logo used by the Sukhoi Design Bureau (which is part of the Sukhoi Aviation Military Industrial Combine or Sukhoi AMIC) which designed and built the Su-24.

For more information on the Su-24M, visit:

https://photosofmilitaryhistory.blogspot.com/2025/06/russo-ukrainian-war-sukhoi-su-24m.html

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Sukhoi Su-24M Fencer-D

Source: ukraine_defense on Instagram

     The only tactical bomber the Ukrainian Air Force currently fields in the Russo-Ukrainian War is shown here: the Sukhoi Su-24M. Often called by its NATO reporting name, Fencer-D, the Su-24 entered service with the Soviet Union in 1974 and although production of the Su-24 ceased in 1993, it remains in front-line service with six nations of which Ukraine and Russia are included in that number. This particular Su-24M belongs to the 7th. Tactical Aviation Brigade “Petro Franko” which is the only unit within the Ukrainian Air Force that operates the Su-24. The brigade has suffered heavy losses, most occurring in the opening months of the Russo-Ukrainian War which started in February 24, 2022 with the Russian invasion. In 2022, the unit lost a total of 24 aircraft with sixteen crew killed in action and three missing in action. To date, the last confirmed loss of a Su-24 occurred on March 1, 2023 with the loss of both crew members. A report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies in February 2024 gave the inventory of surviving aircraft at thirteen with five being the Su-24M and the remainder being the reconnaissance variant, the Su-24MR (Fencer-E).

     The Su-24M started to appear in Soviet units in 1983. Power comes from two Lyulka AL-21F-3A turbojets with each engine capable of 17,000 pounds of thrust. With the afterburner engaged, this increases to 24,700 pounds of thrust each. Clean and without afterburners, the Su-24M can achieve a maximum speed of 1,028 miles per hour near the plane's service ceiling of 36,000 feet. At sea level, the top speed is 817 miles per hour. At full thrust, the Su-24M has a climb of 30,000 feet per minute. For range, the average is 382 miles with a 6,614 pound load of ordnance and external fuel tanks. The Su-24M has 24,471 pounds of onboard fuel and without ordnance but with external fuel tanks, the ferry range is 1,724 miles. The Su-24M has a two man crew, the pilot and the WSO (“Whizzo” or Weapon Systems Officer), and they sit side-by-side in the cockpit. Each is provided with a Zvezda K-36D ejection seat.

     The Su-24 has variable swept wings which have four sweep settings. For take-off and landing, the wings are swept at 16 degrees while for cruising, the sweep is either 35 degrees or 45 degrees altitude depending. The final sweep setting is 69 degrees to reduce the aspect ratio and provide for maximum speed. The variable wings also allow for a low landing speed for such a large aircraft at 140 miles per hour. The original model, the Su-24 (Fencer-A), was capable of 1,440 miles per hour at 57,400 feet but since the usual mission profile was low altitude, the complex (and heavy) variable intake ramps were removed in later models such as the Su-24M to lower weight and simplify maintenance. It did, however, drop the maximum speed to what is outlined above.

     The only on-board armament is a single Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-6-23M rotary 23mm cannon which is provided with 500 rounds of ammunition. There are eight hardpoints with four on the underside of the fuselage and two per wing. The outer wing hardpoints can swivel to remain in place as the wings change sweep angles. A total of 17,635 pounds of stores can be carried by the Su-24M, to include the full array of Soviet-era missiles, rockets, and bombs. This was one of the factors that caused the high rate of attrition of the Su-24M in 2022 as the aircraft had no munitions that could be fired at Russian targets outside of Russian anti-air defense ranges. When the Ukrainian Air Force began to receive Western aerial weapons capable of stand-off ranges (meaning, the weapon can be deployed against Russian targets without the aircraft being within anti-aircraft gun or missile ranges), the Su-24M became the primary delivery system. By consequence, there have been no confirmed Su-24M losses since March 2023.

     The Su-24M shown here is equipped with two Storm Shadow cruise missiles which have been provided to Ukraine by Great Britain. France has also provided Ukraine with the Storm Shadow though in French use, it is called the SCALP-EG (Système de Croisière Autonome à Longue Portée – Emploi Général meaning Long Range Autonomous Cruise Missile System – General Purpose). The Storm Shadow was designed by Matra BAe Dynamics and is built by MBDA with the first missiles becoming operational in 2003. At a cost of 2.5 million U.S. dollars each, the Storm Shadow is powered by a Microturbo TRI 60-30 turbojet which generates 1,200 pounds of thrust. This gives the missile a 729 miles per hour. Maximum range is 342 miles. Guidance is a combination of GPS, an inertial navigation system, infrared thermography, and TERPROM (Terrain Profile Matching). Steering is accomplished by four vertical and two horizontal tailplanes. Target data is programmed into the Storm Shadow prior to mission launch and once the missile is released, the mission profile cannot be changed nor terminated. The 990 pound warhead uses a multi-stage BROACH penetrator (Bomb Royal Ordnance Augmented Charge). It consists of a shaped charge which strikes first, punching through exterior concrete, earth, or armor, which then permits the follow-on charge to detonate inside the target. The usage of TERPROM provides the Storm Shadow with resistance to Russian GPS signal jamming. Ukrainian Su-24M launch the Storm Shadow from the inboard wing hardpoints using a pylon adapter taken from former Royal Air Force Panavia Tornado GR4 multi-role aircraft. Underneath the fuselage is a PTB-3000 external fuel tank that holds 793 gallons of fuel. The downward pointing fins on the front of the tank ensure the tank falls away from the aircraft if it has to be detached in flight. Other stand-off munitions currently known to be used by Ukrainian Su-24M aircraft are domestically made gliding bombs, the venerable Kh-25ML tactical air-to-surface missile (NATO reporting name AS-10 Karen), U.S. supplied JDAM-ER (Joint Direct Attack Munition-Extended Range) guided bombs, and French supplied AASM HAMMER guided bombs.

     Other equipment on the Su-24M include the Puma navigation/attack suite (consisting of two Orion-A radars which permit day/night capability), Relyef terrain clearance radar (allows for automatic piloting at low altitudes), Orbita-10-58 computer, Shchel helmet-mounted sights for the crew, multi-function displays, digital moving-map generator, Sirena radar-warning receiver, active ECM (Electronic Countermeasure) suites (which can be seen as the triangular protrusions at the top of the vertical stabilizer and on the intake sides), capability to carry chaff and flare dispensers, inflight refueling capability, PNS-24M inertial navigation system, Tekon track/search system for guided munition use, and a Kaira-24 laser designator with TV-optical display.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Lada VAZ-2114 Samara

Source: Reddit

     The sad state of affairs for some Russian Federation units in regards to troop transport is displayed in excellent form here. As of June 10, 2025, the Russians have lost an estimated 51,579 vehicles (trucks, fuel tankers, logistical vehicles, etc.) and 22,783 armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles (tracked and wheeled). These are losses that Russian production cannot keep up with and so Russian units that lack vehicles commandeer whatever they can in order to ride rather than walk. The vehicle in question here is a civilian Lada VAZ-2114 Samara 5-door hatchback. Built by the Russian company AvtoVAZ and sold under the Lada brand, the VAZ-2114 is a variant of the original Lada VAZ-2108 compact car which first appeared in 1984. The Samara name was not used until 1991. Before that, the car was called the Lada Sputnik. Production ended in 2013.

     Appearing in 1987, the 1-ton VAZ-2114 was initially offered with three engine types (1.1, 1.3, and 1.5 liter) but in 2001, the 1.5-liter engine was the only motor used until 2007 when an optional 1.6-liter 8V (8 valve per cylinder) engine was offered. The basic 1.5-liter inline engine is a fuel-injected, 4-cylinder petrol motor that develops 79 horsepower. It has two valves per cylinder and has a OHC (Overhead Camshaft) valve train. This means the camshaft sits in the cylinder head, above the combustion chamber. The VAZ-2114 is a front-wheel drive car with a 5-speed manual transmission. Total fuel capacity is a tad over 11 gallons and in the city, the VAZ-2114 averages around 26 miles per gallon. Maximum road speed is 102 miles per hour. It takes the car 13 seconds to get up to 62 miles per hour.

     Other aspects of the VAZ-2114 include spring strut front suspension, trailing arm rear suspension, disc front brakes, drum rear brakes, rack and pinion steering, 15 cubic feet of truck space, multi-port manifold fuel injection, and seating for five.

     Returning to the photograph, the crew of the VAZ-2114 have added a PVC pipe frame around the upper portion of the car and draped in what appears to be nylon netting. There are black cables running through the netting and along some of the piping which may run to EW (Electronic Warfare) equipment. The back portion of the roof has been cut away along with the rear hatch to make an open compartment. A hand rail can be seen behind the front seats. In the front of the VAZ-2114 is a piece of rubberized canvas to protect the lower front of the car. What is on the end of the two prongs isn't known. The VAZ-2114 uses 165/70 R13 tires and the front tires have been replaced with off-road tires to improve traction (since it is a front-wheel drive car).

Russo-Ukrainian War: The 60mm Mortar PG

Source: Military Informant (milinfolive) on Telegram

     It is not a secret that the regime of North Korea has been supplying the Russian Federation with arms (as well as troops) to make up for the huge losses of equipment in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War...equipment which the Russian military complex is unable to replace as fast as it is lost. One of the arms being provided is displayed here: the 60mm mortar PG (ᄑᄀ in the image). As a whole, 60mm mortars have fallen out of favor with most militaries due to their short range but they do have the benefit of being lightweight and able to provide close range, indirect fire.

     The North Korean PG is, more or less, a copy of the Chinese Type 31 60mm mortar. The Type 31 is the Chinese copy of the U.S. Army's M2 60mm mortar which appeared in 1940, being the American produced version of the French Brandt Mle 1935 60mm mortar. So, one could say the PG is a copy of a copy (Type 31) of a copy (M2) of a copy (Mle 1935). Nevertheless, the soundness of the Mle 1935 is evidenced by three countries electing to adopt the mortar.

     There is not a lot of specific information on the PG. Given it is a North Korean built version of the Type 31, it is reasonable to utilize the specifications for the Type 31 as the PG is likely similar in statistics and performance. The Type 31 has a total weight (to include the base plate, bipod, and sight) of 44 pounds and normally requires a crew of two.

     Ranging is done using a fairly basic non-telescopic, collimator sight which provides for elevation and deflection adjustments via cross and longitudinal levels. The white line down the center of the mortar tube can also be used for aiming. Maximum range is probably around 1 mile using a basic HE (High-Explosive) bomb. The minimum range is approximately 200 meters. Loading is accomplished by dropping the bomb down the muzzle and when it hits the bottom of the barrel, a pin striker ignites the bomb's propellant charge which then sends the bomb down range towards the target. A skilled crew is reported to be able to run between 15 to 20 rounds per minute through the Type 31.

     In the inset photograph, beneath the obliterated serial number, the wording is instructions that say to set the mortar on flat (or level) ground and align the mortar tube at 45 degrees. It could be that this is the optimal angle to achieve the most range but the PG is likely able to be elevated much higher (up to 85 degrees) and as low as 40 degrees. This is done by adjusting the legs of the bipod.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Swarmly Poseidon H10 Mk.III Reece Drone

Source: The National Review

     A Ukrainian police officer of the Rifle Battalion of the National Police Zaporizhzhia prepares a Poseidon H10 Mk.III reconnaissance drone for a mission on May 23, 2025. FPV drones get much of the limelight when it comes to videos circulated on social media. However, those videos that show a overhead view of a FPV drone hitting a target come from a reconnaissance drone loitering over the target area. Reconnaissance drones from both sides are a constant presence in the airspace over Ukraine. It is very difficult to move by daylight and not get spotted by a reece drone. Even darkness is no guaranty due to drones using thermal or infrared optics. Once a reconnaissance drone spots a target, it is evaluated and if found to be the enemy, then the coordinates are relayed to artillery, rocket, or FPV drone assets to take the target under fire and eliminate it.

     The Poseidon is designed and built by the Cyprus based company Swarmly, Ltd. and in May 2022, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense issued a contract to Swarmly for the purchase of a undisclosed number of Poseidon H10 Mk.III drones for evaluation. In time, the Poseidon was ultimately accepted for service in the Ukrainian military. Pilot training for the Poseidon is conducted at the 190th. Training Center. Of interest is this particular drone's camouflage which consists of black spray painted Ukrainian tryzuby (tridents) using a stencil while the upper surface looks to be a green hue to make it blend into the ground if viewed from overhead.

     The Poseidon is a twin-boom design with a high-mounted wing and a twin-fin vertical stabilizer arrangement with a connecting horizontal stabilizer. The total length of the drone is 6.2 feet while the wingspan is 11.5 feet. The Poseidon is a VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) with each boom containing two, 2-bladed propellers that provide vertical flight as well as the ability to hover and maneuver. Mounted in the rear of the central fuselage is a pusher, 2-bladed propeller which provides forward flight (called a cruise propeller in company literature). All five propellers are driven by electrically powered motors which makes the Poseidon quiet in flight and presents a minimal thermal signature. The top speed is 93 miles per hour.

     A valuable capability of the Poseidon is its maximum operating altitude of 3 miles. This puts it out of range of infantry small arms such as the AK-74 and machine-guns such as the 12.7mm NSV and Kord weapons. Even the 14.5mm KPV heavy machine-gun cannot reach the Poseidon if it is flying over 2.5 miles in altitude. The Poseidon at altitude is even outside the effective range of the commonly used ZU-23's 23mm autocannons. The maximum operational range of the Poseidon is 93 miles with a maximum endurance of 2.5 hours.

     Onboard equipment includes a gimbal-mounted daytime camera that provides a 20x synthetic zoom capability. This is not optical zooming and instead, the image or video has its resolution increased via software processes then the resulting image or video is cropped to the original frame size, thus artificially giving the appearance of being zoomed in. A benefit of this is the quality enhancement of the video or images. For low-light or night operation, the Poseidon has a thermal imaging camera with 4x optical zoom.

     The electronics within the Poseidon are hardened to make them resistant to Russian electronic countermeasures such as frequency jamming. Also, onboard flight software allows the Poseidon to automatically avoid threats without operator intervention and if command/control signal is lost, the Poseidon will automatically return to its launch point.