The State Enterprise “Mykolaiv Armored Tank Plant,” part of the Ukroboronprom State Concern, continues developing modern modifications of equipment based on the time-tested BRDM-2 and BTR-70 platforms.
This was revealed by employees of the defense enterprise in an exclusive comment to Defense Express during a meeting between SE “Mykolaiv Armored Tank Plant” representatives and Ukrainian journalists.
Yes, during the visit, the plant workers showcased several of their developments created since the beginning of the Russian aggression. Among them were the BRDM-2Di/BRDM-2DiSv reconnaissance vehicles, the BRM “Mongoose,” as well as the new communication vehicle BTR-70DiSv.
The BRDM-2DiS version includes additional armor. Both variants are equipped with modern Ukrainian communication systems Motorola “Lybid,” the SN-3003M “Basalt” navigation system, and the ATRi TINDS thermal imaging system. Furthermore, the armored vehicles feature extra firing ports and armored doors on both sides, greatly facilitating troop deployment.
The BRDM-2DiS version, in turn, features additional armor. Both versions of the vehicle are equipped with modern Ukrainian communication systems Motorola “Lybid,” the SN-3003M “Basalt” navigation system, and the ATRi TINDS thermal imaging system. Additionally, the armored vehicles have extra firing ports and armored doors on both sides, which significantly ease troop deployment.
The most modern and promising development from the Mykolaiv team is the armored reconnaissance vehicle (BRM) “Mongoose.” The new model was first showcased at the MSPO-2018 exhibition in Poland and the “Weapons and Security-2018” event in Kyiv.
The new vehicle features a significantly increased interior volume compared to the base BRDM-2 and is equipped with the robotic combat module “Falconet,” currently fitted with a 14.5-mm heavy machine gun and a 7.62-mm machine gun.
The BRM is equipped with additional and more convenient side and rear hatches, allowing for unhindered troop deployment or loading of the wounded. Enhanced frontal armor and extra armor plates increase the vehicle’s protection to STANAG 4569 Level 3A.
The Mykolaiv weapons specialists emphasize that despite the significant increase in weight (9,300 kg compared to 7,600 kg for the BRDM-2L1), thanks to a modern engine, the “Mongoose” has not lost any speed advantage over the lighter BRDM-2L1, either on the highway or in water. Additionally, the new vehicle has a 250 km longer range and consumes half as much fuel.
It is worth noting that, in addition to standard communication and navigation systems, the BRM “Mongoose” is equipped with additional surveillance cameras positioned at the front, sides, and rear.
Additionally, engineers at the armored tank state enterprise are working on developing a new communication vehicle, the BTR-70DiSv. Built on the proven BTR-70Di chassis, it features reinforced armored protection against fire and mine threats, enabling effective operations in complex and dynamic environments.