Serbian BTR-80A exceeded the Russian Federation and Ukrainian armored vehicles: Modernization details (photo)

To spread: Serbia began a large-scale modernization of armored personnel carriers of BTR-80A, which had mediocre characteristics. As a result, according to experts, Serbian engineers had a car that not only began to compete with Russian BTR-82A and Ukrainian BTR-3DA, but also surpass them. Serbian armored personnel carriers have received a number of decisions that significantly increase their combat potential. Defense Express observers have told more about it.

One of the key areas of modernization was the strengthening of armored protection. On the housing are installed additional armored plates capable of withstanding 12. 7 mm ammunition. The quality of the installation is quite high, which minimizes the vulnerable zones and provides the machine with a modern look. This is a significant advantage over the Russian BTR-82A, which retained the basic level of protection of the Soviet machine and remain vulnerable even for large-caliber machine guns.

The upgraded BTR-80A has also received a 2A72 gun barrel and hydrostabilization, which should improve the accuracy of firing. But Russian BTR-82A traditionally suffer from low accuracy of 30 mm gun when shooting. There is currently no video of the final version of modernization, but even intermediate frames show a marked decrease in the vibration of the trunk compared to the original.

The machine is equipped with a digital fire control system (SO) with day and night sights, as well as additional cameras to improve inspection. Modern digital radio stations are installed for communication, and for the comfort of the crew - air conditioning. In the future, the integration of radio electronic fight (HRV) to counteract drones is planned.

Thus, the updated BTR-80A in terms of protection and situational awareness exceeds the Russian BTR-82A, while remaining at the same time cheaper than the full BMP. Moreover, the Serbian version in some aspects can compete with Ukrainian BTR-3E and BTR-3DA, especially by electronics. At the same time, the accuracy of the tools and layout of the machine with the side door still remain weak. "Modernization looks really good if all the stated improvements are implemented accordingly.

It is now known that after the work of the machine will be part of the armored reconnaissance battalion with the headquarters in a niche, which is already operating by Russian BRDM-2MS,"-summed up analysts. We will remind, as early as 2022 the fighters of the National Guard of Ukraine used in battles rare armored vehicles of the BTR-3E with the combat module "Navigation-M". As weapons were integrated 30mm gun, automatic grenade launcher, machine gun and two launchers for Barrier PTRK.