Russia display captured Western combat vehicles during the 9 May parade in Moscow

Russia is preparing for a large Victory Day parade, which is traditionally held on May 9, 2024. The day of the 1945 armistice, traditionally celebrated on May 8 in the West, is observed on May 9 by the Russians. This event features military parades in major cities across the country. This year, in view of various convoys, it appears that the Russians will display Western war trophies captured or destroyed in Ukraine. Recently, two American-designed vehicles, the M1150, and the M88, were spotted in transit to Moscow.
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M88 before and current status in Russian forces ( top)  M1150 before and current status ( bottom) (Picture source OSINT )

The M88 Recovery Vehicle, also known as the M88 Armored Recovery Vehicle (ARV), is an armored recovery vehicle primarily designed for battlefield recovery operations. Used by the U.S. Army and several other armed forces worldwide, the M88 plays a crucial role in the recovery and repair of combat tanks and other armored vehicles.

The development of the M88 began in the 1950s to meet the need to recover new heavy combat tanks entering service, such as the M48 Patton. The M88 was designed by Bowen McLaughlin York (BMY), and production started in the 1960s. The vehicle is based on the chassis of the M48 and M60 tanks, which gives it significant robustness and compatibility with the equipment it is intended to assist.

The M88 is equipped with a crane, winch, and bulldozer blade, allowing not only for the recovery of damaged or immobilized vehicles but also for assisting in their field repair. The main winch of the M88 is capable of pulling up to 70 tons, allowing it to tow most heavy tanks. The integrated crane can lift to 35 tons, facilitating the movement of large parts such as engines or tank turrets.

Over the years, the M88 hass has been improved in several versions to increase its capacity and functionality. The M88A1 introduced mechanical and structural improvements, while the M88A2 Hercules (Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift and Evacuation System) represents the most advanced version. The Hercules offers increased winching and lifting power, better-armored protection, and improved engine performance, allowing for effective recovery even under enemy fire.

The M88 has today been delivered to the Ukrainians in several dozen units by the Americans.

Beyond its recovery functions, the M88 significantly contributes to the logistics and technical support of armored units. Its presence ensures that damaged vehicles can be quickly removed from the battlefield, reducing additional risks and allowing for rapid repairs that maintain the operational effectiveness of armored units.

The M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicle (ABV), nicknamed "The Shredder," is an armored military engineering vehicle designed to facilitate the crossing of obstacles and provide combat support for armored and infantry units. Based on the chassis of the main battle tank M1 Abrams, the M1150 is primarily used by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. Its design combines the heavy protection of a combat tank with specialized equipment for clearing obstacles and neutralizing minefields.

Developed to replace less protected and less effective crossing vehicles, the M1150 ABV is equipped with various tools specific to its breaching missions. Among these tools is a linear demolition charge system (MLC), capable of projecting a line of explosive charges to trigger and neutralize mines in front of the vehicle. The M1150 also uses a mine roller system to trigger undetected explosive devices physically.

The M1150 is armed to defend against ground and aerial threats. It is equipped with a heavy M2 .50 caliber machine gun and an automatic grenade launcher, allowing the crew to respond to immediate threats. In terms of protection, the vehicle benefits from the advanced armor used on M1 Abrams tanks, offering significant resilience against projectile attacks and explosives.

One of the main capabilities of the M1150 is its mine-clearing system. Once launched in front of the vehicle on a minefield, the vehicle can deploy an explosive mat, which is detonated remotely, creating a secure path for following units. This feature is crucial for operations in heavily mined areas or for establishing passages through obstacle barrages during assaults.

The role of the M1150 in modern operations is crucial. Facilitating the rapid and secure movement of ground forces through natural and man-made obstacles enables essential tactical mobility in the modern theater of war.

These two vehicles join the AMX-10RC, Leopard 2A6, M2A2 ODS-SA Bradley, CV90, and other equipment such as the Mastiff presented by the Russian.

Western Vehicles alleged to be presented as Spoils of war during the Victory parade in Moscou (Picture source OSINT )

Defense News April 2024