Russia repurposes Chinese ATVs for air defense following $6.81 Billion losses in Ukraine.

On June 25, 2024, several Russian media reported that the 56th Airborne Assault Regiment of the Russian Airborne Forces had converted a Chinese Desertcross 1000-3 all-terrain vehicle (ATV) into a light air defense vehicle amid significant losses of air defense systems in the Ukraine conflict. This homemade anti-aircraft system, equipped with a pair of 7.62mm PKT machine guns, joins a historical series of air defense systems utilizing light and heavy machine guns for mobile defense against aerial threats.
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The 56th Airborne Assault Regiment of the Russian Airborne Forces had converted a Chinese Desertcross 1000-3 all-terrain vehicle (ATV) into a light air defense vehicle amid significant losses of air defense systems in the Ukraine conflict, valued at least at $6.81 billion. (Picture source: Russian media)

The need for such modifications arises from significant losses Russia has faced in its air defense vehicles during the conflict in Ukraine, primarily due to FPV drone attacks. Documented losses include 14 Pantsir-S1 systems, each valued at approximately $15 million, totaling $210 million. Additionally, 11 Tor-M2 systems, costing around $25 million each, have resulted in a $275 million loss. The destruction of 22 Buk-M1/2 systems, priced at $20 million each, has added $440 million to the overall losses. Three Buk-M3 systems, valued at $35 million each, accounted for another $105 million loss. The highest individual losses were in the S-300 systems, with 42 units lost, each costing about $115 million, totaling $4.83 billion. Other losses include one S-350 at $150 million and one S-400 at $300 million. Smaller losses include four ZSU-23-4 Shilka systems at $1 million each ($4 million), five Tunguska systems at $16 million each ($80 million), five Strela-10 systems at $500,000 each ($2.5 million), 12 Osa systems at $5 million each ($60 million), 13 Tor systems at $25 million each ($325 million), and eight Buk-M2 systems at $30 million each ($240 million). Altogether, these losses amount to approximately $6.81 billion.

The Russian paratroopers' adaptation of the Desertcross 1000-3, with two 7.62mm PKT light machine guns mounted on the vehicle, also draws a historical parallel to the US M16 MGMC anti-aircraft gun from World War II, which used four 12.7 mm M2 heavy machine guns mounted on an M3 semi-track carriage. However, modern fighter jets, which fly at higher speeds and altitudes than World War II propeller planes, make traditional machine guns less effective. Modern anti-aircraft efforts typically employ rocket-type weapons. For countering 4-rotor FPV drones, which operate at lower altitudes and speeds, machine guns or even hunting shotguns can be effective, provided the drone is visually detected.

Historically, various anti-aircraft defense vehicles have utilized light and heavy machine guns to combat low-flying aircraft and lightly armored ground targets. During World War II, the United States developed the M13 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage (MGMC) in 1942, based on a half-track chassis. It mounted two .50 caliber Browning M2 heavy machine guns on a powered turret, offering rapid and mobile anti-aircraft fire. An improved version, the M16 MGMC, featured four .50 caliber Browning M2 machine guns in a quad mount, enhancing its firepower. The M16 became the standard U.S. mobile anti-aircraft weapon and saw extensive use in both World War II and the Korean War.

In Germany, vehicles like the Sd.Kfz. 10/4 and Sd.Kfz. 6/2 were employed during the same period. The Sd.Kfz. 10/4 was a half-track equipped with a 20mm FlaK 30 anti-aircraft gun, while the Sd.Kfz. 6/2 mounted a larger 37mm FlaK 36 gun. These vehicles provided essential protection for ground units from air attacks throughout the war.

The Russian paratroopers' adaptation of the Desertcross 1000-3, with two 7.62mm PKT light machine guns mounted on the vehicle, also draws a historical parallel to the US M16 MGMC anti-aircraft gun from World War II, which used four 12.7 mm M2 heavy machine guns mounted on an M3 semi-track carriage. (Picture source: Russian media)

The Cold War era saw significant advancements in such anti-aircraft defense vehicles. The Soviet ZSU-23-4 Shilka, introduced in 1964, was an effective self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon. It featured four 23mm 2A7 autocannons capable of firing up to 1,000 rounds per minute, mounted on a tracked chassis. The Shilka was equipped with radar and fire control systems, making it effective against low-flying aircraft. It was widely used by the Warsaw Pact and allied nations and remains in limited service today. Another notable Soviet development was the ZPU series, including the ZPU-1, ZPU-2, and ZPU-4, introduced in 1949. These towed anti-aircraft systems could be mounted on various vehicles for increased mobility. The ZPU-4, in particular, featured four 14.5mm KPV heavy machine guns and saw widespread use in numerous conflicts for its effectiveness against both air and ground targets. Similarly, the BTR-40A was an anti-aircraft variant of the Soviet BTR-40 armored personnel carrier, equipped with a twin-mounted 14.5mm KPV machine gun turret, providing mobile anti-aircraft support during the Cold War.

On November 10, 2023, Army Recognition reported that Russia had purchased over 2,100 Desertcross 1000-3 all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) from China. The Russian Army currently holds 537 of these vehicles, with an additional 1,590 units expected by early 2024. Manufactured by Odes Industries, these UTVs are being adapted for Russian conditions with modifications such as heaters, enhanced cabin comfort, and reinforced bumpers. Priced between 1.58 million rubles ($17,141.31) and 2.1 million rubles ($22,782.75), the Desertcross 1000-3 has become a significant part of the Russian military fleet in Ukraine.

The Desertcross 1000-3 UTV, designed for various military applications, boasts a load capacity of 550 kg and a weight of 1600 kg, accommodating three infantrymen. It features a gasoline 4-stroke, twin-cylinder engine with electronic fuel injection, producing 85-87 hp. Additional specifications include a variable-speed drive transmission, on-demand 2WD/4WD, front and rear locking differentials, and electronic power steering. It is equipped with a 4,500lb winch, a 12.7-gallon fuel tank, and a maximum speed of 80 km/h. Capable of fording water up to 0.4 m deep, it has a range of 250 km. Its dimensions are 3.34 m in length, 1.78 m in width, and 1.96 m in height, with a ground clearance of 0.32 m.