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UkrOboronProm unveiled T-64-based Infantry Fighting Vehicle prototype

Military Defense Industry Technology - UkrOboronProm T-64 IFV

UkrOboronProm unveiled T-64-based Infantry Fighting Vehicle prototype

Ukrainian company UkroBoronProm is restarting the development of a heavy infantry fighting vehicle based on the T-64 MBT chassis.eNow the firm has resumed development of the heavy IFV in order to ready the design for serial production. According to Ukroboronprom, this work could be completed in time to start mass production before the end of the year.

UkroBoronProm T-64 Infantry Fighting Vehicle prototype

Instead of the 125 mm armed main turret of the T-64, a new IFV turret has been added to the vehicle. Boasting an impressive amount of firepower, the original prototype features a turret armed with a ZTM-1 30 mm automatic cannon and a 7.62 mm machine gun. Two anti-tank missiles are mounted on the left-hand side of the turret, while two banks of three grenade launchers are attached on the front of the turret. In addition, the commander's hatch on the roof of the turret features a cupola armed with a twin GSh-23 mm cannon and a 30 mm automatic grenade launcher.

The T-64 IFVs armour protection has also been increased with the incorporation of Nozh ('Knife') advanced dynamic protection system (explosive reactive armour - ERA), although a defensive aid suite (DAS) was not known to have been installed on the original prototype.

Ukraine is restarting the development of a heavy infantry fighting vehicle based on the T-64 MBT chassis. Ukroboronprom hopes to be ready to begin serial production of the IFV, if ordered by Ukraine, this year.

Ukraine has suffered massive losses among its armoured vehicle inventories. While exact numbers are hard to pin down, it has likely lost at least 150 MBTs and a further 350 IFVs of various types during the conflict.

The T-64-based IFV is understood to weigh around 34.5 tonnes, well over double the weight of the 14.3 tonne BMP-2 and more akin to the 32.7 tonne weight of the US Army's Bradley M2A3 IFV.