Strazh new Ukrainian BMPT fire support vehicle based on T-64 MBT.

During the Arms and Security 2017, a defense Exhibition which was held in Ukraine, the Ukrainian Company Zhytomyr Armored Plant has unveiled a new fire support vehicle called Strazh, Sentinel in English. The design of the vehicle seems very similar to the Russian BMPT Terminator 1, using a T-64 main battle tank chassis with a new weapon station mounted in the center of the hull.

Ukrainian BMPT Strazh fire support vehicle at Arms and Security 2017 in Kiev, Ukraine.

The Strazh is based on the tracked chassis of the T-64 Main Battle Tank (MBT) that was designed in Kharkiv, Ukraine, as the next-generation main battle tank by Alexander A. Morozov, the designer of the T-54 (MBT).

The Strazh as the Russian BMPT offers more protection against modern threats as Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) and Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs), compared to standard BMP-1 or BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). These type of vehicle can be used as fire support for tank and infantry units.

The original turret of the T-64 is removed and replaced by the weapon station "Doublet" based on the BMP-2 IFV turret. The turret is armed with two ZTM-2 30mm automatic cannons, an Ukrainian version o the Soviet-made 2A42. Between the two cannons, there is also two PKT 7.62mm machine gun. Second armament includes four anti-tank guided missile launchers "Konkurs" or "Barrier 212", two mounted on each side of the roof turret. A 30mm automatic grenade launcher AG-17 is mounted in the center on the top of the turret.

Close view of the Strazh turret.

The Strazh has a crew of three with the driver at the front the hull in the centre and is provided with a single-piece hatch cover and three day periscopes for forward observation. There is two soldiers at the front of the turret, each with a single hatch. The top of the turret is fitted with video monitor, electronic module and laser range finder. Three smoke-grenade discharger are mounted on each side at the front of the turret.

The Strash is equipped with ERA (Explosive Reactive Armour) at the front and on each side of the hull.

According to members of Zhytomyr Armored Plant Company, first trial test of the Strazh could started in the next few weeks by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence and first vehicles could be delivered in 2018.

Front and each side of the Strazh hull are fitetd with ERA (Explosive Reactive Armour)