Belarusian army evaluates new Volat V2 armored personnel carrier.

The Belarusian Army is currently evaluating the new Volat V2 (MZKT-690003) armored personnel carrier, a modern four-axle combat vehicle developed at the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (MZKT). It was showcased as a significant element at the MILEX-2021 military-technical exhibition in Minsk, highlighting the achievements of the Belarusian defense industry. This vehicle represents an initiative by MZKT to venture into full-fledged armored vehicles, leveraging their experience in developing automotive and special chassis.
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Belarusian Volat V2 (MZKT-690003) armored personnel carrier (Picture source: Vitaly V.Kuzmin)

The Belarusian Army is testing the Volat V2 (MZKT-690003), an armored personnel carrier designed by the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (MZKT), presented at the MILEX-2021 exhibition.

The Volat V2 is built with a traditional layout, featuring a front engine and control compartment, followed by a combat compartment and a rear troop area. Its armor meets the Br4 class standard, offering protection against automatic gunfire and STANAG 4569 level 2a/2b mine protection. Powered by a 550 horsepower WP13.550A0 diesel engine and a six-speed hydromechanical gearbox, the V2 boasts a comprehensive drivetrain with all-wheel drive and differential locking capabilities.

Equipped with an independent hydropneumatic suspension and tubeless tires with Run-Flat inserts, the V2 can accommodate up to three crew members and eight soldiers. The vehicle is equipped with day and night observation devices, video surveillance, and a filtration unit for operations in hostile environments. The V2's armament includes a 30mm cannon, a 7.62mm PKT machine gun, anti-tank missiles, and Tucha grenade launchers, with the potential for different weapon configurations in future upgrades.

Weighing 19.9 tons, the V2 can reach speeds of 110 km/h on land and 10 km/h on water and is capable of driving on flat tires at reduced speeds. Its design allows for future modernizations, potentially increasing its weight to 24 tons, impacting its amphibious capabilities.

The V2 is seen as a potential replacement for the aging BTR-70, BTR-80, BMP-1, and BMP-2 vehicles in the Belarusian Army. Despite its promise, the large-scale adoption and rearmament with the Volat V2 present significant technical, organizational, and financial challenges, especially given the large number of obsolete vehicles in service. It is anticipated that the V2 will find a place in the Belarusian Army but won't immediately replace all existing models.