Russian Volunteers on Ukrainian Side Equipped with BTR-70 Featuring Parus Combat Module.

A BTR-70 armored personnel carrier equipped with the BM-7 "Parus" combat module has been observed in service with the "Russian Volunteer Corps" (RDK), according to a video shared by the Telegram channel "Vodogray." To recall, the "Russian Volunteer Corps" consists of fighters of Russian origin who have chosen to fight, not with Russia, but with Ukraine.
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The BTR-70 features the BM-7 "Parus" module without the anti-tank missile system launchers. (Picture source: Social Media)

The footage reveals that the BTR-70 is fitted with a hatch similar to that of the BTR-80. The Ukrainian defense industry had actively modernized the BTR-70 before the onset of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Many upgraded versions, such as the BTR-70M or BTR-70T, featured similar hatches to those of the BTR-80, suggesting that the vehicle in the video might be one of these variants.

This particular upgrade, as seen in the video, appears to be an unprecedented public appearance, indicating it could be a unique modification. The concept of installing a 30mm cannon on the BTR-70 is not new. Previous experiments included the BTR-7 (BTR-7DI), which was equipped with the "Ingul" combat module. Variants like the BTR-70M, indexed BTR-70-KBA-2 and BTR-70 "Grom", were also armed with 30mm cannons KBA-2 and ZTM respectively.

Interestingly, the observed BTR-70 features the BM-7 "Parus" module without the anti-tank missile system launchers. Notably, after the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war began, the "Parus" module was installed on an ersatz IFV based on the MT-LBU chassis.

The BM-7 "Parus" is a remotely controlled module with an externally mounted weapon system, allowing the operator and commander to remain inside the vehicle's hull. This module does not occupy internal space, making it adaptable for installation on various combat vehicles. The commander has a dedicated panoramic device for observation, target acquisition, and indication, known as the "Panorama-2P," along with a control panel for weapon management via the gunner's sighting instruments.

The "Parus" targeting and fire control system is managed by the "Trek-M" system. Its primary armament includes a 30mm automatic cannon ZTM, a 7.62mm machine gun, and a 30mm grenade launcher KBA-117. Additionally, the combat module can be equipped with the "Barrier" anti-tank missile system.

The modernization of the BTR-70 with the BM-7 "Parus" combat module demonstrates the Ukrainian defense industry's efforts to enhance the capabilities of its armored vehicles. Thus, the Russian volunteers have access to updated armored vehicles equipped with interesting technical capabilities, as they have already been seen during breakthroughs in Russia a few months ago.