Colonel Vladyslav Voloshyn, head of the General Directorate of Innovation for the Ukrainian military, announced on August 21 that this project involves integrating a remote-controlled combat module with automatic weapons of 12,7 mm caliber or larger into the BRDM-2 armored reconnaissance vehicle.
The vehicle will feature mine protection under the chassis, anti-fragment armor on its body, run-flat tires, and a redundant remote control system. It can be operated from a distance of up to 1,000 km, effectively transforming it into a long-range combat robot.
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Ukraine's BRDM-2M armored vehicle in an image released on June 4. Photo: Defense Express |
The BRDM-2 is slated to receive a more powerful imported diesel engine, with General Motors and Mercedes identified as potential suppliers, replacing its original Soviet-era GAZ gasoline engine. Additionally, Ukrainian engineers plan to install an automatic transmission in the BRDM-2.
The remote-controlled BRDM-2 armored vehicle will include cameras to assist the operator with navigation. It will also utilize satellite data connectivity to support its new operational mode.
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Inside the BRDM-2M armored vehicle compartment in an image released on June 4. Photo: Defense Express |
"With this configuration, the BRDM-2 can attack Russian positions on the front line that are difficult for Ukrainian soldiers to reach by land, as well as participate in fire control and support our defensive lines," Colonel Voloshyn stated. He added, "This project helps leverage Ukraine's large existing stock of BRDM-2 vehicles instead of building entirely new ones."
Ukraine previously showcased a remote-controlled BRDM-2M model at a Demo Day event in June. This vehicle featured an MBU-1 turret equipped with an M2 12,7 mm machine gun and an active anti-drone system. Colonel Voloshyn indicated that the Ukrainian military is preparing to deploy the BRDM-2M to the front lines, though he did not specify a timeline.
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Remote-controlled turret and anti-drone net attachment on the BRDM-2M armored vehicle in an image released on June 4. Photo: Defense Express |
The Soviet Union developed the amphibious reconnaissance armored vehicle BRDM-2 to replace the BRDM-1 model. The BRDM-1 had significant limitations, including lacking a turret, which exposed the gunner to enemy fire, and not possessing chemical, biological, and radiological defense equipment or specialized sights, thus limiting its reconnaissance capabilities.
The BRDM-2 was manufactured in the Soviet Union from 1962 to 1989, with approximately 7,200 units produced. The vehicle was equipped with a KPVT 14,5 mm heavy machine gun, a 7,62 mm coaxial machine gun, had an operational range of 750 km, a maximum road speed of 100 km/h, and a water speed of 10 km/h.
Nguyen Tien (According to War Zone, Defense Blog, Reuters)
