Intense fighting in the Donetsk region of Ukraine has reached a new level of chaos, highlighted by bizarre incidents involving Russian armored personnel carriers (APCs).
Chrashes Into Each Other
Recent footage has emerged of Russian BTRs colliding with one another while attempting to escape swarms of Ukrainian FPV (First Person View) drones, leading to a chaotic scene on the battlefield.
In the recorded incident, a Russian BTR deployed smoke in an effort to shield itself from the drones, according to WP.
However, as panic ensued, one BTR crashed into another, becoming vulnerable to a flock of Ukrainian drones equipped with PG-7VL grenades, known for their ability to penetrate armor up to 500 mm thick.
This incident highlights the effectiveness of drone warfare in modern combat, particularly in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Replaced With Older Models
The BTR-82A, a significant model within the BTR family, was involved in the incident. First introduced in 2011, the BTR-82A features a powerful 300-horsepower engine and is armed with a 30 mm 2A72 cannon.
Despite its capabilities, Russian forces have been reportedly struggling with the quality of their weaponry, complicating their operational effectiveness.
As the conflict progresses, reports indicate a significant reduction in the availability of BTR-82A units due to heavy losses. '
Many of these APCs are being replaced with older models, like the BTR-60 and BTR-70, or even makeshift vehicles, including motorcycles and civilian golf carts.