#

The BTR-50 First Appeared in 2023, and russia Still Deploys These Vehicles on the Battlefield

2846
Open source illustrative photo
Open source illustrative photo

As of today, based on available photos and videos, Ukraine’s Defense Forces have destroyed at least 10 russian BTR-50 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs)

New photos of BTR-50s used by russian occupying forces have surfaced online. These include the BTR-50PK combat vehicle equipped with a BPU-1 turret and the command variant BTR-50PU, which the russians likely use as a standard armored personnel carrier.

The photos were published by the social-lifestyle magazine Vodogray.

Read more: ​Why russians Never Take BTR-70 in Assault Missions and What an RPG Hit Does to Their Vehicles
BTR-50 IFV
BTR-50 IFV / Photo credit: Vodogray

Notably, these armored vehicles have been modified with anti-drone protection in the form of cage armor. According to the sources of these images, the modifications were carried out either late last year or early this year. It is most likely that the russians are deploying these vehicles in the Donetsk region.

BTR-50 IFV
BTR-50 IFV / Photo credit: Vodogray

The first reports of russia’s intent to use outdated Soviet-era BTR-50s on the battlefield surfaced nearly two years ago, in February 2023. At that time, initial images emerged showing the enemy transporting these armored personnel carriers to the front. The deployment of these obsolete vehicles sparked discussions about what else russia might bring out of its reserves.

In the spring of 2023, these vehicles reappeared in a video showing that russian forces had armed a BTR-50 with ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns.

In November 2023, Ukraine’s Defense Forces destroyed their first russian BTR-50. The 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade shared footage from the Avdiivka sector, showing destroyed russian armored vehicles, including a BTR-50.

Destroyed russian BTR-50 and damaged T-64BV
Destroyed russian BTR-50 and damaged T-64BV / Photo credit: the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade

Previously, Defense Express reported on why the russians avoid using BTR-70s in assaults and what happens to their BMPs when hit by grenades.

Read more: ​russians in Kursk Region Find Unusual Use for BTR-D APCs, Drowning Them to Create River Crossing