Cold War Classic Reborn: Belarus and Russia Modernize BTR-60 Armored Vehicle

Belarus and Russia have jointly developed a modernization project for the Soviet-era BTR-60 armored personnel carrier, unveiling an upgraded version designated BTR-60MB3. The vehicle was presented in Belarus in early July 2025.

According to Militarnyi on July 7, the project was implemented by the Belarusian 140th Repair Plant in cooperation with an undisclosed Russian defense enterprise.

The upgrade is reportedly aimed at meeting the needs of foreign users of the legacy vehicle, which remains widespread in Africa and Asia.

The original gasoline-powered engine pair has been replaced with two Belarusian-made D-245 12S diesel engines, delivering a combined output of 218 horsepower.

The interior was redesigned to improve ergonomics for the crew and dismounted troops, including revised seating arrangements and the installation of modern electronics. Perimeter surveillance cameras now feed live visuals to monitors at the driver’s station.

Russia’s role in the project focused on the armament systems. The vehicle retains its primary weapons—a KPVT 14.5 mm heavy machine gun paired with a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun—but now features a remote control unit for the commander.

Manual control remains an option. The weapons module has been equipped with a two-axis stabilization system, improving fire accuracy while the vehicle is moving.

Additional modifications include a rebuilt turret with a new rear section housing observation systems. A panoramic commander’s sight with a thermal imaging channel and a similar system for the gunner were also added.

Despite these upgrades, the BTR-60MB3 still faces limitations due to its original design. Key drawbacks, including inadequate armor protection, poor troop dismount ergonomics, and limited engine power for its nearly 10-ton weight, remain unresolved.

The BTR-60 is a Soviet eight-wheeled armored personnel carrier first introduced in the 1960s. Thousands were produced and exported worldwide. Its baseline configuration lacks side doors, complicating troop deployment.

In Ukraine, engineers addressed this issue during a previous modernization effort—the BTR-60D variant—by adding side exits between the second and third axles and installing more powerful diesel engines.

Earlier, in May 2025, Belarus officially adopted the Volat V2 armored personnel carrier—its first fully indigenous combat vehicle developed by the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant. Designed to replace Soviet-era platforms, the 8×8 APC features a 560-horsepower engine, advanced protection systems, and the Adunok-BM30.2 remote weapon station.

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