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Russia Deploys Ultra-Rare T-80-Based “Ladoga” Armored Vehicle, Built for Nuclear Warfare
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
A rare Russian armored vehicle known as “Ladoga” has been observed on one of the frontline sectors. According to the defense resource BTVT.INFO, the vehicle was originally designed to operate in areas contaminated by radiation, chemical, or biological agents.
The vehicle was developed in 1982 at the Transmash Special Design Bureau and built on the chassis of the T-80 tank. It is powered by a GTD-1250 gas turbine engine with 1,250 horsepower, created by the Klimov Design Bureau.
The engine is equipped with a unique compressed-air dust-blowing system that enables quick decontamination after operating in contaminated zones.
“Ladoga” has a crew of two and was originally configured to carry four additional personnel, though reports suggest the number of seats may have been increased following modifications.
Analysts note that due to a shortage of armored vehicles, Russian forces may have converted the platform into an armored personnel carrier to maximize protection for transporting troops.
The machine includes an additional 18 kW gas-turbine power unit, located at the rear above the left track guard, which supplies electricity to onboard systems while stationary.
For crew survival, an air supply system is installed using cylinders in the rear compartment, allowing operation without the standard filtration-ventilation system. The interior is also lined with neutron-protective elements.
Very unique Russian VTS “Ladoga”, military transport vehicle, targeted by FPV drone on the frontline.
— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 27, 2024
It is known that no more than 4-5 similar machines were produced, including a prototype for testing. The Ladoga was built on the basis of the T-80 tank chassis. Designed to… pic.twitter.com/3HL53vHagr
Only about four of these machines were built in the Soviet Union, making the appearance of such a vehicle on the battlefield unusual. Ukrainian forces had previously struck a similar unit with FPV drones in March 2024, though it remains unclear whether the vehicle recently spotted is the same one or a different example.
Earlier in August, military analyst Richard Vereker reported that Russia has increasingly deployed vintage T-62 tanks to frontline positions as newer models are pulled back into reserve.
