Ukraine Boosts M113 Armored Vehicle Repairs With Locally Made Parts

The Ukrainian Armed Forces' Logistics Command has ramped up repairs and restorations of M113 armored personnel carriers (APCs), thanks to the local production of spare parts, allowing for faster turnaround times without relying on foreign supplies, the Logistics Command reported on March 19.

One key development is that major overhauls are no longer confined to factories—they are now being carried out at military logistics bases, significantly speeding up the process of getting these vehicles back into combat.

At one of these bases, mechanic-driver Serhii, who has been in the army since April 2022, described the importance of rigorous testing before the vehicles return to the battlefield.

“The machine needs to be thoroughly tested in the workshop so that any issues can be fixed immediately. If a problem surfaces, it should happen here, near us, rather than out there on the front line. Evacuating damaged vehicles from the combat zone is complicated and dangerous,” he explained.

The M113 is valued for its speed, ease of repair, and maneuverability, reaching up to 35 mph (56 km/h) on rough terrain. It also features an automatic transmission, a major advantage over older Soviet-era vehicles.

With FPV drones and Russian artillery posing constant threats, skilled operation of the M113 has become crucial for troop survival. Serhii noted that in high-risk zones, speed and agility are as important as armor, making the vehicle a vital asset.

However, he pointed out that the M113’s ground clearance is slightly low for Ukraine’s soil and clay-heavy terrain, which is why engineers are experimenting with alternative tracks, including those from BMP-1 and BMP-2 vehicles, to improve traction and mobility.

“These vehicles were originally designed for sandy terrain, but Ukrainian conditions require different adaptations. We’re testing new track options, and in some cases, they provide a real advantage,” Serhii added.

Read more

Category

War in Ukraine

All American Weapons Powering Ukraine’s Fight Against Russia

Dec 03, 2024 11:25

The M113’s aluminum armor is superior to that of Ukraine’s older BMPs, withstanding 12.7 mm caliber rounds. To further protect against drone strikes, Ukrainian forces weld on anti-drone cages and install additional mesh armor.

On the battlefield, M113s serve as both troop carriers and medical evacuation vehicles, offering greater space and comfort than Soviet-era models.

“You can stand upright and fire on the move, transport four stretchers with wounded soldiers, or carry 7-8 troops in full gear, including body armor, helmets, weapons, and supplies for several days,” Serhiy explained.

Previously stored away after the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, many M113s would have rusted in depots if not for their revitalization in Ukraine.

“Here on the frontlines of Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Luhansk, these machines have been given a new purpose. They’ve proven themselves in battle. The engineers who designed them should be proud of their work,” Serhii said.

Earlier, Ukrainian forces repelled an attempted counterattack by Russian troops in the Kotlyne area of the Donetsk region, during which a captured American-made M113 armored personnel carrier (APC) was destroyed.

The attack was carried out on a mined road under Ukrainian drone surveillance, resulting in the elimination of Russian personnel and the destruction of multiple armored vehicles, including a Russian BTR-82A.