Polish firm revitalizes BTR‑70s for likely Ukrainian use
The Polish company MISTA from Stalowa Wola has refurbished over 150 BTR-70 transporters. It is unknown where these units originated, but the end user will most likely be the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Here, we present their characteristics and the modifications that have been made to them.
The Polish company MISTA from Stalowa Wola, known for producing and supplying armored vehicles to Ukraine such as the Oncilla, an improved version of the Ukrainian Dozor-B, has renovated and modernized over 150 BTR-70 armored transporters.
While the exact origin of these vehicles is unclear, they most likely came from Hungary and/or Romania, countries that are replacing Soviet-era equipment with NATO gear. These nations still have a substantial number of these transporters in their inventory, including licensed versions like the TAB-77.
The Polish modernization aimed to upgrade the basic versions to a standard similar to the Ukrainian BTR-70DI modernization. This involved replacing the gasoline engine and gearbox with a more powerful diesel engine, adding a thermal imaging sight, and using factory-installed drone jammers. Additionally, the side door armor was reinforced.
BTR-70: An old transporter that is still useful
Although the BTR-70 armored transporter was designed in the 1970s, its steel armor, which is up to 9 mm thick, provides protection against artillery shrapnel and handheld firearms loaded with standard ammunition, unlike improvised or civilian vehicles.
Currently, for Ukraine, every armored vehicle is highly valuable. The ability to travel in an eight-wheeled armored transporter with a more powerful factory-installed drone jammer is significantly safer in frontline zones.
Moreover, modifications like the diesel engine allow for fuel standardization with other vehicles, and a thermal imaging sight facilitates earlier detection of adversaries. The BTR crew consists of three members and can carry up to seven soldiers.
It's important to note that the armament is not exceptionally strong, comprising only a heavy machine gun KPV (calibre 14.5x114 mm) or DShK (calibre 12.7x108 mm) along with a PKT (7.62x54R mm). However, this is sufficient for self-defence for this "frontline taxi."
