Ukrainian forces take down Russia's rare armored carrier near Bakhmut

Ukrainian soldiers have successfully destroyed a BTR-MD Rakushka, one of the rarest armoured personnel carriers deployed by Russian forces at the front. We delve into the capabilities and specifications of this vehicle.

According to social media reports, the destruction of the BTR-MD Rakushka was carried out by the 225th Separate Assault Battalion of the Ukrainian army. This event occurred in the Donetsk region, near Bakhmut.

The footage shared online shows the BTR-MD Rakushka engulfed in flames. The video does not capture the moment of the attack, which happened shortly before. War observers note that improvised kamikaze drones are likely to have been used in this instance.

These small commercial drones, outfitted with explosive devices, are frequently utilized by both sides in the conflict and pose a significant threat to older, less armoured vehicles. Occasionally, such drones have successfully destroyed more modern and heavily armoured targets, including Russian T-72B3 and T-90M tanks.

The BTR-MD Rakushka armoured personnel carriers have been part of the Russian airborne force's arsenal since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, although they are infrequently seen on the front. The Military Balance 2023 report reveals that the invading forces use fewer than 100 vehicles.

With tracked propulsion and a 450-horsepower engine, this amphibious armoured personnel carrier can reach up to 50 km/h (around 31 mph) on roads and 10 km/h (approximately 6 mph) in water. Weighing around 14.3 tons, it can transport a crew and several paratroopers and is equipped with two 7.62 mm machine guns. There's also an option to mount a 30 mm grenade launcher.

The BTR-MD Rakushka's armour provides limited protection and can withstand gunfire and shrapnel from shell blasts. Hence, it is vulnerable not just to attacks from heavily armed vehicles but can also be destroyed by landmines or, as demonstrated by the Ukrainians, drone strikes.