Anna Hartz
Military observers have recently shared images showing a Russian amphibious transporter being modified for frontline use.
The photos, posted on X by OSINT analyst “The Dead District,” show a PTS-2 with a metal grate over the payload bay and rubber strips along the fuselage, reports WP. These appear to be added to reduce damage from shrapnel and shock waves.
Extra wiring is also visible at the front of the vehicle. Analysts suggest this might be an improvised defense against FPV drones, which could trigger the payload early.
Soviet-Era Vehicle
The PTS-2 is a Soviet-era tracked amphibious vehicle introduced in 1973. It was built using components from the T-64 tank. The vehicle weighs around 24 tons and can carry up to 20 tons of cargo on land or 12 tons in water. It can transport about 75 soldiers or light vehicles across difficult terrain.
The PTS-2 is powered by a 710-horsepower V-46-5 diesel engine. On land, it can reach speeds of 60 to 80 km/h, while in water it moves at about 13 km/h. Its operational range is roughly 500 km. The standard crew consists of two people. Its primary weapon is a 7.62 mm machine gun.
The vehicle was widely used by the Soviet Army and exported to countries including Poland, Iraq, Syria, and Egypt. After the collapse of the USSR, it remained in the arsenals of many former Soviet states. In recent years, some PTS-2s have been modified to adapt to modern combat conditions.
Weak Modern Infantry
Ukrainian military observers note that these modifications reflect Russia’s effort to make older vehicles more effective on the battlefield.
The metal grates and rubber strips are intended to protect against shrapnel and explosions, while the wiring may act as a countermeasure against small drones. The PTS-2 was not armored originally, so these improvised protections aim to increase its survivability.
The adaptation of the PTS-2 also shows how Russia is trying to address the weaknesses of modern infantry fighting vehicles. It demonstrates an attempt to blend a proven transport platform with newer defensive measures.
The modified PTS-2s suggest that older Soviet designs are still being actively adapted to meet the challenges of drone warfare and frontline operations today.
Sources: WP
