From collector's item to frontline vehicle: 60‑year-old Polish BRDM-2 spotted in Ukraine

Images of the Polish armored reconnaissance vehicle, the BRDM-2, have surfaced from Ukraine. Its presence in Ukraine could be due to an arms support package, or a purchase from the private market where demobilized BRDM-2s are frequently sold to collectors. An individual or group could have bought or received it as a donation, taking it back into combat, much like what happened with the Weasel recently.

It's important to note that while current BRDM-2 reconaissance vehicles are extremely outdated, they are still preferable to an unarmored off-road vehicle. Even a seemingly antiquated armored BRDM-2 capable of river-crossing makes a better choice for transporting the wounded, especially as the supply of newer transporters like the KTO Rosomak falls short of demand.

The Ukrainians utilize the BRDM-2 in numerous models, from basic versions to even anti-tank configurations equipped with modern anti-tank missiles. It's plausible that, like the Russian models, some Polish machines merely act as a reservoir of spare parts for these upgraded models.

From a structural viewpoint, the BRDM-2 is a 7-ton reconnaissance vehicle with 4x4 drive, capable of reaching speeds of up to 62 mph and traversing water obstacles (at a swimming speed of up to 6 mph). First produced in the 1960s, its steel armor provides minimal protection, only effectively shielding against handheld weapons such as AK family rifles and shrapnel from mortar shells.

These vehicles also fall short in their detection capabilities, like a lack of thermovision, especially when compared to other reconnaissance vehicles like the Dutch Fennek or French AMX-10s which also possess considerable firepower for this class of vehicle.