Polish firm revamps soviet-era BTR‑70s for Ukrainian defense
The Polish company MISTA, located in Stalowa Wola, has refurbished over 150 units of BTR-70 transporters. It is unknown where these vehicles originate from, but the end user is most likely the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Let's explore their characteristics and the modifications they have undergone.
MISTA, recognized 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.
The origins of these vehicles are uncertain, but they most likely came from Hungary and/or Romania, countries that are transitioning from Soviet-era equipment to NATO gear. These nations still possess several hundred transporters from this family in their inventories, including licensed versions like the TAB-77.
The Polish modernization effort sought to upgrade the base models to a standard similar to the Ukrainian BTR-70DI. This included replacing the gasoline engine and gearbox with a more powerful diesel engine, installing thermal imaging sights, and equipping them with 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 dates back to the 1970s, its steel armor, up to 0.35 inches thick, provides protection against artillery shrapnel and handheld firearms loaded with standard ammunition. This level of protection is a significant advantage over improvisations or civilian vehicles.
For Ukraine, every armored vehicle is highly valuable, and moving in an eight-wheeled armored transporter equipped with a more powerful, factory-installed drone jammer offers significantly increased safety in frontline zones.
Furthermore, modifications such as the diesel engine allow for fuel standardization with other vehicles, and a thermal imaging sight aids in detecting adversaries earlier. The BTR crew consists of three members, and it can carry up to seven soldiers.
It's worth noting that the armament is not particularly strong, consisting only of a heavy machine gun: a KPV caliber 14.5x114 mm or a DShK caliber 12.7x108 mm, along with a PKT 7.62x54R mm. However, this is sufficient for self-defense for this "frontline taxi."
