Ukrainian forces make old M113s work in modern warfare

The M113 armored personnel carriers were designed in the 1950s and saw extensive use by the United States Army during the Vietnam War. They have also been adopted by the militaries of many countries now allies of Ukraine. As a result, Kyiv has received several hundred M113 armored personnel carriers, making them one of the most numerous Western vehicles in the Ukrainian army.

Ukrainians primarily use the M113 armored personnel carriers to transport soldiers and equipment and evacuate the wounded from the battlefield. The interior of this vehicle can hold up to 11 people, in addition to a crew of two.

Members of the Ukrainian M113 crew point out that the vehicle's advantages include good off-road capabilities and a high maximum speed. Its designers equipped it with a 275 HP engine, which, according to official specifications, allows for up to 40 mph speeds. However, one Ukrainian claims these vehicles can reach up to 47 mph. Another advantage is their amphibious capability, which allows them to cross water bodies.

While the armor does not provide high protection, this is a drawback attributable to the vehicle's age. Among the M113's drawbacks, Ukrainians primarily mention the very loud engine noise and frequent breakdowns related to the tracks and engine components.

Nonetheless, these vehicles are relatively simple in construction, allowing some issues to be quickly repaired if spare parts are available. Other Ukrainian soldiers have similarly noted that the American carriers share some design features with popular grain harvesters. As a result, many Ukrainian mechanics have quickly learned to repair the M113s, even without prior experience with military equipment.