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Russians have begun installing wooden armor on MT-LB AFVs.
Amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russian forces are turning to improvised methods to increase the protection of their armored vehicles. One of the latest examples of this is the modification of MT-LB armored personnel carriers, which are being reinforced with wooden logs placed over the vehicle’s main armor.
This move appears to be an attempt to address the growing threat posed by modern anti-tank weapons, but its effectiveness remains limited.
The MT-LB is a versatile armored vehicle known for its mobility, but it provides relatively weak protection against modern anti-tank projectiles and missiles. In response, the Russians have turned to adding wooden logs on top of the vehicle’s existing armor to offer additional protection against some of the most common threats on the battlefield.
However, the addition of wooden elements to the vehicle is a highly improvised solution that cannot compete with modern technological standards for armor.
These wooden panels may provide some limited protection against shrapnel and smaller caliber weapons such as rifles or pistols, but they are almost useless against more powerful anti-tank weapons like ATGMs [Anti-Tank Guided Missiles] or HEAT [High-Explosive Anti-Tank] warheads.
These projectiles, which utilize high kinetic energy or explosive charges to penetrate armor, will easily pass through the wood and strike the vehicle’s main armor. This raises the question: what exactly does the wooden armor offer?
Beyond its tactical purpose, the addition of wooden logs might have a psychological effect on the crew. In high-danger environments, the mere perception that the vehicle is “better protected” could improve the morale of soldiers, even though this feeling is largely illusory.
However, these psychological benefits are short-lived and do not address the fundamental issues related to the vehicle’s combat effectiveness.
One of the main drawbacks of improvised wooden armor is the added weight. The MT-LB was designed with an emphasis on lightness and mobility, which are crucial advantages in modern warfare.
Every additional kilogram reduces the vehicle’s maneuverability, making it slower and more vulnerable to air strikes or artillery fire. Heavier vehicles tend to move more slowly and are less responsive in tight or congested combat environments.
Moreover, the added weight not only reduces maneuverability but also increases the strain on the vehicle’s mechanical components, such as the engine and transmission. This can lead to faster wear and tear, reducing the vehicle’s operational range, which is critical for its use in the field.
Despite all its shortcomings, wooden armor might offer some protection against FPV [First-Person View] explosive devices. In the event of a side attack by such devices, the wood might mitigate some of the explosive effects, reducing the damage to the vehicle’s main armor.
However, this protection is temporary and applies only in specific scenarios—it cannot be extended to the broader range of modern anti-tank weapons the MT-LB faces.
The wooden armor on the MT-LB is an example of improvised efforts to cope with limited resources in a wartime environment. While it may provide some protection against shrapnel and smaller weapons, it is largely ineffective against the modern threats these vehicles face.
Ultimately, this solution cannot compete with the advanced anti-tank weapons dominating the battlefield today. Improvised protection methods like this may offer temporary relief, but they do not solve the fundamental challenges faced by Russian forces in Ukraine.
This strategy underscores the need for innovations in armor technology and new solutions for modernizing combat vehicles if Russia and other armies are to address the escalating threats on the contemporary battlefield.
The MT-LB is a Soviet-designed armored personnel carrier [APC] that has been in service since the early 1960s. It was primarily developed to transport troops across various terrains while providing some protection from small arms fire and shrapnel.
The vehicle’s versatility, relatively low cost, and capability to carry various loads made it a staple in Soviet and later Russian and other former Eastern Bloc armies. The MT-LB is built on a tracked chassis, allowing it to navigate challenging environments like swamps, snow, and rugged terrain where wheeled vehicles would struggle.
The vehicle is powered by a diesel engine and is capable of carrying up to 11 personnel, including the driver and gunner. Its compact size and mobility make it suitable for a range of roles, including reconnaissance, command and control, and even as a platform for specialized equipment
Over time, several different models and variations of the MT-LB have been produced to serve different operational needs. The original MT-LB variant was a basic personnel carrier, but it soon evolved into a series of specialized versions.
Some of these models include the MT-LBUB [universal bridging], which is equipped with a bridge-laying system for crossing obstacles; the MT-LB-S, a command vehicle with additional communications and processing equipment; and the MT-LB with a mounted anti-aircraft system, such as the 2K12 Kub missile system or the ZU-23-2 autocannon.
The APC can also be adapted to carry a variety of weapons, including recoilless rifles, machine guns, and anti-tank-guided missiles. This modularity has allowed the MT-LB to be used in numerous combat scenarios over its decades of service.
In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the MT-LB has continued to play an important role, despite its age. While more modern armored vehicles like the BTR-80, BMP-2, and heavier tanks have often taken the spotlight, the MT-LB remains a versatile and valuable asset.
The vehicle is typically used in support roles, providing troop transport in contested areas and acting as a mobile platform for fire support. Its light armor makes it vulnerable to modern anti-tank weapons, but its speed, agility, and smaller profile give it an advantage in certain operational environments.
Russian forces have used MT-LBs in a variety of capacities in the conflict, from transporting infantry in urban and rural settings to serving as mobile command posts and reconnaissance units. They are often found in roles where heavier vehicles are less practical or when maneuverability is crucial.
In addition to their primary combat roles, MT-LBs have also been adapted to function as medical evacuation vehicles, especially in situations where more heavily armored ambulances are unavailable or impractical. These modified versions typically carry stretchers and medical personnel to assist in the evacuation of casualties from the front lines.
Due to their versatility, MT-LBs are also used to transport heavy weapons and equipment in rear areas, providing logistical support to frontline units. In some cases, they have been seen towing artillery pieces, mortars, and other heavy equipment.
As the war in Ukraine has progressed, the MT-LB’s age and relatively thin armor have become more apparent, particularly when confronted with advanced anti-tank systems such as the Javelin missile or modern artillery.
The vehicle’s armor, designed to withstand small arms fire and shrapnel, is not sufficient to protect against contemporary tank and missile threats. However, its low profile, speed, and ability to operate in rough terrain make it a valuable tool in certain situations.
While Russian forces have attempted to mitigate the vulnerability of the MT-LB by deploying it in less exposed positions or in support of heavier armored units, it remains susceptible to modern anti-tank weapons, and its survival on the front lines often depends on tactics and support from other vehicles.
The MT-LB has also been pressed into service by Ukrainian forces, who have captured and repurposed these vehicles for their own needs. Ukrainian military engineers have often modified captured MT-LBs for various roles, including combat engineering, reconnaissance, and troop transport.
In some instances, Ukrainian forces have used these vehicles in conjunction with modern anti-tank weapons, adapting them to the current tactical situation and utilizing them as part of a broader strategy of mobility and rapid response.
Overall, the MT-LB continues to be a workhorse on the battlefield, albeit with limitations compared to newer vehicles. Its role in the ongoing conflict highlights its adaptability and the enduring relevance of older equipment in modern warfare.
While its vulnerability to more advanced weaponry is a significant drawback, the MT-LB’s speed, versatility, and ability to operate in challenging environments ensure it remains an important asset for both Russian and Ukrainian forces in the conflict.
The ongoing use of MT-LBs in the war underscores the broader trend of repurposing older military vehicles in a rapidly evolving battlefield environment where speed, agility, and adaptability are key to success.
BULGARIAN MILITARY