Soviet BTR-60s in storage can be turned into mobile air defense systems if equipped with ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns. This proposal was put forward by the authors of the Telegram channel "Military Informant".
They recalled the experience of Iran, where some BTR-60PBs received ZU-23-2 with control drives and the ability to fire without leaving the armored volume.
This was done in order to improve the BTR-60PB as an APC for the battlefield. But in our time, this solution no longer looks like an adequate APC, but as an interesting mobile anti-aircraft gun.
Analysts noted that thanks to increased cross-country ability and load capacity, such installations will not be so tied to the road network. Therefore, the number of potentially available positions will increase many times over.
Tactical and technical characteristics of ZU-23-2:
- Caliber — 23 mm
- Rate of fire — 2000 rounds/min
- Firing range — 1.5 km in height
- Crew — 6 people
Meanwhile, the ZU-23-2 has undergone a major upgrade, and has gained the ability to hit ground targets and drones at any time of the day thanks to a thermal imager. The BTR-60 is the world's first mass-produced four-axle armored personnel carrier with an 8x8 wheel arrangement.
