Belarus, Russia Develop BTR-60 Upgrade Project

A modernized BTR-60MB3 armored personnel carrier was unveiled in Belarus, featuring an updated chassis and enhanced firepower.

Footage of the vehicle was released by the Russian TV channel Zvezda.

The Belarusian 140th Repair Plant, in cooperation with an unnamed Russian defense enterprise, developed the BTR-60 modernization project, which, according to the report, is intended to meet the needs of foreign users of this vehicle.

“This vehicle was produced in the Soviet Union by the thousands and remains widely used around the world, especially in Africa and Asia. That’s why modernization was long overdue,” said Alexander Churyakov, director of the Belarusian plant.

BTR-60 has undergone significant upgrades, particularly in its powertrain. The original pair of gasoline engines has been replaced with two Belarusian-made D-245.12S diesel engines, delivering a combined 218 horsepower for improved performance and reliability.

The interior has also been modernized, featuring a redesigned troop compartment and the integration of advanced electronics. Notably, perimeter surveillance cameras have been installed, providing the driver with enhanced situational awareness via onboard display screens.

The Russian side was responsible for upgrading the vehicle’s armament. The turret was reconfigured to accommodate a rear-mounted bustle, and it was fitted with a commander’s panoramic sight equipped with a thermal imaging channel, as well as a similar thermal camera for the weapon operator.

The armament remains unchanged — a KPVT heavy machine gun paired with a 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun. Their operation has been automated, with controls routed to the commander’s console. At the same time, the system retains the option for manual operation if needed.

The machine gun module has been equipped with two-axis stabilization, allowing it to compensate for movement and recoil during firing and while the armored vehicle is in motion.

However, despite the integration of numerous high-cost systems, the vehicle still suffers from its key shortcomings — insufficient armor protection, limited ease of troop disembarkation, and an underpowered engine for a platform weighing around 10 tons.

The Ukrainian defense industry has partially addressed these issues through a relatively simple upgrade to the BTR-60D variant, which involved adding side doors between the second and third axles and installing new engines.

To learn more about the ‘mobilization’ upgrade of Ukrainian BTR-60s and compare them with the Russian-Belarusian project, read the article “Ukraine Unveils BTR-60D Modernization.”