Nakhalyonok and Ratibor: Russian Troops in Pridnestrovie Produce Homemade Armored Vehicles

Russian forces stationed in the self-proclaimed Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR) have developed and deployed three improvised armored vehicles.

According to the Telegram channel First Division, which monitors military equipment, the vehicles were named Luntik, Nakhalyonok, and Ratibor.

Luntik is based on the civilian LuAZ-969, commonly known as the Volynyaka. It is not derived from the military LuAZ TP front-end transporter.

The vehicle is armed with an AGS-17 30 mm automatic grenade launcher and a 9K11 Fagot anti-tank missile system. A mount for a PK machine gun is located at the front.

Nakhalyonok and Ratibor models are both homemade armored vehicles constructed on URAL military truck chassis.

Ratibor features an armored capsule with a V-shaped bottom, though its effectiveness against mines is questionable. The capsule is fitted with a turret from a BTR-70 armored personnel carrier, mounting a 14.5 mm KPVT heavy machine gun.

Due to ammunition shortages, BTR-70s in service with both PMR forces and Russian units in the region are sometimes equipped instead with 12.7 mm NSV machine guns.

The cabin includes additional armor plating on the roof, doors, and hood, and is outfitted with a cage-style anti-drone shield that provides full coverage around the turret and armored compartment.

Nakhalyonok has a monocoque armored design with a fully enclosed cabin. The driver and navigator compartments are accessed through hinged hatches; no side doors are visible, suggesting entry may be possible only via a hatch or through the troop compartment.

Firing ports are also visible along the sides.

The vehicle’s front, sides, and roof are covered with cage armor designed to counter drones. The turret, also adapted from a BTR-70, is protected on all sides.

Unlike Ratibor, it appears to be fitted with twin machine guns, likely NSVs instead of KPVs.

In August 2024, Militarnyi reported that PMR forces had begun equipping T-64BV tanks with similar anti-drone cages.