The Volat V-2 Armoured Personnel Carrier: Advancements and Strategic Significance

Introduction to the Volat V-2

At the forefront of military vehicle innovation, the enhanced Belarusian Volat V-2 armoured personnel carrier (APC) made its debut at the MILEX-2025 International Exhibition of Arms and Military Equipment. This model, presented by the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (MZKT), represents a significant advancement in Belarus’s efforts to modernize its military capabilities.

Key Features and Enhancements

The Volat V-2 is not just a mere upgrade; it embodies a series of technological improvements that optimize its operational effectiveness:

• Armament and Combat Systems

  • The Volat V-2 is equipped with the Adunok-BM30.2 remote-controlled weapon module (RCWM), featuring:
  • A 30 mm 2A42 automatic cannon
  • A 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun
  • A twin-launch system capable of deploying missiles from the "Konkurs" and "Fagot" families
  • Highlighting its advanced targeting capabilities, the RCWM includes dual sights for both the commander and gunner, along with an automatic target tracking system. This allows for target detection at distances reaching 6.5 kilometers and precision engagement out to 4 kilometers.

• Structural Integrity and Mobility

  • Weighing in at 23.5 tonnes, the Volat V-2 features a classic design with the engine and drive train located at the front, allowing for optimal space utilization in the infantry compartment at the rear.
  • Powered by a Weichai WP 13.550 turbocharged diesel engine, outputting 560 hp, the vehicle boasts a maximum road speed of 110 km/h. Its hydropneumatic suspension provides enhanced mobility over uneven terrain.
  • The inclusion of a central tire inflation system and runflat tires enhances operational readiness in diverse environments. It can traverse vertical obstacles up to 0.5 meters, overcome ditches of up to 2 meters, and negotiate slopes of up to 35°.

• Amphibious Capabilities

  • The Volat V-2 excels in versatility with a fully amphibious design, enabling it to glide at 8 km/h in liquid through two rear-mounted waterjets.
• Protection and Survivability
  • Armor-wise, the vehicle adheres to STANAG 4569 Level 3 standards in the frontal arc, providing defense against 7.62×51 mm and 7.62×54R armor-piercing projectiles. All-around and top protection is rated at Level 2, safeguarding against 7.62×39 AP rounds and shrapnel from 155-mm artillery shells.
  • The enhanced double bottom construction significantly bolsters resistance against landmines, withstanding detonations from up to 6 kg of explosive materials under its wheels.

Operational Capacity

Designed for troop transport, the Volat V-2 can accommodate a total of 11 personnel—three crew members and eight dismounts. The vehicle is outfitted with energy-absorbing seats and safety belts, offering additional protection against explosive threats.

• Range and Logistics
  • Fitted with dual 220-litre fuel tanks, it realizes an impressive range of 900 kilometers at cruising speed, facilitating extended operational deployments without frequent refueling.

International Interest and Strategic Implications

The unveiling of the Volat V-2 has sparked considerable interest from various nations, including the Russian Federation, which recognizes the value of Belarusian innovation in defence technologies. This endorsement may pave the way for international collaborations and arms deals, further integrating Belarus into a network of regional and global military partnerships.

In summary, the Volat V-2 APC represents a potent blend of firepower, mobility, and protection, reinforcing Belarus’s military capabilities and serving as a potential asset to allied nations seeking modernized troop transport solutions. Its competitive features position it well within the context of contemporary military operations, addressing critical needs for mobility and survivability on the modern battlefield.