The Armed Forces of Belarus have officially adopted the country’s first domestically developed armored personnel carrier (APC), in a move to reduce reliance on Russian-made systems.
Built by Belarusian company Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (MZKT), the Volat V2 APC is an 8×8 wheeled vehicle designed to transport troops and provide fire support during amphibious operations and special missions.
The indigenous platforms, designated as MZKT-690003-021, are intended to replace Belarus’ Soviet-era BTR-70, BTR-80, BMP-1, and BMP-2 military vehicles.
They recently completed state trials and are being showcased at the MILEX-2025 international defense exhibition in the country’s capital from May 21 to 24.
Features
The 24,500-kilogram (54,013 pounds) Volat V2 is built with enhanced firepower, survivability, and mobility.
It integrates the remote-controlled Adunok-CM30.2 combat module, featuring a 30mm automatic cannon, a coaxial 7.62mm PKT machine gun, four Konkurs anti-tank guided missiles, and six smoke grenades.
The vehicle accommodates a three-person crew, with space for eight soldiers.
Each V2 APC can withstand small arms fire, as well as blasts from anti-tank mines and improvised explosive devices.
Additionally, it comes with an automatic fire extinguisher, smoke exhaust, filter ventilation unit, drainage, video observation, and a self-recovery winch for improved crew protection and mobility in diverse conditions.
Equipped with an independent hydropneumatic suspension, automatic transmission, and a 550-horsepower engine, the V2 APC travels at a top speed of 110 kilometers (68 miles) per hour on the road, and 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) per hour on water.
