Poland Modernizes Ukrainian BTR-70 APC with New Armor & Tech

Poland has launched a major initiative to modernize 150 Ukrainian BTR-70DI 8×8 armored personnel carriers (APCs).

This upgrade program, set to take place in Polish defense facilities, aims to improve their combat effectiveness and survivability. This upgrade program, which began in early 2024, is part of Poland’s continued support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts.

Originally developed by the Soviet Union in the 1970s, the Ukrainian BTR-70 APC was designed to transport troops safely across battlefields but has become outdated by modern standards.

Ukraine had previously upgraded the vehicle to the BTR-70DI variant, featuring a stronger engine and better communications, but it still lacked sufficient armor, firepower, and modern battlefield technologies.

Recognizing these shortcomings, Poland has stepped in to bring the BTR-70DI up to modern standards. What capabilities do the upgraded variants bring to the table?

Key Features of the Modernized BTR-70DI

The modernization of the 150 Ukrainian BTR-70DI APCs was carried out by the Polish defense company MISTA, known for its expertise in military vehicle upgrades. MISTA’s efforts focused on significantly improving the vehicles’ operational capabilities to better suit the challenges of modern warfare.

By leveraging advanced technologies and industry-leading components, MISTA transformed the aging Soviet-era APCs into more reliable, efficient, and combat-effective machines capable of withstanding the demands of contemporary battlefields.

One of the most notable upgrades involved the engine replacement, a critical factor in improving overall vehicle performance. The original gasoline engines were swapped out for two Iveco Tector diesel engines, which are renowned for their fuel efficiency, reliability, and ability to handle tough terrain.

This change not only improves the vehicle’s operational range but also makes it more cost-effective to maintain in the long term, as diesel engines are generally more durable and economical than their gasoline counterparts.

In terms of protection, the vehicles now feature reinforced armor designed to withstand modern threats, including small arms fire, shrapnel, and other forms of ballistic attack. The enhanced armor provides greater survivability for the crew and troops inside, making the BTR-70DI more resilient during frontline operations.

This upgrade was essential, considering the increased intensity of contemporary combat environments, where vehicles need to withstand more powerful and diverse threats.

Along with protection, the mobility of the BTR-70DI has been significantly improved. The upgrade included a new gearbox and enhanced suspension systems, which boost the vehicle’s maneuverability on various terrains.

Whether moving through rugged landscapes, urban environments, or crossing difficult road conditions, these improvements allow the upgraded APC to maintain higher operational efficiency and speed. Better mobility is crucial for rapid deployment, troop movement, and staying agile in a dynamic battlefield.

On the technological front, the electronics have seen substantial improvements. The upgraded BTR-70DI is now equipped with advanced surveillance systems, including thermal imaging sights, satellite navigation, and electronic warfare capabilities.

These upgrades significantly enhance the crew’s situational awareness, enabling them to detect and engage targets more effectively in low-visibility environments and under complex conditions. With the ability to identify threats from a distance, the upgraded BTR-70DI provides a tactical advantage on the battlefield.

Another key feature in the modernization is the addition of anti-drone measures. Given the rising threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the BTR-70DI now comes fitted with drone protection nets.

These nets provide a physical defense against incoming drones, helping to safeguard the vehicle from surveillance and attacks by hostile UAVs, which have become an increasingly significant threat in modern conflicts.

While the artillery armament of the BTR-70DI remains largely similar to earlier versions, the vehicle’s combat capabilities have been significantly enhanced through these technological upgrades.

The integration of modern targeting systems and advanced fire control allows for more accurate and effective engagements in combat situations.

The combination of improved mobility, protection, and electronics ensures that the modernized BTR-70DI is better suited to the evolving nature of warfare, providing Ukrainian forces with a more versatile and resilient platform on the front lines.

Through these comprehensive upgrades, the BTR-70DI has become a much more capable and modernized asset, ready to face the challenges of modern combat.

Challenges faced in the Modernization effort

The modernization of the 150 BTR-70DI APCs wasn’t a smooth, straightforward process. It began with the challenge of making old Soviet-era designs work with cutting-edge Western systems. Replacing the original components—like engines and electronics—with Western-made parts wasn’t as simple as swapping out the old for the new.

Engineers had to carefully redesign and adjust the vehicle architecture to ensure the Iveco Tector diesel engines, new gearboxes, and modern electronics would fit seamlessly into the older framework without causing compatibility issues.

Then came the structural changes. The decision to add side doors to the APCs for easier troop deployment meant significant alterations to the vehicle’s hull. These modifications had to be done in a way that maintained the vehicle’s integrity and performance, all while improving accessibility.

Sourcing Western components, such as the FPT Iveco Tector engines and advanced electronics, was complicated by supply chain constraints, especially with the ongoing demand for military equipment in the region.

On top of all the technical hurdles, there was the matter of training. Troops needed to be trained in using advanced surveillance, electronic warfare systems, and other modern technologies. This training was crucial, but it also slowed down the overall deployment timeline.

Finally, the upgrades needed to be thoroughly tested to make sure everything worked as planned. The testing and validation process ensured that the modified vehicles could withstand the rigors of combat operations and perform as expected under real-world conditions. But this testing also added time to the modernization effort, pushing back the date when the first upgraded BTR-70DIs would be ready for action.