According to Srbija Danas on January 17, 2024, Serbia has recently finalized the purchase of 26 BTR-80A armored infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) from Hungary. This acquisition follows Hungary’s decision to phase out these Russian-made vehicles in favor of more modern alternatives, such as the German-manufactured KF41 Lynx IFVs.
Serbia purchases 26 BTR-80A infantry fighting vehicles from Hungary | Defense News January 2024 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army year 2024 | Archive News year (armyrecognition.com)The BTR-80A, an 8×8 armored personnel carrier (APC) produced by the Russian Arzamas Machinery Construction Plant, serves various roles on the battlefield, including personnel transport, close fire support, reconnaissance, combat support, and patrolling. This model represents an improvement over its predecessor, the BTR-80 APC, featuring a one-person turret equipped with a 30 mm 2A72 cannon and a 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun. For defensive purposes, it is also equipped with electrically operated 81 mm smoke grenade launchers on each side of the turret. The vehicle’s hull is constructed with all-welded steel armor, providing enhanced protection over its frontal arc compared to previous versions.
One notable feature of the BTR-80A is its capacity to accommodate a crew of two and eight troops. Additionally, it is fully amphibious, featuring a water-jet propulsion system at the rear, which enables it to cross bodies of water efficiently. Other features include power steering, a central tire pressure system, an NBC system, and a self-recovery winch. The BTR-80A is capable of reaching a maximum road speed of 80 km/h and a water speed of 9 km/h, with an operational range spanning from 600 to 800 kilometers.