Russians are converting Soviet ATC-59G trucks into combat vehicles because they have problems with armour
A video has been posted online showing upgraded Soviet ATC-59G tractors, which the Russians have probably started using as armoured transporters amid problems with their armoured vehicles.
Here's What We Know
A video filmed in February 2025 shows two ATC-59G artillery tractors. One of them is equipped with homemade drone protection, the other is converted into an infantry fighting vehicle using the "turtle" scheme (with a metal frame, screens and mesh). In addition, the video shows T-72B3 and T-80U tanks.
According to military analysts, such vehicles may be used as a temporary replacement for traditional armoured personnel carriers due to significant losses of equipment.
The ATC-59G is a Soviet artillery tractor that was put into service in 1970. It has been spotted in combat before, in particular in 2023. At that time, it was used as a platform for 2M-3M naval anti-aircraft guns. In 2024, some vehicles were also converted to the "turtle" principle.
It is not yet known how widespread the use of such vehicles is, but this indicates problems with the equipment that the occupiers are trying to solve through improvisation.
Source: Defence Express
