From history to military industry of Ukraine : epoch of armored personnel carriers

Abstract

The article examines a historical development of armoured personnel carriers who have
undergone a huge journey from trucks, or cars with armoured bridles and hand-held machine
guns, which they have accumulated in training equipment to modern technology. APC is a
formidable weapon, which can withstand not only infantry and similar pieces of armoured
vehicles, but also heavier, well-armoured contemporary tanks. In the current condition of
conducting military operations, requirements for armament, the security and manoeuvrability of
armoured personnel carriers and other armoured vehicles are certainly rising. In spite of this
challenging situation, our domestic constructors manage to create pieces of technology that fully
satisfy these demands.
The armoured vehicles sector is one of the main branches of the Ukrainian militaryindustrial complex. Studying light armoured vehicles is a necessary part of military history
because they are used in almost every military conflict.
APCs have not lost their significance even today. Ukrainian as well as foreign armies
possess a large number of APCs and new forms of this machine continue to be developed.
Therefore, examining APCs is essential in the study of military affairs and other instances
related to military vehicles. The end of 20th century marked a noticeable development of the
armoured cars. Application of them during the military conflicts shows the importance and
profitability of this kind of military equipment in the territory of modern Europe. In 21st century
APC gets a second wind as an independent military unit and continues its self-improvement. The
use of APCs and their gradual modification (BTR-3, BTR-4, BTR-70 Kobra K, BTR-80 UP etc.)
demonstrates the need to develop new components for armoured personnel carriers. The latest
developments are introduced into military technology too, which over time becomes a decisive
factor in achieving strategic goals and tasks during the execution of one’s immediate military
responsibilities.