Current Ukrainian battalion structure

[BTR]

Here we go with our counterparts. This is version 1, so please excuse grammar mistakes  and the like.  

 

Mechanized and Armored forces

Part 1 - Current weapon systems in service

In this section the author we will try to examine the current (as of end of 2015) equipment, composition and organisation used by the Ukrainian mechanized and armored units. Other branches might get a passing mention. Since the author is not a Ukrainian citizen, we will mention unit numbers, something we could not do for our Russian investigations.

Brief overview of current weapon systems in service:

1 - MBT

1. Ukranian armored and mechanized formations current have around 25 tank battalions in total. That amounts to just about 1000 tanks. The vast majority of these battalions is equipped with either T-64B, T-64B1, T-64BV or T-64BV1 variants, which make up 9%, 22%, 44% and 15% of total armor fleet respectively. Primary differences between T-64B and T-64BV lies in internal glacis configuration and K-1 ERA kits. Minor differences include older T-64B’s having inferior gun and subsequently inferior stabilization, and T-64BV’s having varied (obr. 85 and obr. 87) side ERA panel layout with newer models also having R-173 radios instead of outdated R-123Ms. Overall however, it would be safe to sum up Ukrainian armor fleet as being 90% T-64B variants, a third of which lack any ERA protection and have inferior glacis configuration. The latter variants are not segregated into separate formations and are present among T-64BV’s. For whatever reason, the only exception to this is 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade, which haв BV variants exclusively. Current rumors indicate that due to high rate of mechanical attrition during Donbass operations, a portion of T-64BV’s will be replaced by refurbished T-72AV’s. For example, the aforementioned 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade has already received a shipment of those tanks. There are also rumors of 128th Mountain Brigade having received T-72’s for service.

2. The only formation using T-64BM’s is 1st Separate Tank Brigade. This tank type attributes to only around 9% of the total armor fleet, which would safely warrant its inclusion in “uncommon” equipment list in CMBS. We are unaware of any future plans (extrapolating to 2017) to refurbish existing T-64BV’s in BM models.

3. Originally Ukrainian MO has ordered 10 T-84 “Oplot” tanks to be procured for domestic service, but could only finance a part of that deal. Therefore, of 10 total, 4 vehicles were sold to US, and of remaining 6, one was sent to the Land Forces Academy in Lvov. Last five vehicles were given to 92nd Separate Mechanized Brigade. As such, this is currently a very uncommon piece of equipment with no further known plans to purchase more vehicles. BM Oplot modification was never procured for domestic Ukrainian service, and as it currently stands with Thai contract, Ukrainian defense sector would more then likely be unable to deliver sufficient amount of these tanks even with proper funding.

4. Ukraine also has several other tank types in limited service. Nation guard has around 12 T-64BM1M which is a refitted T-64BV with upgraded ERA, and airmobile formations have several T-80B, T-80BV and T-80UD tanks at their disposal.

 

2 - IFV/APC

1. Ukrainian armed forces have around 42 Mechanized battalions, the majority of which are supplied with BMP’s. If we remove command vehicles and other miscellaneous BMP based equipment, current BMP composition is as follows: 71% are BMP-2’s, 18% are BMP-1P’s, 10% are BMP-1’s and 1% are BMP-1U’s. It is interesting to point out that Ukraine also has four BMP-3’s in service, two of which were actively engaged in Donbass operations as part of 30th Separate Mechanized Brigade.

2. There is no apparent system to BMP type assignment within battalions. It appears that any company can have mixed BMP-2 and BMP-1 fleets, which means that older equipment isn’t isolated into their own formations. BMP-1U’s are an exception, forming an entire company of 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade. They are not found anywhere else though.

3. 92nd Separate Mechanized Brigade is an interesting and isolated case, since it is the only mechanized brigade with battalions comprised entirely of BTR-70’s and BTR-60PB’s. It is suspected this is not a result of an experimental ORBAT, but rather a skeleton unit being reformed in absence of IFV’s.

4. Another isolated case is a recently formed 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade, of which one battalion is known to have only MT-LB’s with DShK’s. Since Ukraine generally has a large stockpile of MT-LB’s this variant might see more proliferation in the future.

5. To sum up, the most common IFV’s in service are BMP-2 and BMP-1P and BMP-1. Uncommon types include MT-LB and BTR-70. Limited equipment includes BMP-3 and BMP-1U. BTR-4 present in CMBS is currently not in mechanized unit service. It was originally passed over to the national guard. At present date, 95th airmobile brigade has received them as well. Current BTR-4 production allows the Ukrainians to field a full battalion (support vehicles included) every year. BTR-3E has a similar proliferation, with at least 30 being in service with the national guard and a number going to the airmobile troops.

6. Command vehicles types are split between BMP-2K, BMP-1KSh, BMP-1K and BMP-1PK. BMP-1 type command vehicles are usually found in tank battalions, while BMP-2 are more often found in mechanized ones. BTR-60PV’s (?) are sometimes also listed as command vehicles, but isn’t very proliferated. Around 6 vehicles have been reported in mechanized forces, and around 10 in airmobile forces.

7. Recon formations are fairly unified in their equipment. Typical force composition is based around BRM-1K, BMP-2 and BTR types. Most recon companies use BTR-80’s as their transport, however 17th Armored, 128th Mountain, 28th, 51st and 93rd Mechanized brigade recon companies use BTR-70’s. 24th Mechanized brigade recon companies use both, BTR-80’s and BTR-70’s.

8. Sapper companies use BTR-70’s almost exclusively, usually three per company.

 

3 - Artillery systems

1. Brigade artillery groups are present in all Brigades and are made up of two SPG battalions, one MLRS battalion and one AT battalion. Most of them use PRP-4’s, and only 1st Separate Tank Battalion has been spotted using PRP-3’s.

2. Artillery systems have a hight degree of unification, with first SPG Battalion almost always being 2S1’s and second being 2S3’s. MLRS systems are mostly BM-21, in some cased being BM-21U. AT Battalions use MT-12’s, with one in every three guns being MT-12R, and 9P148 systems. 9P149 are present, but appear to be much less common. In general command and miscellaneous vehicles for Artillery battalions look to be BRDM-2’s, including 2DI “Hazar” modernization. An interesting variation on usual artillery systems is present in AT Battalion of 93rd Brigade. It appears that a large portion (if not all) of the battalion is armed with D-48 guns. There are also reports of ZiS-3 and BS-3 guns being used by the AT Battalion of 30th Separate Mechanized Brigade.

3. Mechanised formations mortar systems are 2S12, PM-38, 2B9(M) and 2B14.

Carried ATGMs

1. “Stuna-P” ATGM (Skif in CMBS) was delivered to airmobile units in the total quantity of two complexes. It is not available to mechanized, armored and motorized line formations.

2. “Skif” ATGM was delivered to national guard units in the total quantity of seven complexes. It is not available to mechanized, armored and motorized line formations.

3. AT platoons sometimes also have a soviet mix of ATGM systems (9K111/9K111-1) with SPG-9 recoilless guns.

Motorised Battalions

1. Currently mechanized brigades are being strengthened by surplus and storage equipment such as BMP-1’s, BTR-60PB’s  and BRDM-2’s. Since a large part of these motorized battalions are ex-volunteer formations, unification and structure is fairly hard to track. Even if an official OOB exits, these battalions have not been supplied with enough resources to represent it. Ukrainian media paints a picture in which these battalions will try to copy mechanized formation, except tracked and wheeled armored vehicles will be replaced with trucks, and there will be no armored companies. Motorized Brigades are expected to have towed D-20’s as artillery support, D-44 as AT support, and AAA will be represented by mounted or towed ZU-23-2.

[Haiduk]

1. UKR TO&E in the game concorded before the war, so not fully corresponds with current situation. Of course changes will be added.

2. I proposed to remove BTR-4E from mech.troops untill National Guard will not be issued, but developers asuumed to include it for better... damn...how to translate it....играбильность. Same thing with BM Oplot. Russian T-90AM present in the game by the same cause, though Russian MoD even havn't plans to order it. 

3. No BMP-1U in use. All 10 these IFV were sold to Georgia in 2007. But possibly will be appeared BMP-1UM in next year. BMP-1 on time, when TO&E concorded, were removed from army.

4. No more upgrading of T-64B to BM Bulat. In plans only mid-variant of T-64BV upgrade - "Nozh" ERA in containers of Kontakt-1 (for fast repair by repair unit w/o moving on factoru to the rear) and mount of Bulat's fire control system.

5. 1,1 milliards hrivnas given for BM Oplot building for Ukrainian army in 2016. So as minimum one tank company will be operational in 2017.

6. 9P148 were stored after 2009. Now only in some motorized infantry battalions, VDV and marines.

7. For this year by info of Ukroboronprom 30 new ATGM complexes were built and several hundred missiles for it. 

8. Our recons in mass are changing seats from BMP and BTRs to guntrucks on the base of civil jeeps. It turned out more appropriate for uts missions, than soviet armor vehicles. Of course it still in units order, but BTR-80 almost not in use already, mostly BTR-70. All alive -80th taken for substitution of losses in VDV units. Possibly new Dozor-B APC will come to recons in first order.

9. Yes, structure of motorized battalion now is unclear, but it in whole repeats mech.battalion structure. As i know it consists one mech. company on armor and two or three mot.inf comapny on trucks. Mot.inf brigade has one tank company and two towed D-20 artillery. Possibly it also will be added in next packs/modules 

10. D-44/ D-48 AT-guns are non-order weapon. Its were brought on positions that troops will have possibility to hold enemy light armor if it will attack, because when 100 mm caliber weapon was denied by Minsk.and removed, infantry remained almost helpless. But interest, that for these guns only practice and smoke shells remained...

 

Edited December 29, 2015 by Haiduk

[BTR]

I think играбельность translates to gameplay, at least that would fit well in the sentence  . Our Ukrnanian ORBAT intimate knowledge is lacking in comparison to our Russian document, so input is appreciated. 

Otherwise:

3) You are indeed right about BMP-1U's, we will remove them from our doc. However we can't agree on absence of BMP-1's, independently of TOE concordance or other political decisions. From the information we have gathered, BMP-1 types were in constant use from 2010 to 2015. Even if some companies have kept BMP-1's for training purposes other formations, for example 1st Tank Brigade have mechanized companies made of BMP-1P's entirely. Indirectly to support us, lostarmour has identified a number of 1's and 1P's lost from regular formations.

6) Looks like you are right since the 9P148 along 9P149 are seen so seldom. Do you have any sources we could take a peek at (Ukrainian language is fine) to assess this information? Also, what composition do AT battalions (ПТАДн) have then? 3 x MT-12 Batteries?

8) We heard about these changes, but could not asses what formations (Brigade recon companies or Separate recon battalion companies). In which case, which one is it? Sep. RB? Are BTR-80's also being withdrawn from 101st Guard Brigade (101-я ОБрО)? In any case we'll add this and other information you've given us to our document.  

Edited December 29, 2015 by BTR

[Haiduk]

3) No :). All BMP-1 were removed to reserve during 2012-2013. Of course, many of its still in own units vehicle parks as supernumenary weapon and sometime for training purposes in order to keep resourse of BMP-2. Also in that times almost all brigades were significantly shortened, so mech,companies in tank brigades were on the paper... Initially BMP-1 were in equipment list, but we have removed it. Now, of course its need to return like and 2S1. Its also during 2012-2013 were removed from brigades. First BMP-1 appeared again in the late summer-autumn of 2014, when was need to substitute heavy losses of BMP-2 during border battle. 

6) Again, up to 2013 9P149 were removed from brigades, except artillery. Terms of use of missiles was expired. In this war 9P149 uses as AT-reserve. First known episode was during Vuhlehirsk assault, other during withdrawal of Debaltseve group - 9P149 cover it and have destroyed two tanks and BMP in Novohryhorivka area. Composition of AT-guns battalion exactly as in the game (but in real MT-12K "Ruta" is very rare guest on the front), but some minor battalion units shortened and HQ unit some simplified. 

8) All what I heard about recons, was an attempt to make new formed 1xxth  recon battalions on new staffs, close to claims of ATO, but generals decided to establish it on current staffs, close to late Soviet. By understandable reasons activity of reckons, especially corps level doesn't cover in media. But in conditions of position war and abscense of solid front, reckons now prefer guntrucks, jeeps and foot walk, when their armor vehicles mostly stand on positions...  

 

[Wieking]

3) No :). All BMP-1 were removed to reserve during 2012-2013. Of course, many of its still in own units vehicle parks as supernumenary weapon and sometime for training purposes in order to keep resourse of BMP-2. Also in that times almost all brigades were significantly shortened, so mech,companies in tank brigades were on the paper... Initially BMP-1 were in equipment list, but we have removed it. Now, of course its need to return like and 2S1. Its also during 2012-2013 were removed from brigades. First BMP-1 appeared again in the late summer-autumn of 2014, when was need to substitute heavy losses of BMP-2 during border battle.

Lets scan this case

Мн first argument: 1 Separate Tank Brigade (1 OТБр) never hade BPM-2. Never.

[spoiler ]
1 ОТБр - autumn 2011

http://www.mil.in.ua/forum/download/file.php?id=1862

http://www.mil.in.ua/forum/download/file.php?id=1863

1 ОТБр - winter 2012
https://pp.vk.me/c625527/v625527306/413fd/YTD4HobkOIk.jpg

1 ОТБр - sammer 2012

1 ОТБр - 2013 №729

https://pp.vk.me/c301303/v301303744/3f02/8-MXIBOPjQo.jpg

1 ОТБр -  6 april 2014 
http://www.mil.gov.ua/assets/images/resources/1953/aa4b73e7acc1712c2a48ec70fd53fc54d933a777.jpg
http://www.mil.gov.ua/assets/images/resources/1953/3b6315b68959a6e816b4254a10127bc78af2f3d4.jpg
http://www.mil.gov.ua/assets/images/resources/1953/bddcba74e4c7c8fce0ace30df02ceffbf317f7e2.jpg
http://www.mil.gov.ua/assets/images/resources/1953/3a481cf667b42394a178515ceda9374e8cec02c4.jpg
http://www.mil.gov.ua/assets/images/resources/1953/88fa5c34293a713bb07fe528a5204d06d85f76b3.jpg

№№ 718 and 721. 
Source http://www.mil.gov.ua/news/2014/04/06/v-hodi-bojovih-navchan-vidmobilizovani-do-lav-zbrojnih-sil-ukraini-vijskovozobov’yazani-prodemonstruvali-svoyu-gotovnist-zahishhati-krainu/

1 ОТБр  20 april 2014

http://lostarmour.info/media/images/id2316-02.jpg

№№ 713 and 719

I claim: this BMP-1 and BMP-1P are from mech battalion of 1 Separate Tank Brigade (1 OТБр) 

And I tell rhe world that you can not find photo ore video with 1 ОТБр's BMP-2 bacause they never exist.

You also can find bmp-1 in another brigades:

[spoiler ]

2012

36 БрБО 

http://a.disquscdn.com/uploads/mediaembed/images/1826/7960/original.jpg?w=800&h

72 ОМБр № 381

2013 

128 ОГПБр

? brigade 2013 год

93 ОМБр 2013

72 ОМБр

If you will find more photo - you can find it.

[/spoiler]

BMP-1 appeared on deployment before heavy losses of BMP-2 during border battle

One of the first firefights in ost Ukraina: 20/05/2014 fight in Rubejnoe-Lysychansk road.

30 OMБр (separete mech brigade) try to assault Lysychansk  and lost ... BMP-1P

[spoiler ]

Video before battle

video after battle

and what we see

http://cs620320.vk.me/v620320842/7851/c82w476eCEk.jpg

[/spoiler]

 

[Haiduk]

Weiking

First of all let define object of discussion. Because, I think, we say about different things. I know, that BMP-1s were in use in some our brigades before war (but yes, I forgot about Rubizhne). But I just wanted to explaine why BMP-1 are abscent in the game. The decision about its removing to reserve really existed. Of course, Ukrainian army in that times was in deep lethargy, so you have to understand, that if MoD ordered to move away BMP-1, this is not the same these vehicles will disappeare during next day. So, when Chris had sent me UKR TO&E list I removed from it all BMP-1 modifications, because I thought that up to 2017, these vehicles would be completely removed from brigades and stored. 

Process of BMP-1 removing have started possibly at the end of 2012, because on mil.in.ua (I am one of old-timers of these resourse) appeared such posts like this (spring 2013):   

http://mil.in.ua/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=5735&p=54511&hilit=БМП+1#p54511

.... Для прикладу можна навести скорочення механізованої частини в Західному регіоні. Сучасніші БМП-2, які стояли у неї на озброєнні, перерозподілили до військових частин, які дислокуються в сусідній області. Тоді як БМП-1 були вилучені на бази зберігання. 

or this (spring 2013)

http://mil.in.ua/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=1516&p=53771&hilit=БМП+1#p53771

По 17-й не скажу, а по 1-й є цікава інфа. Якраз хотів поділитись/порадитися. КОроч, що виходить: 1 і 3-й бати на БМ Булатах - 82 танка. 2-й бат на Т-64БМ2 (мінімум 2 роти) і Т-64Б (не БВ). + позаштатних 40 танків, які по осені пригнали з заходу (чи не ТБ 128 ОМБ чи 300 ОМП??). Дрова. Всі тили порізали на щабель. Мехбат переводять на БМП-2. По слухам, інфа не підтверджена, див БМ-21 розпустять. 

or this (summer 2013) http://mil.in.ua/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=1419&p=62802&hilit=БМП+1#p62802

Знову новини з 93-й... Засвітився БИП-1 а вчора і в 30-й ОМБ. Їх же, ніби, мали всі замінити на БМП-2...

So, my decision was based on the information, which can trust. Of cousre, now situation sharply changed, so, I think, we will turn back BMP-1 and not only its. 

Edited December 30, 2015 by Haiduk

[Wieking]

I did nothing blame, I'm just describing the current situation in comparison with in the game.
I also am aware of the fact that the information that we have today is very different from what we could have in 2013.
One example is the same situation with the 2S1 - official information at 2013- decommissioned. But now we know that this decision was actually sabotaged the guidance of 51 OMBr and 128th OGPBr. And in the case of the 51 OMBr SPG Battalion not simply was not disbanded - but apparently howitzers properly maintained and staff was trained.

Sorry for google translate, same on russian:
Я никого ни в чем не обвиняю, я просто описываю текущую ситуацию в сравнении с представленной в игре.
Я так же отдаю себе отчет в том что информация которой мы можем располагать сейчас существенно отличается от того чем мы могли располагать в 2013ом.
В пример можно привести ту же ситуацию с 2С1 - официальная информация на тот момент - сняты с вооружения. Но сейчас мы знаем что данное решение было фактически саботировано руководством 51ой ОМБр и 128ой ОГПБр. Причем в случае с 51ой ОМБр дивизион не просто не был расформирован - но судя по всему гаубицы обслуживались надлежащим образом а личный состав проходил обучение.

[BTR]

I am away till the 12th of Jan, so the document probably won't get updated. Just letting you know. 

[Wieking]

that is not a joke, that is ATO

ZIS-3 76-mm divisional gun M1942

[sburke]

Keep in mind that BS is a fictional FUTURE conflict.  Trying to compare to present force structures while interesting and of value doesn't necessarily invalidate the decisions that when into the ToE. There are also assumptions in the back story that don't correlate to how the conflict has actually developed.

"Combat Mission: Black Sea is a military simulation depicting a fictional 2017 conflict between NATO and Russia in Ukraine."

[Kieme(ITA)]

It's Worth to note that BMP-1 textures were made for the game and casually left within the game files, but the vehicle was not included... a possible sign.

[BTR]

Keep in mind that BS is a fictional FUTURE conflict.  Trying to compare to present force structures while interesting and of value doesn't necessarily invalidate the decisions that when into the ToE. There are also assumptions in the back story that don't correlate to how the conflict has actually developed.

"Combat Mission: Black Sea is a military simulation depicting a fictional 2017 conflict between NATO and Russia in Ukraine."

Fictional, or semi-fictional assets are readily available to give us a feel for "alternative future conflict". They aren't mutually exclusive at all with accurate current ToE representation though, especially if missing equipment is a simple port from other games :). 

[BTR]

New batch. I've also updated first part with what we have discussed here.

2 - There are currently two types of mechanized battalions:

1. Type 1 has 6 people in platoon command. A Platoon Leader, 2IC, medic, sniper, MG gunner and MG gunner’s aid. This type has three squads of 8: a squad Leader, IFV driver, IFV gunner, senior rifleman, AT Operator, AT aid, Rifleman (RPK) and a regular rifleman. A total of 30 men across 3 BMP’s.

2. Type 2 has four people in platoon command: a platoon Leader, 2IC, Medic and a sniper. This type also has three squads of 8: a squad leader, IFV driver, IFV gunner, senior rifleman (RPK), AT Operator, AT aid, MG gunner (PKM) and MG gunner’s aid. All in all, 28 men across 3 BMP’s. Type 2 was to be the standard formation choice post 2012, but not all brigades could transform due to general lack of PK/M machine guns.

3. We are slightly confused by the third crew member of every second BMP in a mechanised infantry platoon. Vehicle commander and squad commander duties always were and are one and the same.

4. Mechanised company command HQ has an extra person in CMBS in comparison to real life personnel structure.

5. Recon platoon is not correctly represented from what we gathered. It comprises of one command squad of two and three recon squad. Much like in RU recon platoons that we covered, first squad of six is operating the BRM-1K vehicle. To break it down, the first squad has 1 squad leader, driver, IFV gunner, senior ground radar operator, ground radar operator and a RATELO operator. Two other squads are homogenous, and consist of a squad leader, driver, IFV gunner, senior scout, one scout with AK-74, one scout with MG, one scout with an SVD. An important thing to note about these squads is that senior scout has AKMSB as his second weapon, while squad leader should have a silenced pistol as his sidearm. That also goes for the recon platoon leader. Every platoon is allocated one RPG-7 as their AT weapon.

6. AT platoon overall looks very consistent to what we have observed in the current Ukrainian forces. However we cannot be certain, since quite a number of Brigades lack on AT platoon altogether. There is also at least one case of the AT platoon being entirely comprised of AT-4’s. We don’t posses “paper” TOE’s to confirm how the ideal picture looks.

7. AGL operators carry AKS-74U’s. Like in RuAF, the Ukrainian military does not consider Pistols as effective combat weapons.

8. Most battalions have BMP-2K as command vehicle and BMP-1KSh as a CnC vehicle, not MT-LB. Also, a battalion can have organic engineer, SAM or AAA squad.

9. Mechanised battalions on BTR-70’s are still in operation in the 92nd Brigade, however their structure isn’t as depicted in CMBS. 92nd Brigade recon platoon is exactly the same as in other Mechanised Brigades, riding BMP’s and one BRM-1K. Mechanised companies comprise 10 APC’s each. We cannot guarantee that this structure is an official structure, or that this structure would be replicated in other BTR-70 armored formations (if there were any).  

[Haiduk]

 

 

New batch. I've also updated first part with what we have discussed here.

 

 

a. I for the first time see this "type 1" formation. Previous, before 2012 variant was 2 squads with 2 RPK in each and one squad with PKM and sniper. Knowingly, that this variant had platoon, which was shot out near Volnovakha in 2014 (full list with platoon's staff was issued and widely known in network). So, as standard we put in the game "type 2" formation.  

с. This mysterious "third crew member" is a deputy of platoon commander. By Field Manual he stay in BMP during combat and command by platoon's armor group, when platoon commander make command from the ground. I know, that in some (many ?) cases platoon hasn't this separate duty and deputy of platoon commander=1st squad commander. But we have included in the game full staff. 

d. This extra person is a radio operator from battalion signal platoon, which according field manual have to attach to each company. Other members: company commander, deputy of company commander ("zampolit"), senior technecian, company's sergeant-mayor, sanitar-instructor, SBR-3 operator, BMP driver, BMP gunner - total 8.  

e. Recon platoon given by field tactic book 2009 for military academy. But yes, BRM crew lost one member %). Thanks, this should be fixed. I doubt, that AKMSB or silenced pistols really uses by battalion recons in real, when in 2014 was lack of all specail equipment even for battalion and special forces recons...

f. Of course, in the game represented paper staff of AT-platoon. Of course we oftenly have situation, when in platoon delivered Fagots w/o tripods or vice verse %)

h. Alas, BMP-1KSh was rejected by game designers as minor vehicle, which will be incomprehensible for most players. So, initially in battalion HQ were included two BMP-2K. I spent many efforts that they moved one BMP away and included MTLB for battalion staff, as most similar by armament and look on BMP-1KSh. Sorry, but they will not model this command vehicle. Yes, engineers now are organic platoon in each battalion, unlike in the game, where they only in BTG. AAA squad.... I hope we will see ZU-23 in future additions...

i. Emmmm.... How this "not depicted" ? You can choice mech.battalion (BTR) and sure that they have BTR-70/70K (and BTR-4 optionally) and some different structure from own BMP pals. Each comany has 4th AT-platoon. Recon platoon on BRDM, because in field tactic book was said that recon platoon of BTR-battalion differs from BMP-battalion that its vehicles are wheeeld, not tracked. Possibly 92th brigade has BMP in this unit, but on moment of game issue 92th was almost dead and exists like one company-tactic group... Too few photos of their vehicles was in UKR military resourses.   

_____________________

My addition:

j. Since 2015 MG platoons were established. With lack of PKMS they equiped with PKMS, Maxim and PKT on tripods or wheels. Composition of this platoon, I think is equal to Soviet time, but doubt thay have own armored tramsport. I don't know also either 12,7 mm DShK (also on tripods or wheels) are included in these platoons or just given for strong points like supernumenary weapon for reinforcing,

 

     

 

 

Edited January 23, 2016 by Haiduk

[Wieking]

much more modern ukrainian APC:

BTR-152 from Azow assault battalion

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/62/BTR-152_APC_at_the_Międzyrzecz_Fortification_Region.jpg

[Haiduk]

much more modern ukrainian APC:

BTR-152 from Azow assault battalion

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/62/BTR-152_APC_at_the_Międzyrzecz_Fortification_Region.jpg

 

This one was in service, when "Azov" just formed as National Guard battalion and suffered lack of APCs. Now this BTR-152 already not in running order. Just stay on rear base. "Azov" equipped with BTR-3E, Spartan, Cougar, Shreck One, Raptor armored vehicles.  

Though, their first self-made APC (armored KAMAZ truck) "Prianyk" (eng. "Gingerbread") since June 2014 still in service to this time. But now it plays a role of ZU-23 carrier.

Edited January 24, 2016 by Haiduk

[BTR]

-Snip-

A. Type 1 is fairly standard post-soviet organization for many countries, we saw references to this as late as 2013. Perhaps 2RPK+1PKM group was an amalgamation of both combat structures.

C. Got it. Formal structure it is then. We haven't picked it up in recent mentions, but I agree that formalized TOE is better.

D. As above. How would you judge SBR deployment by the Ukrainian side? Would it be at least theoretically possible? 

E. As points C-D, formalized structure depicts special equipment. If I had my doubts about silenced pistols (I've never seen any in Ukrainian or Russian deployments), but at least some AKMSB's should be available, even if improvised with different silencers.

H. Minor vehicle ey? Fine if that is the way it is seen...

I. The actual TOE structure for BTR battalion depicts an old soviet one, not a 10 APC one IIRC. 

J. Understood. 

 

Edited January 31, 2016 by BTR

[Haiduk]

---

 

I never seen photos of SBR-3 on Ukrainian positions.... Though some separate talks about it's episodical usage I read on forum... I think, duty of SBR operator now uses just like "солдат на побегушках" %) Mobilized guy from village very hard to teach of work on these devices for 40 days of training...

About AKMSB, I found requests to volunteers about PBS-1 supply from different units, not only reckons. But I think, to the silenced weapon will be more payed attention, when special forces module will be issued. 

BTR battalion structure also was given according to tactic book 2009 for military academy. And hm... I anyway see 10 BTRs in each mech.company in the game. 

[BTR]

Ok, if Battlefront would introduce SBR stations for the Russian army, would you then say they are not realistic for the Ukrainian side? 

Also, my derp in case of BTR battalions. 

[Haiduk]

Ok, if Battlefront would introduce SBR stations for the Russian army, would you then say they are not realistic for the Ukrainian side? 

Also, my derp in case of BTR battalions. 

I'm additionally going to ask about this on our resourse, and if will turn out, that SBR isn't in wide usage, of course this device will not be included in UKR side equipment.