π¨πΏ BVP-1MA & BVP-1MB - Czech modernization of BVP-1 from the turn of the millennium
π§΅[THREAD, 1/7]
In the 1990s, the state enterprise VOP-026 tried to modernize the old BVP-1 (licensed Czechoslovakian-made BMP-1). This modernized BVP-1 was to form the backbone of the mechanized units of the Czech Army.
The first and only prototype was presented in May 1999 in Brno at IDET β99. The aim of the modernisation was to improve and increase the combat value of the vehicle at the lowest possible cost - firepower, ballistic and mine protection, handling and reliability were to be improved.
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Specifically, the bottom of the hull was strengthened to increase mine resistance and the possibility of installing additional armour. Automatic fire extinguisher and explosion prevention equipment from the German company Kidde-Deugra was installed, the fuel tanks received anti-detonation fillings from the Greek company KAPA SA, a laser warning system, and laser filters for sights, independent heating, thermal insulation and anti-slip surface was installed. Suspension dampers were added and torsion bars replaced. The vehicle was modified for operation on public roads, i.e. the exterior lighting and turn signals were replaced, rear-view mirrors were added, brakes were refurbished and the tracks received rubber pads.
π¨πΏT-72M4CZ - the sad story of one of the best T-72 modernization projects
[THREAD]
Czechoslovakia has been the operator of several hundred T-72 tanks since the 1980s and the manufacturer since 1981, with efforts to modernize these tanks dating back to the second half of the 1980s, when Czechoslovakia wanted to equip its existing fleet of T-72s with the 1A40-1 fire control system (FCS). The Soviet Union, the original manufacturer of the T-72 tanks, proposed to supply Czechoslovakia with new T-72S and then T-72S1 tanks, but after the fall of communism and the change of political orientation in Czechoslovakia the purchase was abandoned.
After the fall of communism, the main impuls in Czechoslovakia for upgrading the T-72M and T-72M1 tanks came from the 1991 Gulf War, when Western coalition tanks (especially the M1 Abrams and Challenger 1) clearly outclassed the Soviet designed tanks in Iraq's arsenal (interestingly, Iraq also operated several dozen T-72 tanks manufactured in Czechoslovakia).
On February 24, 2022, Russian troops launched an unprovoked and brutal invasion of Ukraine. The Czech Republic and Czech private companies reacted immediately and immediately began sending much-needed weaponry to the Ukrainian defenders to withstand the initial onslaught. This π§΅thread will introduce you to every known π¨πΏ#Czech equipment delivered to πΊπ¦#Ukraine: β¬οΈ
Mi-24V/35
The Mil Mi-24V/35 Hind-E is a twin-engine attack helicopter designed for direct support of ground units, it has the unique ability to transport up to 8 people or 1500kg of material in the cargo area. It is armed with a 12.7mm four-barreled 9A624 rotary machine gun and can carry up to eight 9M114 ATGMs, 55mm S-5 or 80mm S-8 rockets, UPK-23-250 cannon containers with a 23mm GSh-23L twin-barreled cannon, GUV9A universal containers with the possibility of installing a 30mm automatic 9-A-800 grenade launcher or one 12.7mm four-barreled 9-A-624 machine gun and two 7.62mm four-barreled 9-A-622 machine guns, and more...
The Czech Republic received 17 Mi-24V/35 attack helicopters, manufactured between 2003 and 2005, as compensation for Russia's debt to the Czech Republic. The helicopters received subsequent modifications compared to the classic Mi-24V: TV3-117VMA engines, EVU engine exhaust gas cooling system, cabin and exterior light modifications for use of night vision system including custom night vision scopes, GPS satellite navigation system (Garmin-155 XL type), backup artificial horizon (type LUN 1241 of Czech manufacture), VARTA batteries, civil identification system transponder (IFF), which allows flights over the territory of the Czech Republic without restrictions, new elements for signaling and recording of flight parameters , altimeter calibrated in feet. Later modernization (~2017) included stabilized platform with FLIR night vision optoelectronic system, multi-function displays including moving map system, upgraded communication and navigation equipment, incorporation of an friend/foe aircraft identification system (IFF), planning and combat support system.
Photos from the stopover for refuelling in the east of the Czech Republic, during the flight to Poland and then to Ukraine, mid-May 2022. πΈPhotos by @BuschModelar
Four Mi-24V/35 helicopters were donated to Ukraine in May 2022, with 2 apparently serving as a spare parts source and two participating in combat missions (No.3362 and No.3370), further helicopters were promised in July 2023.
By December 2023, all remaining Mi-24V/35 of the Czech Air Force were grounded and apparently almost all will be sent to Ukraine in early 2024.
On February 24, 2022, Russian troops launched an unprovoked and brutal invasion of Ukraine. The Czech Republic and Czech private companies reacted immediately and immediately began sending much-needed weapons and ammunition to the Ukrainian defenders to withstand the initial onslaught.
This π§΅thread will introduce you to every known π¨πΏ#Czech-made weapon delivered to πΊπ¦#Ukraine β¬οΈ:
Samopal vz.58
SA vz.58 is an assault rifle in caliber 7.62x39mm, manufactured by ΔeskΓ‘ Zbrojovka UherskΓ½ Brod. It exists in two basic versions - P, with a fixed stock, also known as PΓ‘dlo "Paddle", and V, with a folding stock, also known as Kosa "Scythe". The government decided to deliver to Ukraine on February 26, 2022, the third day of the invasion, in the amount of 5,000 units. They were seen especially in the first months of the war, among foreign volunteers, mobilized civilians and the Territorial Defense Forces.
CZ Bren 2
The Bren 2 is an assault rifle manufactured by ΔeskΓ‘ Zbrojovka UherskΓ½ Brod. They went to Ukraine directly from the production plant and were originally intended for the Czech Army, and part of them were apparently ΔZUB stocks. In Ukraine, they were seen in both versions - 5.56x45mm NATO and 7.62x39mm. It is found mainly in the equipment of the GUR MO, the International Legion and foreign units within the Ukrainian Ground Forces.
π¨πΏ#Czechia: HUGE NEWS ABOUT CZECH ARMS SUPPLIES TO ASIA.
According to a source from the Czech government, during the current visit of Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala to π»π³#Vietnam, major cooperation in security-defence is planned.
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Vietnam is particularly interested in additional L-39NG aircraft, of which it has ordered 12 in 2021 and deliveries of the first units are due to start this year. The delivery of L-410NG transport aircraft was also discussed. Both products are under @Omnipol1934 group.
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Omnipol officials also held talks about possible sale of dual-use radars to be installed in civilian and military airports. @stv_group and @CSG_HOLDING discussed possible contracts to upgrade Vietnamβs Soviet-made tanks and armoured vehicles with advanced technologies, includingβ¦ twitter.com/i/web/status/1β¦
πΉπ·#TΓΌrkiye: On 23 April, the Turkish Armed Forces inaugurated the first two #Altay tanks for trials. Due to significant changes in the design, the tank is now referred to as the βNew Altayβ.
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The tests of the #Altay tank by the πΉπ·#TAF are expected to be completed in 2024. In 2025, mass production of the tank will begin with the Korean powerpack, and in the second half of 2026 production is planned with the domestic Batu powerpack.
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The tank is also equipped with the AKKOR Active Protection System, VOLKAN-II Fire Control System, or the SARP remote weapon station. All from @aselsan.