The Belarus Armed Forces will receive the first upgraded BTR-70MB1 wheeled armoured personnel carriers on January 2017.

That was reported by 42.tut.by.

A first batch of upgraded BTR-70MB1 wheeled armoured personnel carriers is set to be delivered to the Belarus Ministry of Defence by the early in the year.

The BTR-70MB1 is an upgraded variant of the Soviet BTR-70, developed by OAO 140th Repair Plant. The BTR-70MB1 upgrade programme was launched due to the company’s own funds.

The upgrade package is essentially repowering of the vehicles with up-to-date diesel engines (8-cylinder diesel engine KAMAZ-7403.10 turbocharged 260 hp) and corresponding adaptation of transmission elements and auxiliary systems. The BTR-70MB1 weighed nearly 13 tons (basic version 11,5 tons).

The BTR-70MB1 wheeled amphibious armored personnel carriers are designated to transport infantry units providing them with direct fire support and fire-from-the-vehicle capability.