'Frankentanks' Emerge in Russia-Ukraine War Amid Low Stockpiles

Russian tanks (AP)

By    |   Monday, 25 December 2023 01:27 PM EST ET

Battlefield engineers in the Ukraine-Russia war are competing to replenish stockpiles as aid from the United States runs out and either side fails to make a significant breakthrough.

Both sides have had to resort to improvising scraps with existing parts to create new vehicles dubbed "Frankentanks" in the ongoing conflict.

Ukrainian troops reportedly used a vehicle as a rocket launcher, firing off Soviet-designed 122 mm Grad rockets from a BMW 3 Series sedan on the side of a road.

One machine, called the "Terminator," was constructed from parts of a former Russian T-62 tank modified with the turret and 60 mm cannon of a BMP-2, along with an anti-drone cage made of poles and wire, The Telegraph reported.

Russians were spotted adding a UB-32 missile launcher, typically attached to the wings of helicopters and fighter jets, to the bed of a UAZ Patriot truck.

They also upgraded decadesold MTLBs into fighting vehicles. One was fitted with a helicopter rocket pad and an 80 mm mortar. Another with a naval gun turret containing a twin 25 mm cannon on the rear hull. They even attached a civilian bucket-crane to give the anti-tank guided missile operator a clear line of sight over trees.

President Biden failed to get funding for Ukraine aid before the start of the new year.

The $110 billion aid bill was stalled earlier this month after both sides of the aisle failed to reach an agreement about Ukraine and border security in the United States.

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Battlefield engineers in the Ukraine-Russia war are competing to replenish stockpiles as aid from the United States runs out and either side fails to make a significant breakthrough.
ukraine, russia, war, frankentanks
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2023-27-25
Monday, 25 December 2023 01:27 PM
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