OSINT researcher Richard Verecker continues to observe a decrease in the use of wheeled armored vehicles by the Russians.
In his view, this is due to the mud season, which is, on average, worse than in previous years, making the use of wheeled vehicles problematic.
He also confirms the decline in the use of Russian MT-LBs. In response, the Russians are attempting to use the MT-LBu variant – a version that was previously used for mounting radar systems, mobile command posts, communication equipment, and more.
"Russian IFV/APC losses are showing some changes. BTR-82 losses are down, replaced mainly by BMP-1 and 2s or 3s. This might be related to 'Mud season,' but it is much more drastic than the last two years. While BMP-1 and 2 losses are up compared to the last two months, they are still down from six months ago," writes Richard Vereker.
MT-LBs are also interesting (orange on the first graph) they have been on the decline for 8 months, and even the mud season has not boosted their share (being tracked like the BMPs) We have, however, had record losses of their big brother the MT-LBu, only 4 of the APC variants, but that's still twice the previous record for a month. So, it supports the theory that they now need to use the MT-LBus as an APC because of the low availability of MT-LB.
"Although the MT-LBu is slightly larger than the MT-LB, it is generally used for more sophisticated tasks than APC, such as command and control Vheacales, communications, casualty evacuations, and carrying radars to support artillery. Using them as simple APCs seems a sub-optimal use of resources unless Russia really was low on MT-LBs," wtites Richard Vereker.
Verecker notes that the increasing use of this useful vehicle as a frontline armored transporter might indicate that the situation with standard MT-LBs is very bad for the Russians
