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A new externally mounted power-operated weapon station, armed with twin 23 mm cannon, is one of a complete range of firepower upgrades for the MT-LB multipurpose tracked armoured vehicle being marketed by the Russian company Muromteplovoz.
The baseline MT-LB is normally fitted with a one-man turret positioned at the front of the vehicle on the right side, which is armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun (MG) for self-defence purposes. This weapon has limited effectiveness against many battlefield targets.
The new weapon station is positioned on the top of the hull over the rear troop compartment and armed with twin 23 mm GSh-23V cannon, originally developed for airborne applications, and provided with 300 rounds of ready-use ammunition. The two-axis weapon stabilisation system provides for greater accuracy when firing on the move. The upgraded vehicle is designated MT-LB (Variant 6MB) and a version using 30 mm GSh-30K cannon is designated Variant 6MB4.
In addition, there is a 12.7 mm Kord MG mounted co-axially to the right with 500 rounds of ready-use ammunition, and a 30 mm AG-30 automatic grenade launcher (AGL) mounted externally on the left side and provided with 200 rounds of ready-use ammunition.
This weapon combination would be effective against not only a variety of ground targets but the twin 23 cannon can be deployed against slow-flying aircraft and helicopters.
Other upgraded MT-LB variants include:
* the 6MA with a one-man turret armed with a 14.5 mm and 7.62 mm MG;
* the 6MA1, which adds the 30 mm AG-17 AGL;
* the 6MA2 armed with 23 mm KPVB cannon and 7.62 mm PKTM MG; and
* the 6MA4, which adds the 30 mm AG-17 AGL.
