Russia Troops Receive Upgraded BREM-80 Armored Recovery Vehicles

Russia’s defense ministry has received a new batch of BREM-80 armored recovery vehicles, upgraded from combat experience gained in Ukraine.

The delivery was carried out by Uralvagonzavod, a subsidiary of Rostec.

The BREM-80 is built on the chassis of the T-80 main battle tank and powered by a gas turbine engine. The engine configuration is intended to support high mobility and rapid startup in low-temperature environments.

Rostec said a central upgrade is an increased level of crew protection. Another key modification is the integration of a mechanized coupling device, which allows crews to connect and tow damaged armored vehicles without exiting their own vehicle. The platform is also fitted with hydraulic winches and a bulldozer-type plough used for debris clearance and stabilizing the vehicle during recovery operations.

According to the company, serial production of the upgraded BREM-80 has now begun.

The manufacturer states that the recovery vehicle is capable of towing not only Russian and Soviet-designed tanks but also heavier Western-made armored vehicles. During the Rembat-2018 international competition, the BREM-80 reportedly towed six T-80 tanks linked together, with a combined weight exceeding 270 tons.

T-80-based recovery vehicles can operate in a range of environments, including Arctic conditions. The gas turbine engine enables rapid engine start and deployment in extreme cold.