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69-507: With a stalemate around Cuito Cuanavale in the south-eastern Angola , the Cuban interest moved to the far south-west. Fidel Castro developed a strategy to increase Cuban influence in the region and develop plans to push the Cuban forces as far as the South-West African /Namibian border. On 11 March, the Cuban 40 Tank Brigade was moved as far as Tchibemba and with the goal of reinforcing

138-547: A Cuban de-mining team before the mortaring began and then found themselves being attacked by four BRDM-2 armoured personnel carriers and from two other hidden outposts. Fleeing back to the mortar position under covering mortar fire, the Cubans finally caught up and attacked with the BRDM's resulting in the abandonment of three damaged Unimogs . The 32 Battalion company retreated again as BM-21s started shelling. The Cubans eventually gave up

207-405: A driver, a co-driver, a commander, and a gunner. It has two pairs of chain-driven belly wheels lowered by the driver, which allow trench crossing just like its predecessor, and a centralized tire pressure regulation system, which can be used to adjust the tire pressure of all four tires or individual tires while the vehicle is in motion to suit to the ground conditions. Externally, it differs from

276-404: A hatch and expose himself to enemy fire. The vehicle was not fitted with an NBC protection system , and had no night vision equipment by default. The vehicle also lacked any kind of special sights, which undermined its function as a reconnaissance vehicle. These drawbacks encouraged the design team to create a new vehicle which would suit the modern battlefield. The BRDM-2 has a crew of four:

345-461: A major attack on Techipa which was not the case. June was spent reinforcing the defences around Techipa with consisted of minefields, bunkers and anti-tank barriers which had been employed successfully to slow down the SADF and UNITA forces around Cuito Cuanavale during Operation Packer . There was also a build-up of Cuban forces around the town and aggressive patrolling by SWAPO and FAPLA forces to establish

414-841: A military parade in Kraków on 17 May 2008. Seven BRDM-2M-97 "Żbik-B" armoured scout cars and six 9P148 "Konkurs" tank destroyers took part in a military parade in Warsaw on the Polish Army Day, 15 August 2008. BRDM-2, BRDM-2M-96 and BRDM-2M-96i armoured cars were used by Polish units of SFOR . Polish KFOR units also use BRDM-2M-96 armoured scout cars and BRDM-2RS NBC reconnaissance vehicles. Polish Forces in Iraq operated 12 BRDM-2M-96ik "Szakal" and 14 BRDM-2M-97 "Żbik-B". 10 BRDM-2M-96ik were used by Polish forces of ISAF . However, these are now back in Poland, as are

483-431: A range of 1,000 m and 30 mm of armour at a range of 500 m. It can also fire at air targets, in which case the tactical range is 1,400 m. It uses the 14.5 mm API-T, 14.5 mm I-T, 14.5 mm HE-T, 14.5 mm and MDZ type ammunition. The 7.62 mm PKT coaxial general-purpose machine gun has an effective range during day time operations of 1,000 m while the vehicle is stationary and from 400 m to 500 m while

552-818: A rebel Panhard AML-90 crewed by South African advisers during Operation Savannah . BRDM-2 armoured scout cars were used by the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) during the Ten-Day War as well as the initial operations in Croatia during the Croatian War of Independence . The BRDM-2 was also used by the Yugoslav Army (VJ) against the KLA during the Kosovo war . BRDM-2 armoured scout cars are used by Polish, Ukrainian and Russian units of

621-485: A revenge attack by the SADF, the Cubans implemented plans that included possible attacks on SWA/Namibia itself. These plans were scrapped when no retaliation occurred from the South Africans. What followed the hostilities at Calueque was an undeclared ceasefire. The South African public were shocked by the deaths at Calueque and the government ordered a scaling back of operations. Battle Group 20 whom with UNITA, guarding

690-449: A speed of 10 km/h for 17 to 19 hours. A trim board, which is stowed under the nose of the hull when traveling, is erected at the front of the hull before entering the water to improve the vehicle's stability and displacement in the water and to prevent the water from flooding the bow of the BRDM-2. While in its traveling position, it serves as additional armour. The armament is the same as

759-516: Is in use in at least 38 countries. It was intended to replace the older BRDM-1 , and has improved amphibious capabilities and better armament compared to its predecessor. The BRDM-2 production continues in Poland as of 2022. After a few years of use by the Soviet Army , the limitations and drawbacks of the BRDM-1 became obvious. The vehicle had no turret and to operate the armament the gunner had to open

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828-421: Is located on top of the commander's periscope. The vehicle also has an R-123 radio and an antenna on the right side of the hull next to the commander's hatch, for communication. There's also a winch mounted internally at the front hull that has a 30 m cable and a 4 tonne capacity. The winch is intended to be used, among others, for self-recovery when stuck in difficult terrain. A spare tire can be mounted on top of

897-514: Is sometimes spelt Kuito Kuanavale or Kwito Kwanavale, although these are mutations of the original Portuguese name. The town is served by Cuito Cuanavale Airport . The city day is celebrated on October 21, with an annual celebration being organized for the occasion. Dangerous minefields are a legacy of the 1980s war in Cuito Cuanavale; it is the most-mined town in Angola. Among many others in

966-523: Is used by 38 armies. The BRDM-2's enjoyed popularity on the export market because it was cheap, easy to operate and reliable. These factors made the BRDM-2 a more popular export reconnaissance vehicle than the BRM-1K , which was much more expensive and complicated to operate. Two BRDM-2s were sold to Grenada and were lost in the Invasion of Grenada . One was destroyed in an engagement with American M60 Pattons and

1035-638: The 2011 protests that led to the Syrian Civil War . During this war, the BRDM-2s or 9P148s were rarely seen in action, most of the usage being local initiatives of governmental or rebel units. A few were modified by the Islamic State into VBIEDs while the Kurdish YPG , lacking armor, used all the vehicles they could. Like all Soviet equipment, the BRDM-2 was also sold to many Arab and African countries. It

1104-581: The BTR-60PB armoured personnel carrier ; a 14.5 mm KPVT heavy machine gun with a coaxial 7.62 mm PKT general-purpose machine gun as a secondary weapon, both in a small conical BPU-1 turret mounted on the hull in a central position above the belly wheels. The 14.5 mm KPVT heavy machine gun has a practical rate of fire of 150 rounds per minute and a cyclic rate of fire of 600 rounds per minute. It has an effective range during daylight operations of 2,000 m. It can penetrate 20 mm of armour at

1173-706: The HMMWV , or heavier vehicles like the KTO Ryś APC or KTO Rosomak AMV . For MSPO 2002, two Polish BRDM-2M-96i were converted into a fire unit and command vehicle with a radar of the German Rheinmetall Defence Electronics ASRAD-R missile air defense system. The system won the "Defender" award at that year's event. Polish BRDM-2M-96ik "Szakal" was shown at the Land Combat Expo 2004. Two BRDM-2M-97 "Żbik-B" armoured scout cars took part in

1242-552: The Russian invasion of Ukraine , at least one captured Ukrainian BRDM-2L1 was modified with a UB-32 (rocket pod) . Poland bought 450 BRDM-2 armoured scout cars, 418 9P133 "Malyutka" and 9P148 "Konkurs" tank destroyers and 32 BRDM-2RS NBC reconnaissance vehicles in 1965. Later, Poland obtained some 9P31 Surface-to-air missile launchers. In 2004, the Polish Army operated 600 BRDM-2 armoured scout cars and vehicles based on it. Currently,

1311-551: The Soviet Army in 1962. It was first publicly shown in 1966. It replaced the BRDM-1 in the Soviet and Warsaw Pact armies. Production started in 1962 and went on until 1989, with 7,200 vehicles produced (mostly for export). The BRDM-2 became famous for being the vehicle selected to pull the Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev 's coffin during the funeral ceremony in the Red Square . During

1380-463: The minefields east of the Cuito River across from Cuito Cuanavale , were ordered to withdraw personnel and equipment so as not to take casualties and prevent any further SADF personnel becoming a prisoner of war. UNITA were informed, with some regarding this withdrawal as an act of betrayal. Orders were to ensure no Cubans advance any further than where they were currently positioned. By 13 July,

1449-678: The 12 vehicles used in Iraq. Around 10 BRDM-2 s were taken over from the Soviet Army in the early 1990s. They were mostly used during infantry training for posing as the enemy armour. Also, the Estonian police used a specially modified BRDM-2 (See the Estonia section in the Variants section ). All BRDM-2 s have now been withdrawn from both the military and police service. In the Russo-Ukrainian War ,

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1518-610: The 1973 Kippur War . Israel managed to capture enough of them to use them with its own forces. Therefore, during the 1982 Lebanon War , both Israelis and Syrians deployed BRDM-2s. The Syrian Armed Forces used the BRDM-2s for security patrols during the Lebanon Civil War , the light vehicles proving themselves very suitable for this type of operation. At the beginning of the 2010s, the BRDM-2s, thought to be unsuitable to modern combat against Israeli forces, were retired from service. They were mostly used as riot control vehicle during

1587-412: The 23 June, reconnaissance units and members of 32 Battalion spotted three Cuban columns moving southwards from Techipa towards Calueque, with this stop-start advance continuing until the 26 June. Meanwhile, the Cubans and FAPLA forces advanced from Xangongo on 24 June, the first prong of their plan and attacked the SADF units at Cuamato. 201 Battalion with additional elements of Ratels and mortars stopped

1656-656: The BPU-1 turret was originally designed for the BRDM-2. The turret was later used in the Soviet BTR-60PB, the Polish SKOT-2A and the Czechoslovak OT-64A . The turret allows the armament to be elevated between −5 and +30 degrees. On the left side of the turret, there is an air inlet on the hull top. There are also two air-inlet louvers in the forward part of the engine compartment's roof and four smaller air-inlet louvers to

1725-405: The BRDM-1 by having a larger, box-like hull. It retains the boat-like bow of the BRDM-1. However, the crew compartment is now further forward and the new GAZ-41 gasoline V8 engine is in the rear. Thanks to this, the engine is much better protected from enemy fire. The engine compartment is also separated from the crew compartment by an armoured barrier. The driver's and commander's stations are in

1794-849: The BRDM-2 and several of its variants were used by both sides. On the morning of 13 June 2014, during the First Battle of Mariupol , the Azov Battalion , Dnipro-1 Battalion and the National Guard of Ukraine retook the city and key buildings occupied by insurrectionists killing five militants and destroying an insurrectionist BRDM-2 armoured vehicle. BRDM-2s also saw action during the Russian invasion of Ukraine . Syria received hundreds of BRDM-2, as well as specialized variants, BRDM-2 RKh (radiological-chemical recce), 9P122, 9P148 (both anti-tank missile carriers) and 9K31 Strela-1 (SAM version). BRDM-2 and 9P122s saw widespread service against Israel during

1863-506: The BRDM-2 is missing such a hatch is a consequence of putting the engine in the rear, unlike in BRDM-1 where the engine is in the front. The BRDM-2 is sometimes confused with the Hungarian D-442 FUG and D-944 PSzH amphibious scout cars, which also have rear-mounted engines. What distinguishes them from the BRDM-2 is that they have twin waterjets, whereas the BRDM-2 has a single triangular water jet. The BRDM-2 entered service with

1932-515: The Cuban advance. Four Ratel ZT3 anti-tank missile units had also arrived at 61 Mechanised Battalion positions. That evening of the 26 June, SADF reconnaissance had discovered SA-6 launchers around Techipa. Using a ruse of releasing meteorological balloons with aluminium strips attached to them, the Cubans fired their SA-6's narrowing down their location for the SADF reconnaissance units, and the South Africans counterattacked with G-5 artillery destroying them and after four hours other Cuban artillery. On

2001-481: The Cuban delegation back into line and all that was agreed was that the concept of linkage, a South African pull-out of Angola followed by the Cubans, was the only option for a future agreement. By the 26 June, a 32 Battalion company was moved into position to provide early warning of the Cuban tanks and columns advancing from Techipa while 61 Mechanised Battalion was brought in behind them to intercept when required. Using their MRL's and artillery they hindered and slowed

2070-402: The Cuban movements southwards and continuing SADF/ South West African Territorial Force operations against SWAPO in same area, both forces would soon come into contact with each other. On 18 April, a SWATF unit, 101 Battalion, chasing a SWAPO unit was ambushed by Cuban elements from Xangongo near Chipeque . The battle ended with the South Africans losing two men and eleven wounded. Thereafter

2139-510: The Cubans and South Africans were back at the negotiation table in New York City . The eventual successful negotiations would lead to the end of Operation Displace . Cuito Cuanavale Cuito Cuanavale , occasionally spelt Kuito Kuanavale or Kwito Kwanavale , is a town and municipality in Cuando Cubango (Kuando-Kubango) province in Angola. The area around the town was

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2208-501: The Cubans continued patrolling southwards from Xangongo towards the SADF garrison at Calueque. On 2 May, SAAF Mirages attacked FAPLA positions south of Techipa. The Cubans retaliated fearing a South African advance and planned another ambush. During the first round tripartite talks in London on the 3 May, behind the scene talks between the military contingents of Cuba and South Africa was tense. The Cubans threatened to invade SWA/Namibia if

2277-457: The Polish Army operates 200 BRDM-2 s , 120 BRDM-2 s modernized to BRDM-2M-96, BRDM-2M-96i, BRDM-2M-97 "Żbik-B" and BRDM-2M-98 "Żbik-A" level, 12 BRDM-2 s modernized to BRDM-2M-96ik "Szakal" level, 100 9P133 "Malyutka" and 18 9P148 "Konkurs" tank destroyers, 12 BRDM-2RS NBC reconnaissance vehicles, an unknown number of 9K31 Strela-1 self-propelled surface-to-air missile launchers as well as BRDM-2 R-1A and BRDM-2 R-5 command vehicles. Also one BRDM-2

2346-613: The SWA/Namibian border, crossing in the late afternoon. The elements of Alpha Company, 701 Bn(SWATF), were the last SA troops to cross from the Northern side of the Cunene to the Southern side, on June 30 and crossed the border back into SWA the same day. As described above, the air attack part of the Cuban operation went ahead but their ground forces retreated back to Techipa after the clash. Fearing

2415-615: The South Africans did not agree to the Cuban proposals while the South African indicated if they tried, it would be Cuba's darkest day. The talks ended the following day. The ambush site was in position by 4 May less than 2 km south of Donguena. An SADF unit, 101 Battalion, with twenty Casspirs and two trucks had been sent forward to occupy Donguena. They ran into an ambush with Cubans destroying or damaging four Casspirs. The South Africans withdrew at dusk having lost seven men and one captured, Sergeant Johan Papenfus and failed to retrieve

2484-551: The advanced and occupation of the town and the Cubans retreated back to Xangongo. The South African lost a few vehicles and remained in the town. At the same time the Cubans, Angolans and South Africans met in Cairo on 24 June for a second round of tripartite talks. The two-day meeting was led by the Americans with a Soviet delegation in attendance. The meeting was fiery with the Soviets pulling

2553-471: The area, where tens of thousands of mines were laid, is one designated by the HALO Trust as HKK029 – "one of the largest and most complicated minefields in the world", with an overall length of 18 to 20 km (11 to 12 mi). They were laid by South African forces and UNITA as they withdrew and retreated after the battle. The local people have paid a price in injuries and the mines have negatively impacted

2622-417: The area. The first team was sent back in from the north of Techipa by vehicle, finding extensive trench systems around the town reminiscent of the same layered system around Cuito with vehicles, generators and radar systems and outposts at further distances south of the town. A decision was then made to establish a new task force but it would only be in operation by early June, with a specific aim of protecting

2691-510: The battle, 32 Battalion eventually made contact with 61 Mechanised, informing then that Cuban tanks were on their way. 61 Mechanised released their tanks and sent them to intercept the Cuban tanks. The SADF tanks made contact and after a half-hour had stopped the advance destroying another T-55 tank, trucks and a BTR-60. The Cubans were forced to withdraw again. Spotting the advance of two Cuban columns Commandant Mike Muller withdrew his forces southwards towards Calueque attacking one column and then

2760-430: The chase and the company was able to return to the mortar position in search of the missing vehicles but these had been removed by the Cubans. The remaining missing 32 Battalion members turned up at Ruacana and Calueque the following day. Following the bungled ambush of the 22 May, the Cubans analysed the intelligence gathered from the captured SADF vehicles. Cuban intelligence concluded that the South African were planning

2829-708: The consequent independence of Namibia . The town is situated at the confluence of two local rivers, the Cuito and the Cuanavale , from which it derives its name. The Cuanavale feeds into the Cuito, which is a principal tributary of the Okavango River , and helps to maintain the ecology of the Okavango Delta . Cuito Cuanavale covers an area of around 35,000 square kilometres (14,000 sq mi) and its population as of 2014

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2898-426: The engine deck. The late production version has mushroom-type vents. It also has slightly modified turret and can elevate its armament to +60 degrees. Final production BRDM-2s have additional turret periscopes and a TNA-2 navigation apparatus. BRDM-2 has flaws that are also apparent in other Soviet vehicles. These include the poor ergonomic design, low level of crew protection and high fuel consumption. The ergonomics

2967-811: The expansion of radar and air defences brought about the end of SAAF air superiority in this region allowing Cuban aircraft to attack bases in SWA/Namibia if required. This Cuban plan would clash with the interests of South Africa in the region. The South Africans had free rein in this region of Angola for a number of years and had been in control of the Calueque hydroelectric and irrigation scheme since 1975 that supplied energy and water to South-West Africa/Namibia. 51 Battalion - Commandant Leon Lambrechts 61 Mechanised Infantry Battalion Group - Commandant Mike Muller 32 Battalion - Commandant Jan Hougard 10 Artillery Brigade - Commandant George Swanepoel With

3036-457: The fourth Casspir and its equipment. The Cubans were said to have lost forty five soldiers. Later that evening, a further three companies from 201 and 101 Battalions were sent forward to capture Donguena, but with Cuban tank positions south of the town, withdrew. The Cuban later withdrew the same evening. On 12 May, 32 Battalion's commander was called to a meeting in Oshakati to discuss a plan for

3105-402: The front of the vehicle, with the driver positioned on the left and commander on the right. Both of them sit behind a bulletproof windscreen, which provides them with their primary view of the battlefield. When in combat, the windscreen can be additionally protected by twin armoured shutters. When the shutters are in their opened position, they protect the driver and commander from being blinded by

3174-402: The front), one of which can be replaced by a TWN-2B night-vision device . The gunner is in the turret during combat, but when traveling he is seated inside the hull. The engine is larger than the BRDM's (it is a 140 hp V-8 instead of a 90 hp 6-cylinder). The BRDM-2 has an IR spotlight and four IR driving lights, as well as an over pressure collective NBC filter system. The IR spotlight

3243-623: The height of power fought, supported by the Cuban army , and on the other, the FALA , armed forces of UNITA , supported by the South African Army . Thousands of combatants died on both sides. At the end of the battle of Cuito Cuanavale, both UNITA and the MPLA declared themselves victorious. The biggest consequence of this conflict was the withdrawal of Cuban and South African forces from Angolan territory, and

3312-494: The local economy. BRDM-2 The BRDM-2 ( Boyevaya Razvedyvatelnaya Dozornaya Mashina , Боевая Разведывательная Дозорная Машина, literally "Combat Reconnaissance/Patrol Vehicle") is an amphibious armoured scout car designed and developed in the Soviet Union . It was also known under the designations BTR-40PB , BTR-40P-2 and GAZ 41-08 . This vehicle, like many other Soviet designs, has been exported extensively and

3381-432: The morning of the 27 June, the Cuban columns began to move again. Elements of 32 Battalion that were monitoring the column were unable to make contact with 61 Mechanised Battalion to warn them about the advancing Cubans. 61 Mechanised Battalion and their tanks begun moving at the same time to find a better position than the night lager and when advancing over a low ridge, ran into a forward Cuban units ambush. The leading Ratel

3450-408: The north-west of Calueque and Ruacana. The task force's headquarters was at Ruacana. On 18 June, G-2 and G-5 batteries were in position and ready for use by the task force. These were used to shell the Cuban positions. On 22 June, a company from 32 Battalion clashed with a Cuban unit with tanks and infantry. They were able to break off contact with the Cubans after assistance from SADF artillery. On

3519-665: The only way in and out of the vehicle is via the front hatches, leaving the vehicle while in combat is almost impossible, as the exiting crew members would instantly enter the line of fire of both the enemy and their own vehicle, as hatches are positioned directly in front of the turret. This shortcoming was addressed in the Polish BRDM-2M-96 modernization and its successors, the BRDM-2M-96i, BRDM-2M-96ik "Szakal", BRDM-2M-96ik "Szakal Plus", BRDM-2M-97 "Żbik-B", BRDM-2M-97C "Żbik-P" and BRDM-2M-98 "Żbik-A", all of which have side hatches. This

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3588-479: The other with G-5 artillery. Both columns were halted. Around 1.07 pm, twelve Cuban MiG-23s based at Lubango and Cahama , flew at tree height to Ruacana , were spotted by SADF units but were unable to signal an air attack fast enough as the planes turned and headed to attack the hydroelectric dam at Calueque. Two bombed the bridge over the Cunene river and destroyed it, damaged the sluice gates while another two bombed

3657-425: The positions of the South African forces. At the same time Castro planned an operation consisting of two parts. : After a visit to SWA/Namibia, General Jannie Geldenhuys spoke to journalists on 8 June, announcing the Cubans build-up and their advance to the border region around Ruacana and the call-up of SADF conventional forces made up of citizen reserves. The call-up was said to be around 140,000 men, and it

3726-406: The power plant and engine rooms. A fifth plane bombed the water irrigation pipeline to Ovambo , destroying it. One of those bombs from the fifth plane exploded between a Buffel and Eland 90 killing eleven SADF soldiers on ammunition escort duty. Two Cuban planes were hit by 20 mm AA guns and one crashed on its way back to its base in Angola. The South African soldiers retreated back towards

3795-537: The rear. Both sides have centrally placed vision blocks. The vehicle armor, which is composed of welded steel, is sufficient against small arms fire and small shell fragments; but not enough for protection against big artillery fragments or .50-calibre machine gun fire, which can penetrate the BRDM-2's maximum armor of 14 mm. The BRDM-2's tires are not protected by armour and are particularly vulnerable to puncture from fire of all kinds. There are three different production lots, which have different cooling vents on

3864-722: The scene of heavy fighting during various campaigns during the Angolan Civil War and the South African Border War , with the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale from 1987 to 1988 being the largest land battle in Africa since World War II . It was in this municipality that some of the bloodiest clashes of the Angolan Civil War took place. On the one hand, the FAPLA , the armed forces of the MPLA , at

3933-772: The second was captured. When the Soviet forces left Afghanistan , they abandoned many BRDM-2s. These vehicles, together with some derelict ones restored back to working state, are now used by the Afghan Taliban . The BRDM-2 also saw service with the Iraqi Army during the First Gulf War and the 2003 invasion of Iraq . The Soviet Union began supplying the People's Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FAPLA) with BRDM-2s shortly after Angolan independence. At least one fell victim to

4002-400: The sunlight and ensure that the windscreen won't be blurred by rain or snow. The commander and driver have periscopes allowing both of them a more detailed view of the surrounding terrain. The commander has six TNP-A periscopes (five in the front and one on the side of the vehicle), a TPKU-2B day sight and a TKN-1 night sight ( night-vision device ). The driver has four TNP-A periscopes (all in

4071-458: The towns at Cahama , Xangongo , Mupa and Cuvelai that were currently garrisoned by the People's Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FAPLA) and SWAPO soldiers. At the same time there was a need to move aircraft, radar and air defences further south and this meant the construction and extensions of the existing airfields. This occurred at Cahama and Xangongo with the construction being completed by early to late June. These extensions and

4140-465: The turret. This was most often practiced by Polish crews. Like its predecessor, the BRDM-2 is amphibious. The GAZ-41 gasoline V-8 engine supplies power to the circular water-jet, equipped with a four-bladed propeller at the rear of the vehicle, which is covered with an armoured shutter while on land. This shutter is opened at the same time as the trim board by hydraulics, which must be done before entering water. The water-jet allows amphibious travel with

4209-491: The unit to attack SWAPO units at Techipa. The commander persuaded the planners to reconnoitrer the area first before attacking. On 16 May, two reconnaissance units were airlifted to an area south of Techipa and while the second landed close to Xangongo but on the western side of the Cunene River . The first team was unable to get close to Techipa while the second team found tank tracks on all roads showing extensive patrolling of

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4278-450: The vehicle is on the move. It is fired in 2 to 10 round bursts and has a practical rate of fire of 250 rounds per minute and a cyclic rate of fire of 650 rounds per minute. During daylight operations, the gunner uses the PP-61AM sight, which has a field of view of 23 degrees and x2.6 magnification. The BPU-1 turret is unusual because it has no top hatch opening. Contrary to the popular belief,

4347-429: The water scheme at Calueque. In the meantime, three companies of 32 Battalion would hold the line until the task force was operational and would continue to patrol and reconnoitre the area south of Techipa. An ambush by 32 Battalion was planned for 22 May. The plan called for a mortar attack on an outpost south of Techipa which would draw out the Cubans who would be then ambushed. Members of a 32 Battalion company ambushed

4416-422: Was 40,829 inhabitants. Its projected population for 2022 was estimated to be 51,797. It is bordered to the north by the municipality of Luchazes , to the east by the municipality of Mavinga , to the south by the municipality of Nancova , and to the west by the municipalities of Menongue and Chitembo . Cuito Cuanavale is a town and municipality in Cuando Cubango (Kuando-Kubango) province in Angola. It

4485-454: Was addressed in the Polish BRDM-2M-96 modernization and its successors, the BRDM-2M-96i, BRDM-2M-96ik "Szakal", BRDM-2M-96ik "Szakal Plus", BRDM-2M-97 "Żbik-B", BRDM-2M-97C "Żbik-P" and BRDM-2M-98 "Żbik-A", which all had the belly wheels removed, thus providing more space for the crew or space for two soldiers. This was also carried out in Morozov's BRDM-2SMD. The BRDM-2 has a unique flaw. Because

4554-547: Was also done in the Czech LOT-B and OKV-P as well as the Ukrainian BRDM-2SMD. The Polish BRDM-2M-97 "Żbik-B", BRDM-2M-97C "Żbik-P" and BRDM-2M-98 "Żbik-A" also have a hatch on the top of the turret, giving the crew another way out. The BRDM-2's predecessor, BRDM-1, did not have that issue as the BRDM-1 obr. 1957 had no roof and later models had a rear hatch that allowed the crew to exit the vehicle from behind. The fact that

4623-401: Was hit by a RPG and during the battle, four further Ratels were damaged losing one soldier and a further three wounded. 61 Mechanised called in artillery fire as Cuban reinforcements arrived to support the ambush unit. During the heavy fighting that followed the battalion destroyed a tank, a BTR-60 , many trucks and inflicted heavy casualties on the Cuban infantry forcing them to withdraw. During

4692-524: Was hoped the announcement would send a message to the Cubans to end their advance to the SWA/Namibian border. By 13 June, the new SADF Task Force planned in May, was now in operation under the command of Colonel Mucho Delport, with SADF forces in place east of the Cunene River, south of Xangongo, and around Cuamato and Calueque. Other SADF forces were positioned west of the Cunene River, with placements around and to

4761-509: Was modernized to BRDM-2M-96ik "Szakal Plus" level. All modernizations, conversions and serious repairs of Polish BRDM-2s are done by WZM in Siemianowice Śląskie . Modernized BRDM-2 armoured scout cars will serve with the Polish Army for at least a couple of years. The 9P133 "Malyutka" and 9P148 "Konkurs" tank destroyers, which are the basic equipment of anti-tank subunits of motorized brigades, are considered obsolete and therefore are to be replaced with ATGM launchers based on lighter vehicles, like

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