View source for MT-LB

{{Short description|Soviet combat vehicle}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{Infobox weapon
| is_vehicle         = yes
| name               = MT-LB
| image              = File:RWS2017-37.jpg
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = MT-LB
| type               = Amphibious [[Armoured personnel carrier|armoured personnel carrier]]<br />Multi-purpose armored vehicle
| origin             = [[Soviet Union]]
| service            = early 1970s – present
| used_by            = See ''[[#Operators|Operators]]''
| wars               = [[Soviet-Afghan War]]<br />[[Iran-Iraq War]]<br />[[Gulf War]]<br />[[Transnistrian War]]<br />[[First Nagorno-Karabakh War]]<br />[[War in Abkhazia (1992–1993)]]<br />[[First Chechen War]]<br />[[Second Chechen War]]<br />[[Iraq War]]<br />[[Russo-Georgian War]]<br />[[Boko Haram insurgency]]<br />[[Syrian Civil War]]<br />[[War in Iraq (2013-2017)]]<br />[[Second Nagorno-Karabakh War]]<br />[[Russo-Ukrainian War]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kadam |first1=Tanmay |title=Desperate For 'War Machines', Russia & Ukraine Turn Their 70-Year-Old Armored Vehicles Into Fire Support Weapons |url=https://eurasiantimes.com/desperate-for-war-machines-russia-ukraine-turn-their-70-year/ |access-date=16 April 2023 |work=Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News |date=7 March 2023}}</ref>
| manufacturer       = [[Kharkiv Tractor Plant]]
| designer           = Central Auto and Tractor Directorate
| design_date        = 1950s
| number             = {{ubl|Over 55,000, including the [[MT-LBu]]}}<ref>{{cite web|author=Sébastian Roblin|date=2 September 2023|title= Mutant Soviet Armored Vehicles Have Come to Ukraine|website=Popular Mechanics|url= https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/a44787818/mt-lb-apc-mutant-soviet-armored-vehicles-ukraine/|access-date=20 October 2025}}</ref>
| length             = {{convert|6.45|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| width              = {{convert|2.86|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| height             = {{convert|1.86|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| weight             = {{convert|11.9|t|ST LT}}
| suspension         = Torsion bar
| speed              = {{convert|61|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} (road)<br />{{convert|30|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} (off-road)<br /> 5 to 6&nbsp;km/h (3.7 MPH) (in the water)
| vehicle_range      = {{convert|500|km|mi|abbr=on}} (road)
| primary_armament   = 12.7mm [[NSV machine gun|NSV]]/[[Kord machine gun|Kord]] [[heavy machine gun]]; or<br />30mm [[AGS-17|AGS17D]]/[[AGS-30]] [[Automatic grenade launcher]], or<br />30mm [[2A42]]/[[2A42|2A72]] [[autocannon]]
| secondary_armament = [[PKT machine gun|PKT]] (2,500 rounds)
| armour             = 14 mm max.
| engine             = {{plainlist | 
* [[:ru:ЯМЗ-236/238|YaMZ 238]], V-8 [[Diesel engine|diesel]]
* [[:pl:SW 680|SW 680]], I6 [[Diesel engine|diesel]] (in Poland)
}}
| crew               = 2 (+ 11 passengers)
| engine_power       = {{plainlist | 
* YaMZ 238: 240 hp at 2,100 rpm
* SW 680: 240 hp at 2,200 rpm
}}
| pw_ratio           = 20 hp/tonne
}}

The '''MT-LB''' ({{langx|ru|Многоцелевой Тягач Легкий Бронированный|translit=Mnogotselevoy tyagach legky bronirovanny}}, literally "multi-purpose towing vehicle light armoured") is a [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] multi-purpose, fully [[amphibious vehicle|amphibious]], tracked [[Armoured fighting vehicle|armoured fighting vehicle]] in use since the 1970s. It was also produced in [[Poland]], where (starting in the mid-1990s) its [[YaMZ]] engine was replaced by a Polish 6-cylinder SW 680 diesel engine.<ref name="MT-LB multipurpose">{{cite web |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/russia_russian_army_light_armoured_vehicle_uk/mt-lb_multipurpose_tracked_armoured_vehicle_technical_data_sheet_specifications_pictures_video.html |title=MT-LB multipurpose tracked armoured vehicle technical data sheet specifications pictures video |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103210310/https://www.armyrecognition.com/russia_russian_army_light_armoured_vehicle_uk/mt-lb_multipurpose_tracked_armoured_vehicle_technical_data_sheet_specifications_pictures_video.html |archive-date=3 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Development==
In the 1950s, the [[Soviet Central Auto]] and [[Tractor Directorate]] began a development program to replace the [[AT-P]] series of artillery tractors (which were based on the [[ASU-57]] airborne self-propelled gun) with a new generation of vehicles. The [[MT-L]] was developed to meet this requirement based on the [[PT-76]] amphibious light tank chassis. The MT-LB is the armoured variant of the MT-L. Entering production in the early 1970s, it was cheap to build, being based on many existing components, e.g. the engine, which was originally developed for trucks.

It was built at the [[Kharkiv Tractor Plant]]<ref>[http://tractor-xtz.com/tractor/htz-3n-snegobolotohod/HTZ-3H-road vehicles] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302161735/http://tractor-xtz.com/tractor/htz-3n-snegobolotohod/ |date=2 March 2014 }}</ref> (KhTZ) in [[Soviet Ukraine]], and in [[Bulgaria]].<ref>{{cite news|title=US Analyst Expects Bulgaria to Renew Production of BMP Armored Vehicles|url=https://www.novinite.com/articles/125793/US+Analyst+Expects+Bulgaria+to+Renew+Production+of+BMP+Armored+Vehicles|date=1 March 2011|website=Novinite.com|access-date=2 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Bulgaria has signed contract for sale of 500 MT-LB multirole tracked armored vehicles to Iraq|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/june_2012_new_army_military_defence_industry_uk/bulgaria_has_signed_contract_for_sale_of_500_mt-lb_multirole_tracked_armoured_vehicles_iraq_1606124.html|date=16 June 2012|website=Army Recognition|access-date=2 April 2022|archive-date=28 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128185721/https://armyrecognition.com/june_2012_new_army_military_defence_industry_uk/bulgaria_has_signed_contract_for_sale_of_500_mt-lb_multirole_tracked_armoured_vehicles_iraq_1606124.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Formerly, it was also manufactured under license in [[Poland]] by [[Huta Stalowa Wola]]<ref>http://hsw.pl/czytaj/765 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111174209/http://hsw.pl/czytaj/765 |date=11 November 2014 }} Light Armoured Multipurpose Tracked Tractor MTLB</ref>

==Description==
The crew (a driver and a commander/gunner) sit in a compartment at the front of the vehicle, with the engine behind them. A compartment at the rear enables up to 11 infantry to be carried or a cargo of up to {{convert|2000|kg|lb}}. A load of {{convert|6500|kg|lb}} can be towed. The vehicle is fully amphibious, being propelled by its tracks in the water.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pike |first=John |date=January 16, 2000 |title=MT-LB Multipurpose Armoured Vehicle |url=https://man.fas.org/dod-101/sys/land/row/mt-lb.htm |access-date=July 21, 2022 |website=Federation of American Scientist Military Analysis Network}}</ref>

A small turret at the front of the vehicle fits a 7.62&nbsp;mm [[PK machine gun|PKT machine gun]] with 360-degree manual traverse and an elevation of −5 to +30 degrees. The vehicle is lightly armored against small arms and shell splinters with a thickness of {{convert|3|to|10|mm|in|spell=in}} of steel with a maximum of {{convert|14|mm|in}} for the turret front.<ref>{{cite web |title=MT-LB Light Armored Multi-purpose Vehicle |url=https://www.inetres.com/gp/military/cv/inf/MT-LB.html |website=www.inetres.com |publisher=Gary's Combat Vehicle Reference Guide |access-date=22 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007134424/http://www.inetres.com/gp/military/cv/inf/MT-LB.html |archive-date=7 October 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Several weapon systems are based on this hull (for example [[Strela-10]] or SNAR-10).

==Variants==
{{More citations needed section|date=January 2021}}

===Former USSR===
[[File:Штурм-С - Контрольная проверка курсантов Учебного центра боевого применения ракетных войск и артиллерии 02.jpg|thumb|9P149 vehicle based on the MT-LB of the [[9K114 Shturm|Shturm-S]] tank destroyer.]]
* '''MT-L'''
** '''MT-LB (izdeliye 6)''' – basic model, often used as simple APC but also as artillery tractor or ambulance. In the West, the term '''MT-LB Blade''' or '''MT-LB M1980''' is used for vehicles that are fitted with a [[Hydraulics|hydraulic]] [[dozer blade]].{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

===Bulgaria===
* Bulgaria has various models of the '''MT-LB''' in service, as of 2016.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=97}} Along with the base model, between 1971 and 2012, Bulgaria manufactured the '''MT-LB VM''' variation with improved snow and swamp-going capabilities.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.otbrana.com/новини_8705|title=Бойната техника, произведена в комбината "Девети май", Червен бряг, още е на въоръжение в армията|last=Петров|first=Генерал-майор (рез.) Петър Петров|date=9 May 2016|work=Отбрана.com|access-date=2 April 2022|language=bg}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.capital.bg/politika_i_ikonomika/1995/04/24/1139900_ministerstvoto_na_promishlenostta_tursi_reshenie_za/|title=Министерството на промишлеността търси решение за лошите кредити на военните заводи|last=Александрова|first=Галина|date=24 April 1995|work=Capital.bg|access-date=2 April 2022|publisher=Economedia|language=bg}}</ref>

[[File:MT-LBMB with MB2 combat module - Bronnitsy test range.jpg|thumb|The upgraded MT-LBM 6MB with MB2 turret, whose main armament is a [[Shipunov 2A42|2A72]] 30 mm automatic cannon.]]

===East Germany===
* '''MT-LB (Pi)''' – combat engineer vehicle.<ref>Gau L-R., Plate J., Siegert J. (2001) ''Deutsche Militärfahrzeuge – Bundeswehr und NVA''. Motorbuch Verlag. {{ISBN|3-613-02152-8}}</ref>
* '''MT-LB (Pzj)''' – version for anti-tank units.
* '''MT-LB (Pzj Fü)''' – command vehicle for anti-tank units.
* '''MT-LB (BO) SFL''' – battery command vehicle in self-propelled artillery units.
* '''San MT-LB''' – ambulance
* '''MTP-LB''' – technical support vehicle.

===Iraq===

[[File:Iraqi MT-LB.JPEG|thumb|Iraqi MT-LB converted into a SPAAG armed with a [[ZPU|ZU-2]] anti-aircraft gun.]]

[[File:Iraqi military men riding on tank.jpg|thumb|right|Iraqi MT-LBV fitted with wider tracks.]]
* '''MT-LB''' converted into a [[SPAAG]] by mounting a [[ZU-23-2]] [[23×152mm]] twin anti-aircraft gun on the rear part of the vehicle. The gun had its wheels removed and as such cannot be easily dismounted and used separately. There were at least two variations of this conversion; one with the ZU-23-2 mounted in an open-topped turret, the other with the ZU-23-2 mounted on a platform extending beyond the hull of the MT-LB with a roof for the gun operators. The second version was most likely intended to be used in a fire support role, as the roof would hinder the gun's sights at high elevation.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jim Webster |url=http://www.jedsite.info/fulltrack-mike/mike/mtlb_series/iq-zu23/iqzu23.html |title=MT-LB [ZU-23 – Iraq&#93; tracked armoured fire support vehicle |publisher=Jedsite.info |access-date=2013-03-22}}</ref>

===Poland===
Polish [[Huta Stalowa Wola|HSW S.A.]] (Huta Stalowa Wola S.A.) license produced MT-LB since 1976, and it also developed a modified chassis SPG-2, with better floating capabilities.<ref name="poligon">Jerzy Kajetanowicz, ''Prace nad rozwojem sprzętu pancernego w Polsce – przegląd lat 1955–1990'' in: Poligon nr.5/2010, pp.12–18 (in Polish)</ref>
* '''MT-LB-2AP''' – APC variant with a turret from [[OT-64 SKOT|SKOT-2AP]], armed with high elevation 14.5mm KPVT MG and 7.62mm PKT CMG. Prototype only.
* '''WEM Lotos''' – medical evacuation vehicle with four stretchers.
* '''WPT Mors''' – armoured recovery and repair vehicle, produced from 1983.
* '''R-137T''' (''radiostacja ruchoma UKF'') – signals vehicle with VHF radio set R-137. Entered service in 1987 and has a range of 70 to 150&nbsp;km.
** '''ZWD-1 "Irys"''' (''zautomatyzowany wóz dowodzenia'') – command vehicle, belongs to the automated command set "Irys".
* '''MT-LB-23M "Krak"''' – APC variant with a 23&nbsp;mm gun in an unmanned turret. Prototype only.
* '''Promet''' – self-propelled AA gun with twin 23&nbsp;mm guns, from 1979. Four prototypes only.
* '''"Przebiśnieg"''' – electronic warfare system, consists of three different vehicles:
** '''SZ''' or '''MT-LB Z''' (''stacja zakłóceń'') – EW/Jamming vehicle;
** '''SR''' or '''MT-LB R''' (''stacja rozpoznania'') – Comint/Sigint vehicle;
** '''WD krel''' – command post vehicle (''wóz dowodzenia kompanii radioelektronicznej'').
* '''SPG-2''' – much-modified base vehicle, with reworked nose section and hydro jets for better floating:<ref name="poligon" />
** '''TRI Hors''' – engineering reconnaissance vehicle, built in series from 1983, armed with 12.7mm NSVT AAMG mounted on a turret;<ref name="poligon" />
** '''WPT Mors-II''' – armoured recovery and repair vehicle, produced from 1986, armed with 12.7mm NSVT AAMG mounted on a turret;<ref name="poligon" />
** '''Opal-I''' and '''Opal-II''' – artillery command vehicles, with a turret with NSWT-12.7 Utios: Opal-I with a 245&nbsp;hp (180&nbsp;kW) turbocharged diesel engine SW680/167/1, Opal-II with a 300&nbsp;hp (220&nbsp;kW) engine SW680T (YaMZ-238N) and a longer chassis with 7 road wheels on each side.<ref name="militarium.net">{{cite web|url=http://www.militarium.net/viewart.php?aid=83 |title=Lekki samobieżny zestaw przeciwlotniczy Sopel/Stalagmit |publisher=Militarium |access-date=2016-10-05 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209094108/http://www.militarium.net/viewart.php?aid=83 |archive-date= 9 February 2012 |language=pl}}</ref> Prototypes only
{{Main|Opal (armoured personnel carrier)}}

** '''BWO-40''' – infantry fighting vehicle with 40&nbsp;mm Bofors gun. A similar turret was mounted on the BWP-40 ([[BMP-1]] upgrade). Prototype only.

===Russia===
==== Vehicle in service ====
* '''MT-LB'''
* '''MT-LBV''' - entering service in 1972, introduced new roadwheel swing arms, fenders and mudguards to accommodate a wider set of tracks. A modification with wider tracks (670mm instead of 350mm) for lower ground pressure for snow/swamp operations.
* '''MT-LBVM''' - equipped with the NSVT 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun mount instead of the TKB-01-1 turret.
* '''MT-LBVMK''' – a modification of MT-LBVM with a 12.7mm [[Kord machine gun|Kord]] instead of a 12.7mm [[NSV machine gun|NSVT]] machine gun.<ref>{{cite web |script-title=ru:Транспортер-тягач МТ-ЛБ ВМК |url=http://muromteplovoz.ru/product/mil_mtlb_vmk.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206042954/http://muromteplovoz.ru/product/mil_mtlb_vmk.php |archive-date=6 February 2015 |access-date=6 February 2015 |publisher=Muromteplovoz |language=ru}}</ref> Engine: YaMZ-238VM with rated power of 240 hp.
* '''MT-LBVM1K''' - mountain modification, equipped with the new YaMZ-238BL-1 engine with rated power of 300 hp, new on-board radio station and new heater.
* '''[[MT-LBu]]''' – a bigger, unarmed version that is used as the basis for many specialised vehicles. It has a more powerful engine, a 40 cm higher hull and a longer chassis with 7 road wheels on each side, instead of 6.
* '''MT-LBM 6MB''' - 30mm autocannon turret mounted above the main compartment.

==== Prototypes ====
* '''MT-LB 6MB3''' - Modification from Muromteplovoz with AG-17 grenade launcher, 12.7mm [[Kord machine gun|Kord]] and a GSh-23-2. Possibly only one made.<ref>{{Cite web | title=Еще внукам послужит. Пять интересных фактов о легендарном МТ-ЛБ {{!}} Ivanartu {{!}} Интересно о военной технике {{!}} Дзен | url=https://dzen.ru/a/ZYsx3LChZQJnYMbC | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614044022/https://dzen.ru/a/ZYsx3LChZQJnYMbC | access-date=2025-07-17 | archive-date=2024-06-14}}</ref>
* '''MT-LB 6MA''' - Modification using BPU-1 turret mounted above main compartment.

'''Hybrid/field-modified vehicles:'''
* MT-LB with [[ZU-23-2|ZU-23]] AA gun<ref>{{Cite web |title=ЦАМТО / / На учениях в ЗВО впервые применили модифицированные бронированные тягачи в качестве платформы для ЗУ-23 |url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2021/0419/094562488/detail.shtml |website=armstrade.org}}</ref>
* MT-LB With a 14.5mm BPU-1 Turret
* MT-LB with a 14.5mm 2M-7 naval gun mount<ref>{{Cite web |last=Axe |first=David |title=Desperate Russian Forces Are Sticking 80-Year-Old Naval Guns On 70-Year-Old Armored Tractors |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/03/04/desperate-russian-forces-are-adding-80-year-old-naval-guns-to-70-year-old-armored-tractors/ |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref>
* MT-LB with an [[AZP S-60]] AA gun
* MT-LB with a 100mm [[MT-12]] anti-tank gun
* MT-LB with an 82 mm automatic mortar [[2B9 Vasilek]] together with [[S-5 rocket|UB-32]] rocket pod <ref>{{Cite web |last=Axe |first=David |title=The Russians Stuck Rockets and A Mortar on the Same Old Tractor |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/07/02/russian-troops-took-an-old-tractor-stuck-rockets-on-end-a-mortar-on-the-other-and-produced-the-wars-weirdest-vehicle/ |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref>
* MT-LB with a 25 mm 2M-3 naval gun<ref>{{Cite web |last=Axe |first=David |title=Russia Bolted 1950s Guns To Armored Tractors—And Made Useless Vehicles |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/09/04/the-russians-bolted-1950s-naval-guns-to-armored-tractors-and-produced-nearly-useless-combat-vehicles/ |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref>
* MT-LB with an 140mm [[:ru:А-22_«Огонь»|Ogon-22 MLRS]] likely salvaged from a [[Zubr-class LCAC]], the only known vehicle to use this system.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Russians install a naval MLRS on MT-LB |url=https://militarnyi.com/en/news/russians-install-a-naval-mlrs-on-mt-lb/ |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=Militarnyi |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=MT-LB Multipurpose Armoured Vehicle |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/mt-lb-140mm.htm |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=www.globalsecurity.org}}</ref> Please note that in Russian, the [[:ru:А-22_«Огонь»|Ogon-22 MLRS]] is described as a [[flamethrower]], however the term "rocket-assisted [[thermobaric weapon]]" would be more accurate.
* MT-LB with an [[RBU-6000]] 213 mm caliber [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] [[anti-submarine rocket]] launcher.<ref>{{Cite web |title=RAROG Battalion destroys Russian RBU-6000 SMERCH-2 rocket launcher |url=https://militarnyi.com/en/news/rarog-battalion-destroys-russian-rbu-6000-smerch-2-rocket-launcher/ |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=Militarnyi |language=en-US}}</ref>

==== Vehicle not in service ====
* '''Toros''' – [[Arctic]] adapted vehicle developed by Muromteplovoz, armed with a [[Shipunov 2A42|30mm autocannon 2A42]], [[PK machine gun#PKMT|PKMT]] 7.62mm machine gun, and 30mm [[AGS-17#Variants|AGS-17D]] grenade launcher, and equipped with a [[snowplow]].<ref name="Russia could order">{{cite web |title=Russia could order Toros tracked armoured vehicle for military units deployed in the Arctic Region |date=18 May 2016 |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/russia_could_order_toros_tracked_armoured_vehicle_for_military_units_deployed_in_the_arctic_region_11805162.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103210234/https://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/russia_could_order_toros_tracked_armoured_vehicle_for_military_units_deployed_in_the_arctic_region_11805162.html |archive-date=3 November 2018}}</ref><ref name="urlTłumacz Google">{{Cite web |last=Behrendt |first=Paweł |date=11 October 2015 |title=Nowa wersja MT-LB dla brygad arktycznych |url=https://www.konflikty.pl/aktualnosci/wiadomosci/nowa-wersja-mt-lb-dla-brygad-arktycznych/}}</ref>

===Sweden===
[[File:401 vinter.jpg|thumb|right|Swedish MT-LB converted into Pbv 401]]
* '''Pbv 401''' (''pansarbandvagn'') – a modified former East-German vehicle with 7.62 mm machine guns [[Ksp 58|Ksp 95]] and [[Ksp 58 machine gun|Ksp 58]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ointres.se/pbv401.htm |title=Pbv 401 (MT-LB) |website=ointres.se |first=Rickard O. |last=Lindström |date= 2014-10-18 |access-date=2024-07-21 |lang=sv |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530015754/http://www.ointres.se/pbv401.htm |archive-date=2024-05-30 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Ukraine ===

* '''MT-LBMSh''' – announced in 2017, and built for Myanmar by the [[Kharkiv Tractor Plant]]. Equipped with a KBA-105 "Shkval" combat module with a 30 mm autocannon, [[PK machine gun|KT-7,62 machine gun]], KBA-117 30 mm grenade launcher, six smoke grenade launchers 902B Tucha, and Barrier ATGM system. The vehicle also has reinforced armour and a new YaMZ-238B engine with 330 horsepower.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-10-31 |title=Myanmar rebels seize Ukrainian-made MT-LBMSH infantry fighting vehicle |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2023/myanmar-rebels-seize-ukrainian-made-mt-lbmsh-infantry-fighting-vehicle |access-date=2024-07-17 |website=www.armyrecognition.com |language=en-gb}}</ref>

[[File:UA MT-LB with MT-12.jpg|thumb|MT-LB-12]]

* '''MT-LB-12''' – A 2022 modification in which an [[MT-12|MT-12 Rapira 100 mm anti-tank gun]] was mounted on top of the vehicle with an open-topped superstructure for cover. Seen in use with the [[Kraken Regiment]], the 59th Mechanized Brigade, and [[Territorial Defence Forces (Ukraine)|Territorial Defence Forces]]. In late September 2022, the Ukrainian gas company [[Ukrtransgaz]] presented a version with range increased by {{cvt|2-3|km}} and improved protection.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gas Company Remade a Captured MT-LB Armored Vehicle Into a Handmade Howitzer |url=https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/gas_company_remade_a_captured_mt_lb_armored_vehicle_into_a_handmade_howitzer-4357.html |access-date=4 February 2025 |work=Defense Express |date=28 September 2022 |language=en}}</ref> During the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]], Ukraine also deployed improvised chop-jobs combining the hulls of the MT-LB with the [[85 mm divisional gun D-44]].<ref>{{cite news|author=[[David Axe]] |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2022/10/27/ukraine-is-collecting-a-lot-of-russias-old-t-62-tanks/ |date=October 27, 2022 |title=Ukraine Is Collecting A Lot Of Russia's Old T-62 Tanks
|newspaper=[[Forbes]]}}</ref>

* '''BMP-1LB''' − Infantry fighting vehicle equipped with [[slat armour]], and a BM-7 Parus remote-controlled weapon station featuring a 30&nbsp;mm autocannon, twin machine guns, and an automatic grenade launcher. Early models suffered from slow speed and weak engines.<ref>{{cite news |title=92nd Brigade armed with MT-LBu-based combat vehicles |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/92nd-brigade-armed-with-mt-lbu-based-combat-vehicles/ |access-date=4 February 2025 |work=Militarnyi |date=4 February 2025}}</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:MT-LB v.2.png|alt=|thumb|upright=1.35|Map of MT-LB operators{{legend|#0b60d4|Current}}{{legend|#dc0023|Former}}]]

===Current operators===
* {{VIE}} Strela-10,Snar-10 and bought Soviet leftover at Cam Ranh naval base
* {{ARM}}{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=199}}
* {{AZE}} – 336{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=201}}
* {{flag|Angola}} – 31<ref name=IISS>{{cite book |last=[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]]|date=2021|title=The Military Balance|page=448|publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=9781032012278}}</ref>
[[File:Resting iron Bangladesh Army MT-LB APC. (36251501343).jpg|alt=|thumb|[[Bangladesh Army]] MT-LB on exhibition.]]
* {{flag|Bangladesh}} – 134{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=274}}
* {{BUL}} – 100 MT-LB in service as of 2024.<ref name="IISS2022_p2613">[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]]: The Military Balance 2024</ref>
* {{flag|Belarus}} – 70{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=203}}
* {{flaglist|Congo-Kinshasa}} – 6{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=508}}
* {{flag|Eritrea}} – 10{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=511}}
* {{FIN}} – 320 MT-LBu/MT-LBV in service as of 2024.<ref name="IISS2022_p2613" />
* {{GEO}} – 66 in Service{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=205}}
* {{flag|Iraq}} – About 400 in Service.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=380}}
* {{KAZ}} – 150{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=206}}

* {{flag|Moldova}} – 60{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=209}}
* {{flag|Myanmar}} – 350+ of MT-LBMSh{{sfn|The Military Balance 2023|p=275|}}
* {{flag|Nigeria}} – 67{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=528}}
* {{Flag|North Korea}} – unknown number of HT-16PGJ based on Strela-10
* {{MKD}} – 10 MT-LB in service as of 2024.<ref name="IISS2022_p2613" />
* {{flag|Kurdistan Region}}
* [[File:People's Protection Units Flag.svg|22px]] [[People's Defense Units]] (YPG)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mitzer |first1=Stijn |last2=Oliemans |first2=Joost |title=Kurdish Armour: Inventorising YPG Equipment In Northern Syria |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2021/10/kurdish-armour-inventorising-ypg.html |website=Oryx Blog |date=29 October 2021}}</ref>
* {{flag|Russia}} – 3,300 in active service before the start of [[Russo-Ukrainian War]].{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=212}} As of May 9th 2025, Russia has lost 1710 MT-LBs of various variants in the Russo-Ukrainian War.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oryx |title=Attack On Europe: Documenting Russian Equipment Losses During The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-equipment.html |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=Oryx}}</ref>
*{{SYR}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/Bosni_94/status/1760714564566466856?t=PVI-8NMirImLe1ycJh_2lQ&s=19 SAA’s MTLB with the ZU-23-2]</ref>
* {{Flagicon|Transnistria}} [[Transnistria]]
*{{UKR}} – 2,090.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=228}}<ref>{{cite web |author=John Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/ukraine/groundforces-equipment.htm |title=Ground Forces Equipment – Ukraine |publisher=Globalsecurity.org |access-date=2013-03-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707104146/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/ukraine/groundforces-equipment.htm |archive-date=7 July 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2018 nine MT-LBs received from Poland (those vehicles were previously in Polish service).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rp.pl/biznes/art1081331-drgnelo-w-eksporcie-broni|title=Drgnęło w eksporcie broni|website=www.rp.pl}}</ref>
**As of May 9th 2025, Ukraine has lost 156 MT-LBs of various variants during Russia's invasion.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-ukrainian.html | title=Attack on Europe: Documenting Ukrainian Equipment Losses During the Russian Invasion of Ukraine }}</ref>
* {{URU}} – 5{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=472}}
* {{USA}} – Used by [[opposing force]] units for training purposes.

===Former operators===
[[File:LT MT-LB.jpg|thumb|right|[[Lithuanian army|Lithuanian Army]] MT-LB on exhibition.]]
* {{flag|Artsakh}} − Seized by Azerbaijan after the [[2023 Azerbaijani offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mitzer |first1=Stijin |last2=Oliemans |first2=Joost |title=Documenting Equipment Losses During The September 2023 Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2023/09/documenting-equipment-losses-during.html |website=Oryx |access-date=7 October 2023}}</ref>
* {{CRO}} – 6 SNAR-10 stored, for scrap.
* {{Flagicon|Czechoslovakia}} [[Czechoslovakia]] – Passed on to the Czech Republic.
* {{DDR}} – 721 Bulgarian-made MT-LBs, 32 SNAR-10 and 36 Strela-10M. Unified with West Germany.
* {{GER}} – taken from GDR's army, all scrapped or sold to other countries.
* {{HUN}} – Strela-10 and SNAR-10
* {{flag|Islamic State}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mitzer |first1=Stijn |last2=Oliemans |first2=Joost |title=Vehicles and equipment captured by the Islamic State inside Syria until November 2014 |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2014/11/vehicles-and-equipment-captured-by.html |website=Oryx Blog}}</ref>
* {{LIT}} – 10 retired.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=133}}
* {{POL}} – 15 retired{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=145}}
* {{USSR}} – Passed on to successor states.
* {{SWE}} – 460 (Locally designated Pbv 401, former [[East Germany|East German]], bought in 1993, then decommissioned gradually until the last 147 examples were sold to [[Finland]] in 2011)<ref name="milfi">{{cite web |url=http://www.puolustusvoimat.fi/portal/puolustusvoimat.fi/!ut/p/c5/xZLLkqJAEEW_pT9AyQLlsUQoEOQhSKGyMXzQCggyjVpSX984ExMzG-3ZjF25vHHzRp5bXMJ1U62v2X59zk7V-sgtuERcmbwoj21Aij9xR2D5DsSSM0VaIHX68rEO6JmbH_xyiwKeYM8cIHOqDcCa6USJiCSYRPwX9wPdD6Uv3HNuAYPVLG9rixUszFnouMC3nqNSV8csKih4pAdnXYVZUTJP3wpukd08PfbQVkGxEWDV4jfvN_mt25U8SzP55_qd011_RuKJ_-etdx0ePBU4b3wqU27JJdKfLSby5G5LNOXN0ABAwEW_mZyaaMb_QOq21To8ZBXkbGe7RUs7PDeXWTTCIHi47fBYaAYZ89gSXNLhieIpalp3ZwRGTY8j4YtM_hsy0QsyfdHWwRrY2kgf464C9Po7x9_Q5_gVffrdt-_YTi1XFwUey8J_ybS5JNuUfbot-9AXEC8LQxmJkjxUeEUacvPNEm5GY1Ed-1fYD1NT7m0PziTxstgvWHbd7uo2pRO3wZUItZuw9EBkSgJZz_x9qtxKLdCq3CzUei-UgVGRs12dT1pkO7HNUsijPF5QYyIttAU5fSwaWhswdw7eip-Fon9NyUUwQwvrDfmQrEKpjfU7DtNjJUhHM-4tL001P1vz8kx3V7Mll3YX7qZ2zsTVnsxXt9ORq0tCyLXG4Zgi-e-h6tsnLz3wug!!/dl3/d3/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/?pcid=6f5b9080463aa57a9812df97720d955e |title=Puolustusvoimat hankkii miehistönkuljetusajoneuvoja |date=24 March 2011 |publisher=The Finnish Defence Forces |access-date=24 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510164843/http://www.puolustusvoimat.fi/portal/puolustusvoimat.fi/!ut/p/c5/xZLLkqJAEEW_pT9AyQLlsUQoEOQhSKGyMXzQCggyjVpSX984ExMzG-3ZjF25vHHzRp5bXMJ1U62v2X59zk7V-sgtuERcmbwoj21Aij9xR2D5DsSSM0VaIHX68rEO6JmbH_xyiwKeYM8cIHOqDcCa6USJiCSYRPwX9wPdD6Uv3HNuAYPVLG9rixUszFnouMC3nqNSV8csKih4pAdnXYVZUTJP3wpukd08PfbQVkGxEWDV4jfvN_mt25U8SzP55_qd011_RuKJ_-etdx0ePBU4b3wqU27JJdKfLSby5G5LNOXN0ABAwEW_mZyaaMb_QOq21To8ZBXkbGe7RUs7PDeXWTTCIHi47fBYaAYZ89gSXNLhieIpalp3ZwRGTY8j4YtM_hsy0QsyfdHWwRrY2kgf464C9Po7x9_Q5_gVffrdt-_YTi1XFwUey8J_ybS5JNuUfbot-9AXEC8LQxmJkjxUeEUacvPNEm5GY1Ed-1fYD1NT7m0PziTxstgvWHbd7uo2pRO3wZUItZuw9EBkSgJZz_x9qtxKLdCq3CzUei-UgVGRs12dT1pkO7HNUsijPF5QYyIttAU5fSwaWhswdw7eip-Fon9NyUUwQwvrDfmQrEKpjfU7DtNjJUhHM-4tL001P1vz8kx3V7Mll3YX7qZ2zsTVnsxXt9ORq0tCyLXG4Zgi-e-h6tsnLz3wug!!/dl3/d3/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/?pcid=6f5b9080463aa57a9812df97720d955e |archive-date=10 May 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* {{flagcountry|SFR Yugoslavia}}<ref>{{cite magazine|first1=Iztok |last1=Kočevar|title=Micmac à tire-larigot chez Tito: L'arme blindée yougoslave durant la Guerre froide|trans-title=The Yugoslav armored arm during the Cold War|magazine=Batailles et Blindés|language=fr|date=August 2014|publisher=Caraktère|issn=1765-0828|issue=62|pages=66–79}}</ref>

==See also==
* {{lwc|MT-LBu}}
* {{lwc|M113 armored personnel carrier}}
* {{lwc|BMP-1}}
* {{lwc|BMP-2}}
* {{lwc|BMP-3}}
* {{lwc|BTR-50}} – a similar vehicle based on [[PT-76]] light tank
* [[List of AFVs]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}

==References==
* * {{cite book | last1=Hull | first1=Andrew W. | last2=Markov | first2=David R. | last3=Zaloga | first3=Steve | title=Soviet/Russian armor and artillery design practices : 1945 to Present | publisher=Darlington Productions | publication-place=Darlington, Md. | date=1999 | isbn=1-892848-01-5 | oclc=42600399}}
* {{cite book | title=The Military Balance 2017 | publisher=[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]] (IISS) | via=Routledge| url=https://www.iiss.org/publications/the-military-balance/the-military-balance-2017 | publication-place=Arundel House, Temple Place, London, UK | date=2017 | isbn=978-1-85743-900-7 | oclc=960838207 | ref={{sfnref | The Military Balance 2017}}}}
* {{cite book | title=The Military Balance 2023 | publisher=[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]] (IISS) | via=Routledge| url=https://www.iiss.org/publications/the-military-balance/the-military-balance-2017 | date=February 15, 2023 | isbn=9781032508955 | oclc= | ref={{sfnref | The Military Balance 2023}}}}

==External links==
* {{Commons category-inline}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070520105804/http://www.hsw.pl/eng/transporteryo.php Huta Stalowa Wola – producer of MT-LB]
* [http://www.janes.com/defence/land_forces/news/idr/idr060926_1_n.shtml Russia upgrades firepower for MT-LB] Jane's, 26 September 2006
* [http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/mt-lb.htm fas.org]
* [http://www.inetres.com/gp/military/cv/inf/MT-LB.html inetres.com]

{{PostWWIISovietAFVS|APC}}
{{ModernUKRAFVsNav}}
[[Category:Armoured personnel carriers of the Soviet Union]]
[[Category:Armoured personnel carriers of the Cold War]]
[[Category:Amphibious armoured personnel carriers]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1950s]]