Toyota HMV. Photo and video: Russian Ministry of Defense
The Russian Ministry of Defense has released a video showing the transformation of a Japanese military SUV Toyota HMV into a disarmed mobile firing platform equipped with the ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun.
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The video reveals that, in addition to the 23mm gun, the firing platform also includes a portable electronic warfare device, indicating that the main purpose is to combat drones. However, the Russian Ministry of Defense also mentions the use of this installation against Ukrainian infantry.
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This platform is being used by Russian occupying forces near the village of Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region. Since the beginning of the large-scale war between Russia and Ukraine, Russian troops have employed disarmed Japanese off-road military vehicles.
These vehicles are often seen in military formations based in the Russian Far East, where they are common in the civilian market. Until 2022, Toyota’s HMVs entered the Russian civilian market in large numbers after being disarmed and sold by the Japan Self-Defense Forces. Eventually, these vehicles passed from civilian owners to Russian occupying forces.
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To combat Ukrainian drones, the Russian army is creating mobile groups within the Aerospace Forces and air defense forces. These groups are armed with ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns mounted on trucks and SUVs equipped with large-caliber machine guns. The new units also include electronic warfare equipment and smoke curtain machines.
This development highlights the adaptability and use of disarmed equipment in modern military operations, reflecting the ongoing evolution of combat tactics in the Russo-Ukrainian war.
Photos and video: Russian Ministry of Defense. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team. Source: mil.in.ua
