Armored personnel carrier M113

In the constantly shifting domain of modern warfare, few military vehicles have proven their longevity and adaptability as clearly as the M113. Developed in the 1960s, this battle-tested tracked transporter has once again found itself on the front lines — this time in Ukraine, where it has received a second life under new combat conditions.

A Legacy Forged in War

The history of the M113 armored personnel carrier began during the Cold War, when the Food Machinery and Chemical Corporation (FMC) developed a lightweight APC for the U.S. Army.

The aluminum hull was a technical novelty at the time, offering protection for personnel inside without compromising mobility. One of its key innovations was its ability to traverse not only rough terrain but also water obstacles, greatly expanding the M113 military vehicle's geographical and operational versatility.

The M113 was first tested in combat during the Vietnam War. It performed exceptionally well in the region’s dense terrain, earning the nickname “Green Dragon” for its ability to break through jungle lines.

Its simplicity, mobility, and modularity allowed it to be adapted for various roles: communications, mortar platforms, and medical evacuation.

With more than 80,000 units produced and operational in over 50 countries, the M113 APC has become one of the most widely used armored personnel carriers in military history.

M113 Specifications and Capabilities

• Engine: Detroit Diesel 6V53, 215 hp

• Top speed: up to 67 km/h on roads, 6 km/h in water

• Operational range: 480 km

• Weight: 12.3 tons (base version)

• Armament: standard configuration features a 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun; additional weapons may be mounted

• Armor: aluminum, thickness between 12 and 44 mm, providing protection against bullets and shrapnel

• Crew and passengers: 2+11 (driver, commander + up to 11 infantry)

• Amphibious capability: able to cross water obstacles, trenches up to 1.7 m, and vertical walls up to 0.6 m

The technical characteristics of the M113 army vehicle demonstrate its versatility, making it a reliable platform for a range of combat roles — from assault logistics to medevac.

Its aluminum hull provides basic protection for the crew and troops. The armor thickness, ranging from 12 mm to 44 mm, allows it to withstand fire from 7.62 mm weapons and fragments from mines and artillery shells.

One of the M113 APC variants’ key advantages is its relatively low weight, which offers superior mobility, though at the cost of limited protection. Compared to modern infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and new-generation APCs, the M113 is more vulnerable to:

• Anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) like FGM-148 Javelin, NLAW, and Stugna-P

• Shaped-charge munitions that can penetrate aluminum armor

• Explosive devices and mines capable of damaging its track or hull

• Kamikaze drones, which have become a serious threat in the russia–Ukraine war

Ukraine M113: The Second Life of a Classic

At the start of the full-scale war, Ukraine urgently needed armored mobility, as its own military-industrial complex had not yet ramped up production. The first batches of military aid and media coverage introduced many Ukrainians to the M113 command vehicle, with images of it appearing in news reports.

At the same time, confusion arose among civilians regarding different platforms and names, particularly in comparison to the M113 Bradley.

Unlike the M2 Bradley, which is an IFV, the M113 is designed primarily for transport and battlefield support. Here’s how they differ:

• The M2 Bradley features more powerful weapons and stronger armor, making it capable of both transporting troops and engaging in direct combat

• It has a stronger engine, enabling faster and longer movement

• Its primary armament includes a 25 mm automatic cannon, capable of destroying enemy vehicles and infantry at longer ranges. Its armor offers stronger protection from anti-tank weapons

Thanks to Western partners — notably the U.S., Lithuania, Denmark, and the Netherlands — Ukraine received several hundred M113 APC units. Despite initial concerns about obsolescence, the Ukrainian military quickly proved that a well-modernized classic could be highly effective.

Ukrainian Modifications Include:

• Weapon stations: remotely operated Tavria 14.5/7.62 mm modules allow firing from within the vehicle, minimizing crew exposure

• Firepower upgrades: some M113 with turret variants have been fitted with Turkish SARP Dual systems that support 7.62 mm, 12.7 mm machine guns, or Mk19 grenade launchers

• Air defense adaptation: several M113 turret platforms were reconfigured to mount ZU-23-2 autocannons for use against drones and other aerial threats

• Medical versions: many vehicles were turned into armored ambulances to evacuate wounded personnel from the front

Like most formations of Ukraine’s National Guard, the Azov Brigade also faced a shortage of armored vehicles that would significantly boost its battlefield effectiveness. As one of Ukraine’s most effective fighting units — and still a major target of russian propaganda — Azov’s access to Western heavy equipment was complicated. As a result, much of the unit’s arsenal consists of captured enemy vehicles, restored by its in-house mechanics.

The need for M113 military vehicles was met through civilian fundraising, particularly thanks to the TYLOVYKY initiative. Their second major campaign aimed to procure five M113 units for Azov.

However, thanks to the efforts of AZOV.ONE and the Serhiy Prytula Foundation, the unit ultimately received a larger delivery of British FV432s as a suitable alternative.

Combat Experience: How the M113 Performs in the Field

Across various Ukrainian brigades, the APC M113 has earned a well-deserved reputation as a “battlefield taxi,” capable of quickly transporting infantry to hotspots or evacuating the wounded.

In the 58th Motorized Infantry Brigade, the Army M113 is actively used in assault operations. One mechanic-driver recounted how the vehicle sustained a direct RPG hit and still managed to complete the mission and evacuate the crew.

Soldiers note that despite its age, the M113 armored personnel carrier outperforms many Soviet-era counterparts in terms of comfort and reliability.

One of the best demonstrations of the M113's combat value is its use in high-risk evacuations, where protection and speed make all the difference.

At the epicenter of war in Ukraine, the M113 command vehicle stands as proof that military technology from the 1960s, if wisely modernized, can still be an effective tool in today’s warfare.

Its evolving role on the battlefield underscores the truth that it’s not just about the technology itself, but how and by whom it is used.