In the skilled hands of Ukrainian soldiers, an old body armor becomes a combat marvel. The Pansarbandvagn 301 is a Swedish armored personnel carrier developed in the 1950s and 1960s. Despite its venerable age, this vehicle continues to perform combat missions. Now, as part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, specifically within the 39th Separate Coastal Defense Brigade.

The Swedish PBV-301 in the 39th brigade turns logistics into survival on the front

The brigade reports that the PBV is used for logistical support in the unit’s area of responsibility.

“This armored vehicle supplies ammunition and food, transports and retrieves fighters from positions, and evacuates the wounded,” the soldiers say.

The brigade notes that the vehicle is “not bad, and in skilled hands it is even capable of small miracles.”

From ammunition runs to casualty evacuation

According to the troops, the main effectiveness of the PBV-301 depends on the training of the mechanic-driver. For this reason, practical training sessions are regularly held under the guidance of experienced instructors.

“Such exercises allow drivers to practice driving on difficult sections of terrain and to become accustomed to the physical and psychological stresses,” the instructor says.

Training under fire: how instructors temper PBV mechanic-drivers so they can run routes that don’t work the first time

He emphasized that completing combat missions requires considerable endurance and strength of spirit from the driver.

“There are routes you can do on the first try, and there are ones you have to ‘run’ several times. We train, provide guidance, and offer assistance. Because there is no better motivation than a well-prepared crew,” he explains.