Important milestone passed for modernisation project of BVP M80 platforms, whixh are developed during the Cold War and active since the late 1970s. Serbia introduced the first modernised prototype.
The firepower of the platform, which renamed as M80AB1 after modernisation studies, was increased by a one-man turret. System is equipped with a 30 mm main weapon. It was seen that the platforms which increased the situational awareness with the new generation electro-optics were equipped with additional armour plates. The main aim of the modernization activities announced as increasing the ballistic protection and firepower. In addition to eight launchers and 7.62 mm machine guns; M80s also equipped with Malyutka 2T5 radio-guided or Malyutka 2F and 2T wire-guided anti-tank missiles.
CBRN protected BVP M80s are resistant to 20 mm ammunition at the front and 7.62 mm armor-piercing bullet cores at the sides. Powered by a 315 hp diesel engine and a combat weight of 14,000 kilograms, the platform has a 500 km range.
