View source for Engineering:MT-LB

{{Short description|Soviet combat vehicle}}

{{Infobox weapon
| is_vehicle         = yes
| name               = MT-LB
| image              = File:RWS2017-37.jpg
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = MT-LB
| type               = Amphibious [[Engineering:Armoured personnel carrier|armored personnel carrier]]<br>Multi-purpose armored vehicle
| origin             = [[Place:Soviet Union|Soviet Union]]
| service            = early 1970s – present
| used_by            = See ''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
| 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/Kord heavy machine gun; or<br>30mm [[Engineering:AGS-17|AGS17D]]/[[Engineering:AGS-30|AGS-30]] [[Engineering:Automatic grenade launcher|Automatic grenade launcher]], or<br>30mm 2A42/2A72 [[Engineering:Autocannon|autocannon]]
| secondary_armament = PKT (2,500 rounds)
| armour             = 14 mm max.
| engine             = {{plainlist | 
* YaMZ 238, V-8 diesel
* SW 680, I6 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''' ({{lang-ru|Многоцелевой Тягач Легкий Бронированный|translit=Mnogotselevoy tyagach legky bronirovanny}}, literally "multi-purpose towing vehicle light armored") is a [[Place:Soviet Union|Soviet]] multi-purpose, fully [[Engineering:Amphibious vehicle|amphibious]], tracked [[Engineering:Armoured fighting vehicle|armored fighting vehicle]] in use since the 1970s. It was also produced in {{wipe|Poland}}, where (starting in the mid-1990s) its YaMZ engine was replaced by a Polish 6-cylinder SW 680 diesel engine.<ref name="urlMT-LB multipurpose tracked armoured vehicle technical data sheet specifications pictures video">{{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 [[Engineering:ASU-57|ASU-57]] airborne self-propelled gun) with a new generation of vehicles. The MT-L was developed to meet this requirement based on the [[Engineering:PT-76|PT-76]] amphibious light tank chassis. The MT-LB is the armored 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}}</ref> Formerly it was also manufactured under license in {{wipe|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 [[Engineering: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==

===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 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 [[Physics: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 manufactures '''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 [[Engineering: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 [[Engineering: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 [[Engineering:ZU-23-2|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 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 [[Engineering: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''' – armored 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''' – armored 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|Engineering:Opal (armoured personnel carrier)}}

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

===Russian Federation===
* '''MT-LBM (izdeliye 6M)''' – MT-LB modernization developed by Muromteplovoz in the 1990s. It can be fitted with several different turrets.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}
* '''2S24''' – mortar carrier with 2B24 (or 2B14 "Podnos") 82&nbsp;mm mortar and 83 rounds. The GRAU designation for the carrier vehicle, mortar, and ammunition is '''2K32 "Deva"'''. The 2S24 was designed by TsNII "Burevestnik" and has a crew of five. In service with RF Interior Ministry.<ref>{{cite web |title=JSC CRI "Burevestnik"/ 82&nbsp;mm 2K32 MORTAR SYSTEM |url=http://www.burevestnik.com/products_engl/2k32.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110418144820/http://www.burevestnik.com/products_engl/2k32.html |archive-date=18 April 2011 |access-date=2013-03-22 |publisher=Burevestnik.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=ЦНИИ "Буревестник" в 2011 году отгрузит Венесуэле 48 мобильных минометных комплексов &#124; «НТА Приволжье» Новости Н. Новгорода |url=http://nta-nn.ru/news/economy/2011/news_466579/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529054205/http://nta-nn.ru/news/economy/2011/news_466579/ |archive-date=29 May 2018 |access-date=28 May 2018}}</ref>
* '''MT-LBVMK''' – a modification of MT-LBVM with "Kord" 12.7&nbsp;mm machine gun instead of NSVT 12.7&nbsp;mm.<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>
* '''Toros''' – Arctic adapted vehicle developed by Muromteplovoz based on the MT-LB chassis, armed with a [[Engineering:Shipunov 2A42|30mm autocannon 2A42]], [[Engineering:PK machine gun#PKMT|PKMT]] 7.62mm machine gun, and 30mm [[Engineering:AGS-17#Variants|AGS-17D]] grenade launcher, and equipped with a snowplow. Toros is able to operate in −45&nbsp;°C.<ref name="urlRussia could order Toros tracked armoured vehicle for military units deployed in the Arctic Region 11805162 | weapons defence industry military technology UK | analysis focus army defence military industry army">{{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>
* '''MT-LB 2M-3 Conversion''' – a modification of MT-LB with what appears to be a 2M-3 25mm Double Barreled Naval Turret has been sighted in footage from the Ukraine war. This turret was originally designed in the late 1940s and was produced between 1953 & 1984 for use as a Naval Anti-Aircraft System<ref>{{cite web |title=Russians Installed Ships Anti Aircraft Gun on MT LB Armoured Vehicle |url=https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/russians_installed_ships_anti_aircraft_gun_on_the_mt_lb_armored_vehicle-5937.html |access-date=2023-03-05 |publisher=defence.ua.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Express |first1=Defence |title=Russians Installed Ship's Anti-Aircraft Gun On the MT-LB Armored Vehicle |url=https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/russians_installed_ships_anti_aircraft_gun_on_the_mt_lb_armored_vehicle-5937.html |access-date=2023-03-05 |website=Defense Express }}</ref> Pictures of these modified vehicles have been seen online providing air defence for civilians excavators digging defensive lines in Russian occupied Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Axe |first1=David |title=Ukraine's Drones Hit So Many Russian Excavators That The Kremlin Got Desperate—And Deployed Very Weird Air-Defenses |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/06/02/ukraines-drones-hit-so-many-russian-excavators-that-the-kremlin-got-desperate-and-deployed-very-weird-air-defenses/ |access-date=2023-06-02 |work=Forbes}}</ref>

===Sweden===
[[File:401 vinter.jpg|thumb|right|Swedish MT-LB converted into Pbv 401]]
* '''Pbv 401''' (''pansarbandvagn'') – modified a former East-German vehicle with 7.62 mm machine guns Ksp 95 and [[Engineering:Ksp 58 machine gun|Ksp 58]].{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

=== Ukraine ===

* '''MT-LB-12''' – A 2022 modification in which a MT-12 Rapira 100 mm anti-tank gun was mounted on top of the vehicle with an open-topped superstructure for cover. At least two made with more planned for production.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://twitter.com/UAWeapons/status/1574802751959273472 |access-date=2022-09-27 |website=Twitter |language=en}}</ref> During the 2022 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={{wipe|Forbes}}}}</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===
* {{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}}
* {{flagdeco|ISIL}} [[Religion:Boko Haram|Boko Haram]] – Captured from the Nigerian Army.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1400171508211851270|user=CalibreObscura|title=#Nigeria: An ex-NA ("Upgraded") MT-LB recaptured by the NA after an attack by ISWA, which appears to have been foil…<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |date=2 June 2021}}</ref>{{bsn|date=July 2022}}
* {{BUL}} – 100 {{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=97}}
* {{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}} – 40 MT-LBV, 102 MT-LBU<ref name=":2">IISS 2022, pp. 77</ref>
* {{GEO}} – 66 in Service{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=205}}
* {{flag|Iraq}} – About 400 in Service.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=380}}
** {{flag|Kurdistan}} - Around ~400 in Service.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgbEhvrfwQc&feature=player_embedded|title=shex ja3far puk|work=YouTube|access-date=9 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117235016/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgbEhvrfwQc&feature=player_embedded|archive-date=17 November 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{KAZ}} – 150{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=206}}
[[File:LT MT-LB.jpg|thumb|right|Lithuanian Army MT-LB on exhibition.]]
* {{flag|Moldova}} – 60{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=209}}
* {{flag|Myanmar}} – 26{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=316}}
* {{flag|Nigeria}} – 67{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=528}}
* {{Flag|North Korea}} – unknown number of HT-16PGJ based on Strela-10
* {{MKD}} – 10{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=136}}
* [[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.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=212}} Currently being modernized in the version MLBSh for the Marines with more powerful engines KAMAZ-740.50 of 360&nbsp;hp, new tracks and new weaponry, etc.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ria.ru/arms/20180514/1520470939.html |title=В России модернизируют бронетранспортер МТ-ЛБ |date=14 May 2018 |access-date=16 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516065428/https://ria.ru/arms/20180514/1520470939.html |archive-date=16 May 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/april_2019_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/russian_naval_infantry_to_receive_upgraded_armored_tractors_for_arctic_operations.html |title=Russian Naval Infantry to receive MLBSH armored tractors for Arctic operations &#124; April 2019 Global Defense Security army news industry &#124; Defense Security global news industry army 2019 &#124; Archive News year |date=23 April 2019 |access-date=28 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428092535/https://www.armyrecognition.com/april_2019_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/russian_naval_infantry_to_receive_upgraded_armored_tractors_for_arctic_operations.html |archive-date=28 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> They are also being upgraded to the version VM1K for the Ground Forces with a domestic 310&nbsp;hp YAMZ-238BL-1 engine and a new radio station.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2021/0111/075061154/detail.shtml|title=ЦАМТО / / Горные мотострелки ЮВО получили партию модернизированных бронированных тягачей-транспортеров|website=armstrade.org}}</ref> Some are being equipped as platforms for ZU-23 anti-aircraft guns.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2021/0419/094562488/detail.shtml|title=ЦАМТО / / На учениях в ЗВО впервые применили модифицированные бронированные тягачи в качестве платформы для ЗУ-23|website=armstrade.org}}</ref>[[File:Russian MT-LB in Ukraine marked "Z".jpg|thumb|Damaged and captured Russian MT-LB with a "Z" symbol during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]]
As of 20/12-2023 Russia has lost 818 MT-LBs of various variants in Ukraine after invading in 2022<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-equipment.html | title=Attack on Europe: Documenting Russian Equipment Losses During the Russian Invasion of Ukraine }}</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>
* {{URU}} – 5{{sfn|The Military Balance 2017|p=472}}
* {{USA}} – Used by opposing force units for training purposes.

===Former operators===
* {{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}} [[Place: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 [[Place:East Germany|East German]], bought in 1993, then decommissioned gradually until the last 147 examples were sold to {{wipe|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==
* [[Engineering:MT-LBu|MT-LBu]]
* [[Engineering:M113 armored personnel carrier|M113 armored personnel carrier]]
* [[Engineering:BMP-1|BMP-1]]
* [[Engineering:BMP-2|BMP-2]]
* [[Engineering:BMP-3|BMP-3]]
* [[Engineering:BTR-50|BTR-50]] – a similar vehicle based on [[Engineering:PT-76|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}}}}

==External links==
* [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}}
[[Category:Amphibious armoured personnel carriers]]

{{Sourceattribution|MT-LB}}