Soviet-era Loaf van becomes Russia's main battlefield resupply vehicle in Ukraine
As Russia's invasion of Ukraine rumbles on, the toll of war continues to mount, with Russia losing thousands of trucks and armoured vehicles to the combat - at a rate that manufacturing capacity cannot replace.
In response, the Bukhanka - which roughly translates to Loaf in English - a Soviet Union-era van designed in 1965, has become Russia’s main battlefield resupply vehicle.
Officially named the UAZ-452, it is so-called for its resemblance to a loaf of bread.
Devoid of creature comforts and shock absorbers, a sparse interior with rigid seating and little else, its best feature is its four-wheel drive capability.
Even with military modifications, the van has a 2.7-litre engine good for 112 horsepower, meaning it is not going anywhere fast, making it an easy target for drone swarms.
The Bukhanka is a simple, rugged off-roader, but that is not enough to survive on a modern battlefield - each one having an average life expectancy of three trips to the frontline carrying supplies.
They will eventually be phased out in favour of the Chinese Desert Cross 1,000 all-terrain vehicle.
But the widespread use of the Loaf reveals a lot about how Russia is faring in Ukraine.
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
