Lazar 3 (MB2-03): Internal Security IFV

JamesPond1200-psn · October 28, 2025, 6:27am

Would you like the Lazar 3 (MB2-03) to be added to the game?

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How should it be added?

Tech Tree
Premium
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Battlepass
Squadron
I said no

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What BR should it have?

7.3
7.7
8.0
8.3
Other (comment)
I said no

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Lazar 3 (MB2-03): Internal Security IFV

History:

The breakup of the USSR in 1991 created numerous new nations, each of which had to fend for themselves now that the Soviet Army could no longer protect them. Most were left with the vehicles stationed there during the USSR’s existence, meaning the available equipment varied wildly depending on the perceived importance of the region under Soviet rule. This meant that the nations in Central Asia were quite a bit behind in terms of technology.
One of those nations was Turkmenistan which, up until very recently, operated extremely outdated Soviet equipment. Relics such as the BMP-1, BTR-60/70, and T-72 Ural remain in service to this day, with only a handful of slightly more capable BMP-2, BTR-80, and T-72A/AV rounding out their early armored forces. As time progressed, a policy of “friendship through arms” allowed Turkmenistan to begin upgrading and enhancing their military with new products from around the world. Arms deals were made with Russia, Turkey, China, Israel, Serbia, and Ukraine, just to name a few. Serbia’s partnership would prove to be especially fruitful for Serbia, as it would result in one of the few sales of vehicles outside of the Nora B-52 SPH, namely the Lazar 3 APC.

The Lazar 3 is the third edition of the Lazar series of wheeled APCs, being the most modern, well-armed, and well-protected. It presents itself as an alternative to the BTR series from the USSR/Russia, offering a more Western approach while still maintaining some familiarity and compatibility with Eastern equipment. First developed in 2015, the Lazar 3 entered service with the Serbian Army in 2017. In 2021, Serbia delivered around 24 examples to Turkmenistan for use by their Ministry of National Security. Equipped with the MB2-03 turret from the Russian company Muromteplovoz, these vehicles now fulfill an IFV role for the MNS, having been seen in MNS digital camo as part of several parades since their introduction.

Description:

The Lazar 3 is a standard 8x8 wheeled APC design, very similar to others in use around the world. It can be equipped for a number of roles, including APC, IFV, ATGM carrier, and armored ambulance. Turkmenistan currently only uses the IFV platform, resulting in some slight differences from the basic model. Weighing in at 24-28 tons depending on combat load and armor level, the Lazar 3 hull has standard dimensions of 7.92 m (26.0 ft) long, 2.95 m (9 ft 8 in) wide, and 2.32 m (7 ft 7 in) high. It is powered by a 500 hp Cummins ISM 500 inline-6 diesel engine coupled to a transmission made by Timoney. This gives it an incredible 110 km/h (68 mph) top speed, ideal for rapid deployment on the battlefield. While exact armor specifications are classified, it has a base protection level of STANAG 4569 Level 3, giving it protection against 7.62mm AP bullets out to 30m, an 8kg mine blast, and a 155mm HE shell at 60m distance. It can equip extra armor protection which brings the all-around armor level up to Level 4, guarding against 14.5mm API out to 200m, a 10kg mine blast, and a 155mm HE shell at 25m. This also brings the frontal protection to Level 5, making the forward arc safe against 25mm APDS out to 500m. In addition, the Lazar 3 can be equipped with a spall liner for further protection against secondary fragments. Finally, the hull floor is double-layered for superior mine protection.

The armament of the Lazar 3 varies, as it can equip a variety of turrets for different use cases. For Turkmenistan, it has been equipped with the MB2-03 turret by Muromteplovoz from Russia. Resembling an improved BPPU turret (as seen on the BTR-80A), the MB2-03 features several improvements which enhance its combat abilities. The main weapon is the 30mm Shipunov 2A42 autocannon. Found on the BMP-2 and many other vehicles, this offers a faster rate of fire when compared to the 2A72 used on the BTR-80A. Unlike the BPPU, it is electromechanically stabilized in both planes, enabling fully accurate fire while on the move, even at high speeds. Alongside this, the turret mounts a coaxial 7.62mm PKTM machine gun on the right side and a 30mm AG-17 automatic grenade launcher on the left side, enabling engagement of a wide variety of targets. It utilizes the TKN-4G combined day/night sight but does not have access to thermals. The sight offers 1x-8x magnification, 49°-7° FOV. The turret also carries two banks of three 81mm “Tucha” smoke grenade launchers on the front, similar in configuration to the BPPU.

The Lazar 3 typically has a crew of 3+9, with the passengers able to use five firing ports on each side to fight from within the vehicle. However, when configured as an IFV, the capacity reduces to 2+8 and each side loses a firing port.

Specifications:

Spoiler

Main Armament: 30mm 2A42 autocannon

Secondary Armament: 1x 7.62mm PKTM machine gun

Tertiary Armament: 1x 30mm AG-17 automatic grenade launcher

Armor: STANAG 4569 Level 3 minimum, optional add-on armor increasing protection to Level 4 all-around and Level 5 frontally. Optional spall liner. Two-layer mine-resistant floor.

Engine: Cummins ISM 500 inline-6 diesel, 500 hp

Top Speed: 110 km/h (68 mph)

Gun Movement: -5/+70° elevation

Sight: TKN-4GA combined day/night sight (1x-8x magnification, 49°-7° FOV)

Smoke: 6x 81mm “Tucha” smoke grenade launchers

Crew: 2 (Driver, Commander/Gunner)