- Yes
- No (Explain why)
Suggestion No.112
Zdravo. I want to suggest the modified Serbian M-83M Obelix, which now adds OSICA loitering ammunition compared to the base M-83M :)
Description:
Spoiler
The BOV POLO M-83M Obelix is a Serbian modernization of the BOV POLO M-83M anti tank missile vehicle developed by Yugoimport. The upgrade adds four OSICA loitering munitions and a modern electro optical reconnaissance system compared to the base M-83M. The vehicle is equipped with a stabilized thermal imaging camera, daylight television camera, laser rangefinder and digital operator workstation for day and night target detection, observation and target designation. The system can be operated remotely from a position up to 80m away from the vehicle, allowing the crew to conduct reconnaissance and launch loitering munitions without remaining inside the vehicle.
History:
Spoiler
Development of the BOV POLO M-83 began in the late 1970s as an anti tank variant of the BOV (Borbeno Oklopno Vozilo) family, which had originally been designed as a modular 4x4 armoured vehicle capable of fulfilling multiple battlefield roles. The POLO M-83 was developed to provide mechanised units with a mobile anti tank capability using the 9M14 Malyutka guided missile system. Two prototype vehicles were completed before the design entered series production and was accepted into service with the Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA) in 1983, from which it received the designation M-83.
The vehicle was equipped with a powered launcher carrying six ready to fire Malyutka anti tank guided missiles, with additional missiles stowed inside the hull for reloading. It served as the primary self propelled anti tank variant of the BOV family and remained in service after the dissolution of Yugoslavia with several successor states, including Serbia.
During its service life, Serbian modernization programmes upgraded the POLO M-83 with improved electro optical sights and compatibility with newer, better members of the Malyutka missile family. The latest modernization, introduced by Yugoimport. The newest variant would be the BOV POLO M-83M Obelix, which was first unveiled on PARTNER 2025 military expo, including on the parades later on.
Armaments:
Spoiler
4 OSICA loiter ammunition
6 ready to fire Malyutka 2T5, 2T and 2F (with additional missiles stored, possibly 8?)
7.62mm M86 machine gun
Specifications:
Spoiler
The vehicle has a length of 5.72m and a width of 2.60m (from base BOV-1). I cannot find proper weight info of the M-83 (as it could easily mix up other BOV vehicle variant weight numbers), but this should be at least 300kg heavier due to the extra ammunition + containers. Due to that, It could maybe weigh around the 9-10t mark. It is powered by a Deutz F6L 413F engine, which gives it up to 150hp at 2650rpm. This can make it go up to 95km/h.
Sources:
Spoiler
Some images come from Jaroslav Madacki on Facebook
Several Yugoimport brochures
http://www.srpskioklop.paluba.info/bov/opis.html
https://www.mod.gov.rs/eng/22590/podeselon-protivoklopnih-jedinica
BOV (Combat Armored Vehicle) 4x4 Wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier (APC)
Thanks a lot for reading! If you have any extra information, then feel free to share them in the replies! As always, have a good day :)