The ATS-59G is a Soviet artillery tractor that was adopted into service in 1970.
A video from February of this year has appeared online, suggesting that russian occupying forces are either using or planning to use ATS-59G tractors as improvised transport vehicles on the battlefield. In the footage, which was noted by Andrei Tarasenko (btvt.info), at least two ATS-59G vehicles can be seen.
One of these vehicles is equipped with improvised drone protection, while the other has essentially been converted into an infantry transport vehicle using the “turtle” principle—featuring a metal frame, armor plates, and mesh screens. The video also shows two main battle tanks, a T-72B3 and a T-80U.
It remains unclear how widespread this practice is among russian forces. However, it is evident that the enemy has suffered significant equipment losses and is trying to compensate by any means necessary.
This is not the first time ATS-59G tractors have appeared in photos or videos, both as transport vehicles and in armed configurations.
As early as 2023, reports indicated that the russians were arming ATS-59G tractors with 2M-3M naval anti-aircraft gun mounts.
Additionally, in 2024, ATS-59G vehicles have been spotted modified into “turtle vehicles.”