ArmA II ACE/ACEX: Opfor Vehicle Guide

Overview

A guide to Opfor vehicles for ArmA II. Included are all vehicles found in the base game, as well as ACEX, and some other vehicles that are commonly included in modpacks, such as the BMP-1.If i forgot anything, let me know in the comments.Please excuse any typos.

Cars and trucks

Ural-4320
The Ural is a Soviet truck, dating from the early 1960s. Still in production, the Ural is popular with both civilan and military operators. Often, a 23mm ZU-23-2 is mounted in the bed, converting the truck into a light SPAAG. It is used by Russia, Takistan, Chernarus, and many other nations.
Varients include Fuel, Ammunition and engineering trucks. It also provides the basis for the BM-21 Grad MLRS.

KAMAZ
The KAMAZ is another Russian truck. Used mainly by the Russian Federation, the KAMAZ has slowly been replacing the Ural since the 1980s.

Praga V3S
The V3S is a Czech cargo truck. The Engine is located under the cab. The V3S is favored by the Takistani Army, and is also common amoung civilians and insrugent groups all over the eastern world.

GAZ Vodnik
The Vodnik is a Russian lightly-armored vehicle designed for counter-insurgency work. The typical configuration is two 7.62mm PKM machineguns, one facing forwards and one back, in exposed positions intop the vehicle. Another version is fitted with the BPPU turret, which mounts a 2A42 30mm gun and a 7.62mm PKT machinegun. An unarmed medical version also exists. All are capable vehicles.

UAZ-469
The UAZ-469 is a Soviet jeep, produced from the 1960s to present. It is widely used by most eastern countries, including Takistan, Russia and Chernarus. A variety of armerments are often fitted, including DShKM machineguns, AGS-30 grenade launchers and SPG-9 recoilless guns.
The standard unarmed version can seat 8.

Pickup trucks and technicals
Common, durable and fast, pickup trucks are favored by Insurgent forces. They are often converted into Technicals by fitting PKM and DShK machineguns or SPG-9 recoilless guns.

Landrover
This British vehicle, in production in one form or another since the late 1940s, is very popular in the third world due to it’s ruggedness. Several militaries worldwide, mainly those in NATO, also operate Landrovers. The Takistani Army operates Landrovers as guntrucks, fitted with either an M2HB or an SPG-9 in the bed.

Light Armor

BTR-60PB

The BTR-60 is a Soviet APC from the late 1950s. The most common version, designated the BTR-60PB, is fitted with the BPU turret from the BRDM-2 scout car. It resembles the later BRDM, but has a much wider and longer hull.

The BTR-60PB carries as 14.5mm KPV and a 7.62mm PKT in the turret and can seat 8 passengers, and has a 3-man crew. It is resistant to 12.7mm fire from the front but the same fire will go through the sides. It will withstand 7.62mm fire from all angles. The BTR-60 is fully amphibious. Maximum road speed is near 100Km/H.

Replaced by the BTR-70 in most armies, the BTR-60 is still used by Takistani Motorized Infantry.

BTR-70

The BTR-70 is a replacement for the BTR-60 that entered Soviet service in the 1970s. It carries the same armorment, has similar armor and carries the same amount of troops. The performance of the BTR-70 (Ingame) is much the same as the older BTR-60PB. It is used by Takistan, Chernarus, Russia, the ChDZK and many insurgent groups and military forces around the world. Most Motorized sqauds in these countries will have one BTR-70.

BTR-90

The BTR-90 is a modern Russian wheeled APC from the 1990s. Armed to the teeth and well armored, the BTR-90 is a major threat on the battlefield.

The BTR-90 is fitted with the same turret used on the BMP-2 IFV. It mounts a 30mm Automatic cannon, a 7.62mm PKT machinegun, a 30mm AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher, and a Konkurs anti-tank guided missile. It can withstand 7.62mm and 12.7mm fire from the front and sides, though the latter will penetrate the rear. Obviously, the BTR-90 is a major threat to light armor, infantry, and low-flying aircraft. Like the BTR-60 and 70, the BTR-90 is fully amphibious.

The BTR-90 is only used by the Russian Federation, and few have been produced, meaning they should be a rare sight on the battlefield.

BMP-1, BVP-1

The Soviet BMP-1 is the world’s first infantry fighting vehicle. the BVP-1 is a direct licensed copy prodcued in the formor Czechoslovakia. Although outdated compaired to the later BMP-2, the BMP-1 is still a major threat to infantry and light armor.

The BMP-1 mounts a 73mm main gun, a 7.62mm PKT machinegun, and a Malyutka ATGM. the later BMP-1P mounts a more modern Konkurs in place of the Malyutka. It carries 8 passengers and has a crew of 3. It will withstand 12.7mm fire from all sides exept the rear. It is fully amphibious.

The BMP/BVP-1 is used in Takistan and Chernarus, aswell as many other countries.

BMP-2, BVP-2

The Soviet BMP-2 is the replacement for the BMP-1. It looks similar, but has a larger turret mounting a 30mm autocannon and a PKT machinegun. The BVP-2 is a Czechoslovakian copy produced during the 1980s.

The BMP-2 is armed with a 2A42 automatic cannon, a 7.62mm PKT machinegun, and a launcher for Konkurs Anti-tank missiles. The 30mm gun allows the BMP-2 to engage Infantry and light armor more rapidly and at longer ranges than the 73mm gun of the BMP-1, and also allows the BMP-2 to effectivley engage helicopters and low-flying fixed wing aircraft. Both anti-armor and high-explosive rounds are carried.

Unarmed command and medevac versions may be encountered.

Like the BMP-1, It carries 8 passengers and has a crew of 3. It will withstand 12.7mm fire from all sides exept the rear. It is fully amphibious.

The BMP-2 is used in large numbers by Chernarus, Russia, Takistan, and many insurgent groups.

BMD-1

The BMD-1 is a Soviet airborne IFV from the 1970s. It looks similar to the BMP-1, and mounts the same turret, but has a much smaller, lighter hull.

In additon to the standard armorment of the BMP-1, the smaller BMD carries two 7.62 PKT machineguns, operated by two seperate crew members, mounted in the front of the hull. although rather useless most of the time, these machineguns do give the BMD a serious suppresion abillity on the attack. Like the BMP-1, an upgrade, known as the BMD-1P, replaces the malyutka ATGM with a Konkurs.

The BMD-1 can carry five troops (two of which operate the aformentioned PKT machineguns, seated on either side of the driver) but becuase of the cramped spaces inside the vehicle, it is not uncommon for troops to simply ride ontop of the engine compartment. The BMD is also fully amphibious.

The BMD-1 can still be encountered in use by Russian airborne troops (VDV) despite replacement by the BMD-2. Chernarus also operates large numbers, often just as light tanks.

BMD-2

The BMD-2 is the replacement for the BMD-1. Depsite being in service for 30 years, it has not accomplished this task.

The BMD-2 is nearly the same as the BMD-1, but it mounts a new turret, fitted with a 2A42 30mm gun, 7.62mm PKT machinegun, and a Konkurs ATGM. otherwise, the BMD-2 is identical to the BMD-1.

The BMD-2 is in service with Russian airborne troops and with the CDF.

BMP-3

Introduced in the twilight years of the Soviet Union, the BMP-3 was intended as a replacement for both the BMP-1 and BMP-2. In practice however, massive numbers of BMP-2s remain in service.

The BMP-3 is much larger than the earlier BMPs, and carries much heavier armerment. In the turret, it carries a 2A42 30mm cannon, a 100mm 2A70 cannon (Capable of launching 9M117 ATGMs) and a PKT machinegun. Similarly to the BMD-1/2, two PKT machineguns are mounted in the front of the vehicle and operated by passengers. The combination of the 30mm and 100mm guns gives the BMP-3 the best of both worlds, having a heavy high-explosive shell provided by the 100mm and anti-air/anti-infantry performance offered by the 30mm.

The BMP-3 is only used by the Russian Federation, and in small numbers.

M113

The M113 is an american APC from the early 1960s. The M113A3, with an open-topped turret, is currently in use by Takistan. It is armed with a single M2HB 12.7mm heavy machinegun. It is venerable to 12.7mm and 14.5mm gunfire from all sides. It is also fully amphibious.

BRDM-2

Of all the Soviet light armored vehicles, the BRDM-2 is without a doubt one of the most commonly enountered. Since the early 1960s, it has been exported to dozens of countries.

The BRDM-2 resembles the BTR-60, but is not capable of carrying troops. It is armed with the same 14.5mm/7.62mm combo, in the same BPU-1 turret. It is commonly used to protect convoys and for base security purposes, and also to supoort light infantry. It is resistant to 7.62mm fire from the front, but the same fire will penetrate the sides if concetrated into one spot. 5.56mm fire will not penetrate from any direction. It can travel up to 100km/H and is fully amphibious.

An alternate version, known as the 9P148, mounts four Konkurs ATGMs in an unmanned turret. This version is capable of firing several ATGMs in rapid succesion. Another version, known as the 9k31, mounts Strela Anti-air missiles (See Anti-aircraft & artillery vehicles)

The BRDM and 9P148 are used in large numbers by Chernarus and Takistan. Russian operates them in smaller numbers, mainly for convoy escort duties.

Tanks

T-34/85

This WWII-era vehicle, though perhaps quite long in the tooth, is still not an uncommon sight on the battlefield. This version was produced from 1944 until 1958.

The T-34/85 is armed with an 85mm main gun (as denoted by it’s name, T-34/85) and two 7.62mm DT machineguns, one of which is mounted in the front of the hull, facing forwards. It’s armor is obsolete by modern standards, but will withstand 20mm and 30mm fire from the front. It’s gun poses a threat to light and medium armor and infantry. There have been occasions where T-34s have destroyed T-72 tanks from the sides. A version known as the T-34/76, with a smaller turret and 76mm gun, also exists, but is unlikely to be encountered.

The Takistani Army still posses large stocks of T-34/85s, many of which are on active duty. Many insurgent groups in Takistan also operate T-34s. In Chernarus, NAPA and ChDKZ insurgents have stolen some from CDF reserve bases, or simply re-activated those found on monuments. Although well obsolete, the T-34/85 cannot be written off and should be delt with quickly.

T-55

When introduced in the 1950s, the T-55 was probably the best tank in the world. It remained in production until the 1980s, and although the last few ones in Russian service were scapped in 2013, dozens of countries still operate the vehicle. Infact, more than 100,00 T-55s were produced – far more than any other tank ever made.

The T-55 is armed with a 100mm D-10 main gun and a coaxil 7.62mm SGMT machinegun, offering identical performance to the PKT. The later T-55A varient mounts a 12.7mm DShKM on the turret roof. (ACEX T-55A is a normal T-55, not T-55A)
The T-55 has little chance against an Abrams tank, but like the T-34/85, it can be devestating against lighter vehicles. The T-55 is immune to LAWs on the frontal arc, but they will penetrate the sides.

Takistan operates massive numbers of T-55s. Insurgent groups in Chernarus have a few, likely taken from CDF reserve stockpiles. As the CDF takes armored vehicle losses in the escalating civil war, it is likely they will press some T-55s into service as well.

T-90
The T-90 is one of the Russian Army’s latest tanks. A heavily-upgraded T-72, fitted with a gas turbine engine, heavy ERA bricks, and the latest thermal optics, the T-90 is a major threat to western armor like the M1A2.

The T-90 mounts a 125mm 2A46M gun, a coaxil 7.62mm PKT machinegun and a 12.7mm KORD machinegun mounted ontop the commander’s hatch. In addition to standard tank rounds, the 2A46M is capable of firing the 9M119 Refleks ATGM, giving the T-90 an edge over the Abrams at long range, and significantly increasing the probability of a first-round hit. However, the T-90 is not as well armored as the M1A2 Abrams.

The T-90 is mainly used by Russia, but only 550 are currently in service, and the T-72 remains the primary tank. Idia operates over 1250 T-90S export tanks. A few other countries operate T-90s in small numbers.

T-72
The T-72 is one of the most famous tanks in the world. Depite being given a bad rap in the 1991 Gulf War, the T-72s used in the conflict were the downgraded T-72M export model, which is far inferior to true Soviet T-72As. The T-72 is used by most nations that were supplied by the Soviet Union.

All T-72 models mount some version of the 125mm 2A46 gun, a 7.62mm PKT coax machinegun, and a 12.7mm NSV machinegun on the commander’s hatch. It is also interesting to note that both the T-72 and T-90 have an automatic loader, and thus can be fully crewed by 3 men. No T-72 models have thermal optics.
>T-72A
Armed with 2A46-1 main gun. This was the main production model. It is in service in Chernarus, and Russia has some in reserve stockpiles.

>T-72M
Downgraded export version of the T-72A, with thinner armor and downgraded optics. NBC protection removed. The T-72M is the primary battle tank of the Takistani Army. Many are also used by the CDF. Looks identical to T-72A.

>T-72B
1980s production version, with the 2A46M gun, which is capable of firing the 9M119 Refleks ATGM. The T-72B is easily identified by the large number of ERA bricks coating the front and sides of the tank. It is in service in Russia and Chernarus.

>T-72BA
1990s production model, with 2A46M and more modern ERA bricks. Used by the Russian Federation. Appears similar to T-90.

Anti-Aircraft and Artillery Vehicles

BM-21 Grad MLRS

The BM-21 is a Soviet 122mm, 40-barrel MLRS in use around the world. With the capability of dumping 40 122mm rockets up to 20KM away in a matter of seconds, the BM-21 is a deadly vehicle that is capable of halting an enemy advance single-handedly. However, being based on the Ural-4320 truck, the BM-21 lacks any form of protection from enemy fire, and thus must be kept well away from the actual fighting. It is used by Russia, Takistan, and Chernarus. insurgent groups like NAPA and the ChDKZ have obtained BM-21s either from capture or supplied by Russia and have used them to carry out terrorist attacks on Chernarussian villages.

9P117 SCUD
A product of the Cold War, SCUDs are capable of launching High-explosive, chemical and nuclear Missiles hundreds of kilometers away. They were intended to be used to hit NATO bases in France, Belgium and Britian from Soviet bases in East Germany. A staple of the 1991 Gulf War, SCUDs are favored by tyranical middle-eastern regimes as they allow them to hit their neighbor’s major cities easily. Thus, it’s no surprise that Takistan operates large numbers of 9P117 “SCUD-B” launchers. In the event of war, these will need to be destroyed quickly. Russia has since abandoned the 9P117 in favor of more modern systems.

ZSU-23-4 Shilka
The ZSU-23-4 is a Soviet, 4-barreled, 23mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG) (23 donoting the caliber of gun, and 4 denoting the number of barrels.) It is a development of the ZU-23-2 towed AA gun. Dating from the 1960s, the ZSU-23-4 is no longer the best AA system in use, but it still posses a major threat to low-flying aircraft.

The ZSU-23-4 is used by Chernarus, the ChDKZ, Takistan, and many insurgent groups. Russia still has a few in service, though they are being replaced by the Tunguska.

2k22 Tunguska
Entering service in the last few years of the Soviet Union, the Tunguska is one of the best SPAAGs around. It has largely replaced the ZSU-23-4 in Russian Service. It is armed with two 2A38 30mm cannons and 8 9M311 Anti-Aircraft missiles. It is deadly against enemy attack aircraft. The Russian Federation has only around 250 Tunguskas in service, and a number of small countries have purchased a few. Ukraine inherited 70 from the USSR.

9k31 Strela “SA-9”

The SA-9 is a Soviet anti-aircraft vehicle. Basically a BRDM-2 with the turret replaced by a launcher for 9k31 Strela Missiles, the SA-9 is effective against low-flying aircraft and helicopters. Like the BRDM-1, it is fully amphibious, allowing it to keep up with BTRs and BMPs on the advance.

Helicopters

Mil Mi-8, Mi-17 “Hip”

The Mi-8 is the most common helicopters in the world. Introduced by the Soviet Union in 1961, it remains in production to this day. It is also quiet fast, capable of flying over 300KM/H in a pinch, with a normal speed of 250km/h.

The Mi-8 is typically armed with two 7.62mm PKMD doorguns, but the Mi-8TV variant is armed, in addition to the doorguns, with an additional PKMD in the nose and with S-5 rocket pods on the outside of the aircraft. All Mi-8s can carry 24 passengers in addition to the pilot, co-pilot and gunners. The Mi-8 becomes harder to control when flying over 200KM/H. It is well armored and can take hundreds of 7.62mm rounds and keep flying.

The Mi-17 is a later version with a more powerful engine, known inside russia as the Mi-8M.
The gunship version is known as the Mi-8MTV.

A Czech-produced version, known as the Mi-17Sh, features a newly designed rear door.

The Mi-8 is used by ChDKZ insurgents, Takistan, and Russia. The Mi-17 is used by Russia (As Mi-8M) and Chernarus, while the Czechs use the Mi-17Sh.

Mil Mi-24 “Hind”

The Mi-24 is the most widely used Attack Helicopter in the world, fitst entering service with the Soviet Army in 1977. Although the initial Mi-24A is no longer in use, many of the later variants are still in service around the world.

Unique to the Mi-24, there is a troop compartment for 6 men in the middle of the aircraft. This allows the Mi-24 to insert troops into combat and then support them. However, this practice is only used by Special Forces and most Mi-24s operate as normal attack helicopters.

>Mi-24D
The Mi-24D is the most common version of the Mi-24. It is armed with a 12.7mm Yak-B chin gun,
AT-2 ATGMs and unguided S-5 rockets. It is no longer in Russian service, but is used by Chernarus and Takistan.

>Mi-24P
The Mi-24P is a more heavily-armed version of the Mi-24D. It has a semi-rigid GSh-30K chin gun, which is an aircraft version of the BMP-2’s 2A42 gun, S-8 rocket pods and more modern AT-6 ATGMs.
Used only by Russian Federation.

>Mi-24V
Armed with GSh-23L 23mm chin gun, S-8 rocket pods and AT-6 ATGMs. Used by the Russian Federation and Czech Republic.

Mi-28

The Mi-28 is the latest in Russian attack helicopters. It is armed with a 2A42 30mm chin gun, AT-9 ATGMs, and S-8 rocket pods. It lacks troop carrying capability. Small numbers are in service with the Russian Federation.

Kamov KA-50

The KA-50 is a Soviet attack helicopter, in service since 1990. Interestingly, The KA-50 is only crewed by one man, lacking a gunner.

It is armed with a semi-rigid 2A42 30mm chin gun, Vikr ATGMs and S-80 rocket pods. Originally intended to be used to replace the Mi-24, the KA-50 is currently used as a heavily-armed scout helicopter or as a tank hunter, while hundreds of Mi-24s remain in service.
About 32 KA-50s are in Russian service. No other country operates the helicopter.

Kamov KA-52

Developed from the KA-50, the KA-52 adds a gunner to the crew, increasing the size of the vehicle but retaining the same weapons. 80 KA-52s are in Russian service, and Eygpt has recently ordered 42.

Kamov KA-60

Intended as a replacement for the Mi-8, the more conventional KA-60 is only in limited service with the Russian Federation, though some have been bought by PMCs. It is typically fitted with S-8 rocket pods.

UH-1H Huey

The American Huey is still in service in Takistan, fitted with FN MAG machineguns. Some insurgent groups in Takistan also operate UH-1Hs. They are mainly used for recon duties, with Mi-8s filling the transport role.

Fixed-Wing

L-39
The L-39 is a Czech two-seat trainer aircraft. Although orignally unarmed, the L-39ZA variant, armed with a GSh-23 23mm gun and S-80 rockets or FAB-250 bombs, is used by Russia, Takistan and the Czech Republic as a ground-attack aircraft, a role in which it is highly effective. Due to it’s low speed, the L-39ZA is not suitable for dogfighting.

SU-25
The SU-25 is a Soviet ground-attack aircraft, designed to hunt Tanks. It is armed with a GSh-30 30mm Chain Gun, 2 FAB-250 250kg bombs, R-73 air-to-air missiles and S-8 rocket pods.
It is used by the CDF, Russia, and Takistan.

SU-27
The SU-27 is a Soviet fighter aircraft, armed with a GSh-30 30mm gun, R-73 and R-27 air-to-air missiles. It is widely used by the Russian Federation, with only a few being in Chernarussian use.

SU-34
The SU-34 is a Russian two-seat strike-fighter. Typically, it is armed with a GSh-30 30mm gun and
R-77 air-to-air missiles. It is only used by Russia.

Antonov AN-2 Colt
The AN-2 is a Soviet biplane, introduced in 1948. It is still in Russian service to this day, being used to drop paratroopers and for general liason duties between airfields. It also remains in service in other countries and is used by for many Civilan duties in Russia, Takistan, and Chernarus. Although unarmed, it has a histroy of being used as a bomber during the Vietnam war and the Yugoslav wars, aswell as various other conflicts in the 1970s and 1980s. Some insurgent groups have also fitted various weapons onto the aircraft in the past, or used it as a suicide bomber. It’s take-off speed of 42KM/H allows it land virtually anywhere, and it can carry up to 20 passengers.

Drones

KA-137
The KA-137 is a Russian UAV helicopter. Although usually unarmed, it can be fitted with a PKT machinegun, allowing it to be used to harrass enemy troops. In limted Russian use, the KA-137 is also used by some PMCs.

Pchela 1T

The Pchela 1T is an unarmed Recon UAV in service with the Russian Federation. It’s small size makes it a hard target to hit, but it makes considerable noise while flying.