Image source: vestnik-rm.ru
Soviet first-generation IFVs in the late 60s were considered by military theorists as a means of delivering infantry in a full-scale nuclear war.
Contrary to popular myths in the West, the Soviet Union never planned to be the first to attack NATO countries.
At the same time, if the troops of the North Atlantic Alliance had invaded the GDR and Czechoslovakia, they would have been waiting for a crushing retaliatory strike. Moreover, counterattacking formations would not save on nuclear ammunition. However, the enemy would not have remained in debt. In addition to tactical nuclear weapons used by artillery and aviation, the possibility of equipping the M60A2 and M551 tanks with 152-mm guided missiles with special combat units was considered.
Apparently, under the impression of these plans, similar developments were carried out in the USSR. For example, a combat vehicle armed with 150-kilogram nuclear missiles with 0.3-kiloton warheads was supposed to appear on the basis of the BMP-1. Their flight range is 8000 meters. The T-64A tank was to receive a similar launcher.
Perhaps this equipment would have entered the troops, but, apparently, due to the fact that the Americans refused such weapons, these works were stopped.
Dmitry Lemeshko
