The MT-LB with 100 mm MT-12 anti-tank gun, often called MT-LB-12, is a Ukrainian improvised self-propelled gun that places a Soviet MT-12 Rapira towed anti-tank gun on the rear of an MT-LB tracked armored vehicle. Public reporting shows the concept emerging in 2022 with Ukrainian Kraken and Territorial Defense-linked examples, trading the towed gun's normal setup time for a more mobile direct-fire and support-fire platform with limited crew protection.
Ukrainian units adapted MT-LB tracked armored vehicles to carry MT-12 Rapira 100 mm guns during the full-scale invasion, with ArmyInform documenting a Kraken-built vehicle already tested and in the combat zone and Defense Express later reporting a Ukrtransgaz-built example requested by a Territorial Defense unit.
Public sources describe the MT-LB-12 as a small family of local Ukrainian conversions rather than a single standardized factory vehicle.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kraken MT-LB-12 | Captured MT-LB-based field conversion | ArmyInform and Defense Express describe a Kraken-linked vehicle built from captured equipment, with design and construction work carried out by infantrymen and the system already tested for combat use. Sources: ArmyInform Kraken Tank Destroyer, Defense Express Kraken MT-LB MT-12 |
| Ukrtransgaz MT-LB/MT-12 conversion | Territorial Defense-requested workshop conversion | Defense Express reported that a Ukrtransgaz affiliate assembled another MT-LB and MT-12 vehicle after a local Territorial Defense request, with a six-person team working for two weeks and additional specialist guidance on gun elevation. |
The conversion depends on two existing Soviet systems: the MT-LB tracked armored vehicle as the carrier and the MT-12 Rapira as the mounted 100 mm gun.
| Compatible item | Item type | Compatibility evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | Tracked armored carrier | ArmyInform and Defense Express identify the chassis as an MT-LB, while Army Recognition describes the MT-LB as the tracked armored vehicle used for the local Ukrainian conversion. Sources: ArmyInform Kraken Tank Destroyer, Army Recognition Ukrtransgaz MT-LB MT-12 |
 | Mounted 100 mm anti-tank gun | The same reports identify the mounted weapon as the MT-12 Rapira, converting the normally towed gun into a self-propelled direct-fire platform. Sources: ArmyInform Kraken Tank Destroyer, Defense Express Kraken MT-LB MT-12 |
The vehicle inherits the MT-12 gun's 100 mm ammunition family, although public reporting does not always identify which round type a specific converted vehicle carries.
| Ammunition | Ammunition type | Firing evidence |
|---|---|---|
| 100 mm ammunition family | GlobalSecurity describes the MT-12 as firing anti-tank guided missiles, HEAT, sub-caliber, and high-explosive fragmentation ammunition from direct or covered positions. Sources: GlobalSecurity T-12 MT-12 |
The MT-LB-12 is best read as a wartime conversion that turns a towed anti-tank gun into a mobile firing vehicle. The available sources describe several non-identical examples, so the record treats the type as a recurring adaptation rather than a standardized production vehicle.
Mounting the gun on an MT-LB reduces the need to unlimber and position a towed piece, making faster movement into and out of firing positions possible.
Defense Express and Army Recognition both flag protection and ammunition-stowage limits, with open or lightly protected gun positions depending on the example.
Specialist reporting notes recoil and firing-angle challenges, including added supports or modified mounting work on some vehicles to help manage the gun on the MT-LB roof.
ArmyInform described Ukrainian soldiers demonstrating an improvised self-propelled anti-tank gun combining an MT-LB tractor with an MT-12 Rapira gun, with the system tested and in the combat zone.
Sources: ArmyInform Kraken Tank Destroyer
Defense Express identified the vehicle as an MT-LB-based improvised self-propelled gun and emphasized the mobility gain and unresolved crew-protection and ammunition-stowage questions.
Sources: Defense Express Kraken MT-LB MT-12
Defense Express reported a Ukrtransgaz-built MT-LB/MT-12 conversion for a Territorial Defense unit, noting additional work on gun elevation and the intention to produce more examples.
Sources: Defense Express Ukrtransgaz MT-LB MT-12
Army Recognition reported continued sightings of MT-LB-12 vehicles in Ukraine, including discussion of direct and indirect fire roles and the conversion's protection and stability limits.
Sources: Army Recognition MT-LB-12 Analysis
