Inside Russia's elite combat machines: Prepping BMP & BMD for battle

Kurganmashzavod, a Russian company known for producing military equipment, has recently released a brief video showcasing the process of preparing new vehicles for transportation. These vehicles, intended for the Russian army under Putin's command, include the infantry fighting vehicles BMP-3 and BMD-4M. We delve into the capabilities of these vehicles to provide a closer look.

Located in Kurgan, within the Kurgan region, the Kurganmashzavod facilities have been earmarked for increased production following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. The Russian government has already noted shipments supporting Russian army units participating in the Ukrainian conflict. The latest batch of BMP-3 and BMD-4M vehicles will soon be deployed to the front lines.

The BMP-3 is an infantry fighting vehicle that started production in 1987 and is a specialty of Kurganmashzavod. This vehicle is unique in design, developed from the light, amphibious tank known as Object 685. This design choice results in one of the BMP-3's main drawbacks—the relatively low durability of its armor. Moreover, it features a tank-like design with the engine positioned at the rear and the ammunition not isolated from the crew, posing a significant risk in the event of enemy fire.

In terms of armament, however, the BMP-3 is significantly better equipped. It boasts a low-pressure 100mm caliber gun, an anti-tank missile launcher, an automatic 30mm caliber cannon, and 7.62mm machine guns. Weighing approximately 42,000 lbs and measuring over 23 feet, the BMP-3 is powered by a 500 HP engine, allowing it to reach top speeds of about 43 mph on land and about 6 mph in water.

The BMD-4M represents a newer design. The first prototypes of this infantry fighting vehicle (also called an airborne combat vehicle) emerged in 2008. However, production did not begin until 2015.

Like the BMP-3, the BMD-4M operates on tracked traction and is powered by a 500 HP engine. It is lighter, weighing about 29,000 lbs, a feature that accommodates parachute drops. Nevertheless, it achieves a comparable maximum speed to the BMP-3, at around 43 mph on land and 6 mph in water. The BMD-4 M armament includes a 2A70 100mm caliber launcher, an automatic 30mm cannon, and a 7.62mm machine gun.