Kremlin's Terminator rebrand: New name can't hide flaws
Reports about the Kremlin's planned name change of the heavy combat support vehicle BMPT Terminator to something "more familiar to Russians" have been confirmed. Although this machine is still presented as a superweapon, the war in Ukraine has significantly exposed its weaknesses.
In an official statement issued by Rostec, three of the most interesting proposals selected by the corporation's leaders were presented, along with a reminder of the vehicle's most important capabilities. However, Ukrainian and Western analysts have repeatedly noted that the BMPT Terminator has faced significant challenges in the ongoing war, and a new name may not conceal its problems.
Russian BMPT Terminator to get a new name
The proposals listed by Rostec for the new name of the BMPT Terminator are "Dobrinja", "STIM", and "Pierieswiet". None of these are arbitrary choices.
In the case of "STIM," the Russians state that it is an acronym for "Sojuz Tanka i Masziny" (Union of Tank and Machine/Vehicle). "Dobrinja" likely references Dobrynia, a great prince of Novgorod Rus, or Dobrynia, the commander and tutor of the great prince Vladimir. "Pierieswiet" seems to refer to Alexander Peresvet, a saint in the Russian Orthodox Church.
According to Uralvagonzavod board member Igor Meshkov, "the issue of abandoning the American name of the powerful Russian machine has long been discussed in society." In February of this year, information emerged suggesting that the Kremlin decided to abandon the name referring to American pop culture and initiated the search for "something more dignified."
BMPT Terminator is intimidating only on paper
Rostec, in its propaganda statement, claims that "the BMPT can easily remove everything in its path: from infantry and lightly armored vehicles to tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and armored personnel carriers."
However, such assurances from the Russians do not reflect reality. Engagements with Ukrainians have highlighted the weaknesses of this Russian vehicle and shown that the BMPT Terminator is not a superweapon but an impressive flop, sometimes even criticized by Russians themselves.
The BMPT Terminator is heavily armed, with two 30 mm caliber cannons, two 40 mm caliber grenade launchers, a machine gun, and four Ataka-T guided anti-tank missile launchers. However, clashes in Ukraine have revealed that it is significantly less armored than designers claimed. Another issue is its operation by a large crew (five people), which was previously criticized by Yevgeny Fedorov, an author at the Topwar.ru website. Among the problems more significant than the name, Western analysts also cite susceptibility to electronic malfunctions and costly, complicated repairs.
