Russian military receives boost with upgraded BMP‑3 vehicles
The Russian defense conglomerate Rostec has delivered another batch of BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles to its armed forces. These vehicles, manufactured by its subsidiary High-Precision Systems, come with modern enhancements meant to boost their battlefield performance.
According to Defence Blog, the new BMP-3s are outfitted with additional armor kits, lattice screens, and easily removable anti-drone cages, commonly referred to as "mangals." They also have covers made from fire-resistant materials that reduce thermal and radar signatures. Rostec pointed out that the upgrades enhance the equipment's resilience on the battlefield.
Russians accelerate production of combat vehicles
According to Rostec, production has accelerated, with High-Precision Systems manufacturing 10 per cent more infantry fighting vehicles in March than in previous months, as confirmed by Bekkhan Ozdoev, the company’s industrial director for armaments. Since 2022, Rostec has nearly tripled the production of lightweight armored vehicles.
The BMP-3 is one of the most iconic Russian infantry fighting vehicles, and despite the passage of time, it remains part of the Russian Federation Armed Forces' inventory. Its history dates back to the Soviet era, and the vehicle was intended to respond to the changing realities of the battlefield. It aimed to improve infantry transport security while providing substantial firepower. The design work for the BMP-3 began in the 1970s, with its official service entry occurring in the late 1980s.
In terms of design, the BMP-3 stood out from its Western counterparts from the start. The hull was made from aluminum alloys to minimize weight while still resisting small arms fire and shrapnel. However, in practice, the ballistic protection of the BMP-3 was a compromise. Its frontal armor can withstand hits from 30 mm caliber projectiles, but it offers considerably less protection on the sides and rear. The vehicle measures about 23 feet in length, 10.5 feet in width, and weighs close to 21 tons. It can accommodate three crew members (commander, driver, and gunner) and seven infantry soldiers.
Instead of the typical 30 mm gun for this class of vehicle, the Russians opted for a turret with a powerful 100 mm 2A70 gun, capable of firing both conventional high-explosive fragmentation shells and anti-tank guided missiles launched through the barrel (9M117 Bastion system). This decision significantly enhanced the vehicle's anti-tank capabilities. Additionally, the BMP-3 is equipped with a coaxial 30 mm 2A72 automatic cannon and a 7.62 mm machine gun, enabling it to engage various targets, from light vehicles to infantry and low-flying drones.
Recent reports concerning the BMP-3 are also noteworthy. Extensive excerpts of a Russian report have appeared on social media presenting the results of studies on the M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, captured by the Russians in Ukraine. The document noted that the American machine is significantly better than the BMP-3.
