Russians surprise with the fifth batch of modernized BMP‑3 vehicles

The Russian industry has delivered another batch of BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles, marking the fifth this year. This latest delivery is particularly surprising given that the Russians previously intended to discontinue BMP-3 production in favor of earlier-generation vehicles.

In the summer of 2022, the Kurganmashzavod company announced plans to abandon BMP-3 production as the Russian Ministry of Defense requested. They intended to revert to producing infantry fighting vehicles of the previous generation, specifically the BMP-2, a design over 40 years old.

These plans turned out to be untrue. Not only did the Russians continue producing the more advanced vehicles, but they also improved them based on wartime experiences. Consequently, they began delivering modified, better-suited variants for combat in Ukraine.

The exact number of BMP-3s in the latest delivery is unknown. According to Russian sources, which should be viewed cautiously, this is already the fifth batch of new vehicles this year. Russian production capacities are estimated at approximately 330 units of BMP-3 per year.

The latest BMP-3s have been improved compared to the base variant. The vehicles received multispectral Nakidka coverings that reduce radar and thermal signatures. The use of Nakidka precludes the installation of anti-drone cages. However, the modernized BMP-3s received additional armor modules and jammer systems to protect against drone attacks.

Despite Russian claims about Nakidka's high effectiveness, vehicles with this covering have been repeatedly destroyed in Ukraine, including by Javelin anti-tank guided missiles.

The BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle, developed in the 1980s, is the successor to earlier-generation vehicles (BMP-1 and BMP-2). The design is distinguished by very strong armament—the turret houses a 100-mm 2A70 cannon, a 30-mm 2A72 cannon, and a machine gun. The 2A70 cannon can fire regular shells and 9M117 Bastion anti-tank guided missiles.

An unusual feature is the two additional course machine guns mounted at the front of the hull on the left and right sides. The BMP-3 retains the key drawback of its predecessors – although the level of protection has been improved, it is a fairly light vehicle (weighing up to 21 tons) and, therefore, relatively lightly armored.