BMP-3

BMP-3 is a Soviet-era and Russian infantry fighting vehicle that entered service with the Soviet Army in the late 1980s. Designed by Kurganmashzavod, it is renowned for its exceptionally heavy and versatile armament suite, combining a large-caliber gun with anti-tank guided missiles. The vehicle has been exported to numerous countries and has seen combat in various conflicts across the Middle East and the Caucasus.

Development and design

The development of the BMP-3 began in the early 1980s under the Ob'yekt 688M project, intended to create a successor to the BMP-2 with superior firepower and mobility. The design bureau at Kurganmashzavod, led by A. Blagonravov, pursued a radical approach by mounting the main armament in a new, low-profile turret. A key innovation was the integration of a 100 mm 2A70 rifled gun, capable of firing both high-explosive fragmentation shells and 9M117 Bastion anti-tank guided missiles, paired with a coaxial 30 mm 2A72 autocannon. This formidable weapon system was stabilized by the 1K13-2 sighting complex, allowing accurate fire on the move. The hull, constructed from welded aluminium alloy with additional steel plates, provided protection against small arms and shell fragments. Power is supplied by a UTD-29M diesel engine, giving the vehicle amphibious capabilities through water jets, a feature carried over from its predecessor, the BMP-1.

Operational history

The BMP-3 first saw combat during the First Chechen War, where it was employed by Russian Ground Forces in urban battles in Grozny. Its performance highlighted both the potency of its weapons and vulnerabilities in its armor scheme against rocket-propelled grenades. It was subsequently used in the Second Chechen War and the Russo-Georgian War. Internationally, the vehicle has been actively used by the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces during the Yemeni Civil War. Kuwait Army units have also operated them, while the Indonesian Marine Corps utilizes the amphibious variant. In the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, BMP-3s have been deployed by Russian Armed Forces and have suffered significant losses, with many captured and now used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Variants

Numerous variants and upgrades have been developed from the basic BMP-3 chassis. The BMP-3K is a command vehicle with additional communication equipment. The BMP-3M "Dragoon" is a modernized version featuring enhanced armor, including Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armor, and a more powerful engine. Specialist variants include the BRM-3K "Rys" reconnaissance vehicle, the BREM-L "Beglyanka" recovery vehicle, and the 2S31 "Vena" self-propelled mortar. The chassis also serves as the basis for the 9P157-2 tank destroyer armed with 9M123 Khrizantema missiles. For export, Kurganmashzavod has offered packages like the "BMP-3 with Berezhok" turret module, which integrates a different weapon station.

Operators

The primary operator remains the Russian Armed Forces, with significant numbers in service. Major export customers include the United Arab Emirates, which was the first international buyer, Kuwait, and South Korea, which acquired a batch as part of a debt repayment deal with Russia. Other operators in Asia include Indonesia, Cyprus, and Vietnam. In the Post-Soviet states, it is used by Azerbaijan and Ukraine (including captured vehicles). Venezuela in South America and several nations in Africa, such as Nigeria, have also purchased the vehicle.

Specifications (BMP-3)

The vehicle has a combat weight of 18.7 tonnes and carries a standard crew of three: commander, gunner, and driver, plus seven fully equipped infantrymen in the rear compartment. Its main armament consists of the 100 mm 2A70 gun/launcher (40 rounds, 8 missiles), a coaxial 30 mm 2A72 autocannon (500 rounds), and three 7.62 mm PKT machine guns (6,000 rounds). The UTD-29M diesel engine produces 500 horsepower, enabling a maximum road speed of 70 km/h and a swimming speed of 10 km/h via two water jets. The torsion bar suspension provides mobility across rough terrain. Standard equipment includes NBC protection, a R-173 radio, and Tucha smoke grenade dischargers.

Category:Infantry fighting vehicles of the Soviet Union Category:Infantry fighting vehicles of Russia Category:Amphibious military vehicles Category:Cold War infantry fighting vehicles of the Soviet Union