Ukraine's Azov Brigade receives modernized BMP-1TS infantry fighting vehicles.

On July 17, 2024, the Ukrainian 12th Special Operations Brigade "Azov" shared a picture indicating that they had used modernized BMP-1TS infantry fighting vehicles in training exercises, confirming that an unspecified number of these vehicles had been incorporated into the brigade's arsenal. Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion of the Azov Brigade have undergone training with the BMP-1TS, focusing on battlefield skills such as disembarking from armored vehicles, providing medical aid, and evacuating wounded personnel.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion of the Azov Brigade have undergone training with the BMP-1TS, focusing on battlefield skills such as disembarking from armored vehicles, providing medical aid, and evacuating wounded personnel. (Picture source: Reddit/Azov)

The BMP-1TS infantry fighting vehicle, part of Ukraine's military modernization efforts, was first presented in 2021 during a military parade in Kyiv. This vehicle is an upgraded version of the BMP-1, aimed at improving its combat capabilities to align more closely with the Russian BMP-2M Berezhok. The BMP-1TS is a result of collaboration between the Kyiv research and production company Techimpex and the Zhytomyr Armored Plant. As of 2021, Ukraine had approximately a dozen BMP-1TS in its inventory.

A significant feature of the BMP-1TS modernization is the new single-seat turret, referred to as the "Spis" or BM-5 turret. This turret retains the dimensions of the original BMP-1 turret, ensuring compatibility with the vehicle's existing layout. The BM-5 turret is modular and can be installed on various armored vehicles, such as the BTR-60, BTR-70, BTR-80, BMP-2, MT-LB, Varan, and M113, without modifications to the remote-control weapon station.

The BMP-1TS is equipped with a variety of weaponry for different combat scenarios. Its primary armament is the 30mm ZTM-1 autocannon, a Ukrainian variant of the Russian 2A72 cannon, with 300 shells ready for use. This serves as the main anti-personnel and light armor weapon, with the turret offering circular horizontal guidance and a vertical range of -5° to +45°. Additionally, the BMP-1TS features a 30mm KBA-117 automatic grenade launcher, based on the Russian AGS-17, carrying 116 grenades. The vehicle is also equipped with the Barrier Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) System, featuring two launchers, each capable of deploying two 130mm R-2 laser-guided missiles. For close combat, the turret includes a 7.62mm PKT machine gun with 2,100 cartridges and smoke grenades for cover and protection.

A significant feature of the BMP-1TS modernization is the new single-seat turret, referred to as the "Spis" or BM-5 turret, which retains the dimensions of the original BMP-1 turret, ensuring compatibility with the vehicle's existing layout. (Picture source: Techimpex)

The BMP-1TS focuses on crew protection and survivability with a new welded turret design made from armor plates of varying thicknesses. It includes an inclined frontal plate with a large embrasure, a developed aft niche, and cylindrical side casings for equipment. The vehicle meets Level 3 protection standards under STANAG 4569, capable of withstanding 7.62mm armor-piercing bullets from any angle. Additional small armor screens are installed on the sides, particularly in the driver and commander areas, for enhanced protection.

For improved observation and target acquisition, the BMP-1TS is equipped with advanced optical-electronic equipment, including the Kazhan-3K15 unit. This system features a day channel with wide and narrow fields of view, an imported uncooled thermal imager, and a laser rangefinder, providing performance under various lighting and weather conditions. The gunner operator has access to a color information display for enhanced situational awareness.

Communication systems within the BMP-1TS have also been modernized. The outdated radio system has been replaced with a Motorola DM-4601 mobile two-way radio, improving communication capabilities. The vehicle is operated by a single operator-gunner who accesses the interior through a roof hatch and is provided with periscopes for observation.

The BMP-1TS is designed for high mobility, capable of traversing diverse terrains, including slopes up to 30%, side slopes up to 25%, vertical obstacles up to 0.7 meters, and trenches up to 2.5 meters deep. It weighs 13.1 tons without ammunition, has a crew capacity of three, and can transport seven infantrymen. The vehicle's dimensions are 6,735 x 3,150 x 2.26 meters, with a ground clearance of 0.7 meters. It is equipped with a fire control system known as "SINTEZ" and a digital, electromechanical, two-plane weapon stabilizer named "SYNTHESIS," enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of its armament. Additional protection features include energy-absorbing seats and hinged perforated anti-bullet protection.

For improved observation and target acquisition, the BMP-1TS is equipped with advanced optical-electronic equipment, including the Kazhan-3K15 unit. (Picture source: Techimpex)