Ukrainian army uses now captured Russian BMP-2M Berezhok latest generation of IFV
According to a video and pictures published on the "Praise The Step" Twitter account on April 4, 2023, Ukrainian soldiers have captured a Russian BMP-2M Berezhok, the latest generation of tracked armored IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) in the BMP-2 family. The vehicle is now used by the Ukrainian army.
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Russian captured BMP-2M Berezhok is now used by Ukrainian soldiers. (Picture source Praise The Step)
In December 2022, we had already reported on the use by the Ukrainian army of Russian tanks and armored vehicles that had been captured during recent clashes between Russian and Ukrainian forces.
Based on publicly available data found online, over 200 Russian BMP-3 tracked armored Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) have reportedly been destroyed, damaged, or seized by Ukrainian troops. Out of these 200 BMP-3 IFVs, 68 are currently under the control of the Ukrainian army.
Information shared on the Internet and social media platforms indicate that, since the war's onset, Ukrainian soldiers have managed to capture a significant number of Russian armored vehicles and tanks. After repairing these captured vehicles, they are reintegrated into the Ukrainian armed forces to continue the battle.
The Russian BMP-2M Berezhok is an upgraded version of the BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), designed to enhance its combat capabilities and extend its service life. The development of the vehicle started in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The exact date of its entry into service is not well-documented, but the BMP-2M Berezhok was first showcased during the Russian Arms Expo in 2013.
Russian army BMP-2M Berezhok tracked armored IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle. (Picture source Vitaly Kuzmin)
The BMP-2M is fitted with a new Berezhok turret that enhances the vehicle's combat capabilities by integrating a range of advanced weapons and fire control systems. The turret is armed with a 30mm 2A42 automatic cannon, a 7.62mm PKT machine gun, an AG-30 automatic grenade launcher, and up to four 9M133 Kornet anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) in two twin launchers.
The Berezhok turret features an advanced Fire Control System (FCS) that incorporates a ballistic computer, a day/night sighting system, a laser rangefinder, and a thermal imaging system. This FCS allows for more accurate targeting and improved engagement ranges, making it more effective in both daytime and nighttime operations. The turret also offers two-axis stabilization, which ensures a stable firing platform even when the vehicle is in motion or on uneven terrain. This feature significantly improves accuracy and hit probability.
The BMP-2M Berezhok also features upgraded armor and enhanced mobility compared to the original BMP-2, allowing it to better protect its crew and support infantry operations in modern combat environments.
The BMP-2M Berezhok, as an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), is designed to transport and support infantry in combat situations. The vehicle has a crew of three: a driver, a commander, and a gunner.
In addition to the crew, the BMP-2M Berezhok can carry up to seven infantrymen in the rear compartment. This compartment is equipped with bench-style seating along the sides, as well as roof hatches and a rear door for ingress and egress. The infantrymen have firing ports and vision blocks, allowing them to observe the battlefield and engage targets from within the vehicle.