Exclusive: Russia Showcases Modernization of Old BMP-1 Infantry Fighting Vehicle into BMP-1AM Basurmanin.

On April 29, 2025, during the rehearsal for the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the Russian Army publicly revealed a newly upgraded version of its legacy infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), the BMP-1, now further developed into an enhanced variant of the BMP-1AM "Basurmanin" featuring a new armor protection package. This latest version introduces significant improvements over previous iterations, especially in survivability, with the integration of explosive reactive armor (ERA) plates, additional side armor, and cage armor around the turret—upgrades that notably increase protection against modern battlefield threats.
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The newly upgraded BMP-1AM "Basurmanin" IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle fitted with reactive armor and cage turret protection during the Victory Day parade rehearsal, April 29, 2025. (Picture source: RIA Novosti)

This unveiling underscores Russia’s continued commitment to extending the service life of its Cold War-era platforms through modular and scalable modernization programs, offering a striking contrast between the original Soviet design of the 1960s and this latest variant adapted for high-threat, modern combat environments.

Originally introduced in 1966, the Russian BMP-1 was the world’s first mass-produced Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) designed to transport troops into battle while providing fire support through a 73mm 2A28 Grom cannon and an anti-tank guided missile launcher. It brought a revolutionary combination of mobility, firepower, and infantry integration to mechanized warfare. However, experience in combat—from the Middle East to Afghanistan—quickly revealed its shortcomings: insufficient armor against heavy machine guns and RPGs, an underpowered and low-velocity gun, cramped interior space with dangerous design flaws (including fuel tanks in the troop compartment), and inadequate optics and night-fighting equipment.

The latest BMP-1AM “Basurmanin” not only retains previous upgrades in firepower and electronics but now debuts with a new armor configuration to address the vehicle’s long-standing protection deficiencies. Unlike the original BMP-1, the new version is equipped with explosive reactive armor modules on the front and sides of the hull. These ERA blocks provide critical protection against shaped charges, such as those from RPGs and anti-tank missiles. Additionally, the hull features supplementary steel side plates, and the turret is encased in wire cage (slat) armor, designed to detonate incoming warheads before impact—especially effective against high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) munitions. These protective measures dramatically increase the survivability of the vehicle in urban combat and hybrid warfare scenarios.

In terms of firepower, the BMP-1AM marks a decisive shift from the outdated 73mm Grom system. It is equipped with the BPPU-1 turret, taken from the BTR-82A armored personnel carrier, which includes a 30mm 2A72 automatic cannon and a 7.62mm PKTM coaxial machine gun. This setup offers a much greater rate of fire, higher accuracy, and a significantly more versatile engagement capability, particularly against infantry, light armored vehicles, and low-flying aircraft. The turret is also paired with modern targeting systems, including the TKN-4GA day/night sight, which enhances target detection and engagement under all visibility conditions—a significant improvement over the BMP-1’s basic optical setup.

Mobility and operational functionality have also been enhanced. The original UTD-20 diesel engine has been replaced with a more powerful UTD-20S1 engine, increasing output from 300 to 360 horsepower, which compensates for the additional weight of the new armor and ensures the vehicle maintains acceptable performance in maneuver warfare. The BMP-1AM also benefits from the integration of the R-168-25U-2 digital radio system, which enables secure, resistant, and modern communication between units—critical in a battlefield dominated by electronic warfare threats.

This modernization effort reflects the Russian military’s pragmatic approach to force renewal: instead of retiring thousands of aging BMP-1s, it is repurposing them with proven components from other platforms in its inventory. This hybridization strategy not only reduces logistical complexity but also cuts procurement costs while providing meaningful improvements in battlefield effectiveness.

The modernization from the original BMP-1 to the latest BMP-1AM “Basurmanin” illustrates a broader trend in military modernization—the value of scalable upgrades. The upgraded BMP-1AM is not on par with next-generation IFVs like the Kurganets-25, but it fills a crucial capability gap for Russia in areas where cost-effective, mass-deployable armor is required. Its combination of improved armor, firepower, mobility, and communication systems enables it to remain viable in modern and hybrid warfare environments.

In summary, the contrast between the Soviet-era BMP-1 IFV and the latest BMP-1AM “Basurmanin” is dramatic. The transition from thin steel plating to reactive and slat armor, from a low-velocity gun to a modern automatic cannon, and from analog systems to digital battlefield connectivity, demonstrates how deep modernization can transform a legacy platform into a capable asset for 21st-century warfare. This newly upgraded variant serves as a testament to Russia’s intent to retain military relevance through cost-effective innovation, breathing new life into one of the most iconic IFVs of the Cold War.