Russia to use BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle to develop new reconnaissance vehicle.

Work to develop a new reconnaissance vehicle on the basis of the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle for the Russian Army is currently under way and will be completed in the imminent future, the Defense Ministry’s press office said.

Russian BMP-3 IFV

"The R&D work is currently under way and we will soon receive a combat reconnaissance vehicle based on the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle, which will fully meet our requirements," Deputy Chief of the Russian Army’s Main Staff for Reconnaissance Major-General Vladimir Marusin said.

The in-development armored fighting vehicle will have advanced reconnaissance equipment, which will make it different from the BMP-3.

The advanced vehicle is planned to be equipped with radars, rangefinders, thermal imaging sights and unmanned aerial vehicles.

The vehicle will be able to determine its coordinates in case of a failure of its satellite navigation systems.

The BMP-3 is a fighting vehicle designed to transport troops and support them. It is armed with the 100mm gun able to fire rockets and the 30mm automatic gun. The vehicle can carry up to seven servicemen.

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