IDEX 2019: Russia announced it will upgrade Emirati BMP-3 IFVs.

The Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Russia have signed a contract for the modernization of Emirati BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), General Mohammed Al Hassani told TASS at the IDEX 2019. The UAE Armed Forces operate some 1,000 BMP-3s.

BMP-3 IFV of UAE armed forces during de dynamic demonstration on the opening day of IDEX 2017 (Picture source: Army Recognition)

"The UAE Armed Forces and a Russian joint stock company have signed a contract worth AED7.34 million (USD 2.71 million) for the modernization of the Emirati Land Forces’ BMP-3 IFVs," said Al Hassani, summarizing results of the fourth day of the IDEX 2019 defense show. However, he did not disclose other details of the agreement.

According to the general, the Emirati defense contractor Trust International will conduct the technical maintenance of the BMP-3 vehicles. "We have signed a relevant contract worth AED300 million (USD110 million)," said Al Hassani.

The BMP-3 is a Soviet-era tracked amphibious infantry fighting vehicle, successor of the BMP-1 and BMP-2, which entered service with the Soviet army in 1990 and made its first public appearance the same year. Kurganmashzavod of Kurgan manufactures the chassis and the Instrument. Design Bureau (KBP) of Tula is responsible for the turret. The first export customer was the United Arab Emirates with an initial order for 330 vehicles which were delivered between 1992 and 1995. These vehicles have a number of modifications to meet the specific operational requirements of Abu Dhabi, with some of the vehicles being fitted with a Namut thermal sight which includes a thermal camera mounted on the left side of the turret rear and provides a thermal view for the gunner.