Russian Far Eastern command school gets 40 upgraded BMP-2M IFVs.

The Far Eastern military command high school received a batch of upgraded BMP-2M infantry fighting vehicles. The number of vehicles supplied in 2019 exceeded 20 units, the Defense Ministry said.

BMP-2M with B05Ya01 Berezhok turret (Picture source: Vitaly Kuzmin)

The design of the BMP-2M tracked armored fighting vehicle is based on the BMP-2 IFV, which was commissioned by the Russian Army in 1980. Combat efficiency of the vehicle has been highly improved with advanced armament, while cross-country speed has also been increased. The modernized vehicle can carry three crew members, including a driver, gunner and commander. The troop compartment offers seating for up to seven soldiers. "The upgraded BMP-2 combines high combat effectiveness, simple design and operation. It is distinguished by the latest Akveduct fifth-generation radio station with the possibility of a coded communication. It accelerates transmission speed several times and protects it better," it said.

Designed and developed by Kurganmashzavod JSC, the BMP-2M offers improved mobility and firepower for armed forces. The weapon system for the upgraded vehicle is provided by KBP Instrument Design Bureau. The vehicle retains the design specifications of BMP-2, and measures 6.73m-long, 3.15m-wide, and 2.45-high. The combat weight of the vehicle is approximately 16,000kg. The BMP-2M IFV is equipped with a Berezhok (B05S011) combat module integrating four 9M133 Kornet series anti-tank guided missiles. The missiles are launched from the twin launchers mounted on either side of the turret. The turret is also armed with a 30mm 2A42 automatic gun, a 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun and a 30 mm AG-17 automatic grenade launcher (AGL). The 30 mm cannon has the capability to fire 500 rounds per minute, while the 7.62 mm gun offers a rate of fire of 2,000 rounds per minute. The AGL can launch 250 grenades per minute at a maximum range of 1,730 meters.

The hull of the IFV is protected by appliqué armor, which enables the vehicle to withstand 12.7mm B-3232 rounds and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) missiles.

The BMP-2M IFV is equipped with a multi-channel optical system for the stabilisation of view during firing. The vehicle has an advanced target detection system, a laser range-finder and a thermal imaging system to improve the accuracy of target detection and mission efficiency. An armament stabilizer and ballistic computer, as well as a BPK-3-42 gunner’s sight,  are fitted to the vehicle enable the firing of the main armament. The vehicle is also installed with PL-1 laser illuminator. The target detection ranges of the vehicle during the day and night are 5,000 meters and 3,000 meters respectively.

The BMP-2M IFV is equipped with a six-cylinder, four-stroke UTD-23 supercharged, direct-injection diesel engine. The engine has the capacity to produce a maximum power of 360 hp. The upgraded variant has a power-to-weight ratio of 22.5 hp/t. The vehicle can travel at a maximum speed of 65 km/h on road, while the maximum amphibious speed is 7 km/h and the cruising range is 600 km.

The Russian Defence Ministry placed a ten-year contract with KBP for the supply of 540 modernised BMP-2M and BMD-2 airborne vehicles in 2017. The upgraded vehicle is being offered in two different configurations, which include BMP-2M (sb4-2) and BMP-2M (sb4-3).