India starts modernization of BMP-2 and BMP-2K Sarath IFVs.

According to Topwar.ru website, the BMP-2/2K Sarath infantry fighting vehicles in service with the Indian army will undergo modernization. According to the press service of the Indian Ministry of Defense, the Land Force has already launched a program to modernize them.
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BMP-2 Sarath tracked armored IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle (Picture source: Indian MoD press service)

The tender for the modernization of the BMP-2/2K was announced by the Indian Ministry of Defense last year. Applicants for the contract received one BMP, on the basis of which they had to create their prototype and submit it for testing this year.

Reportedly, as part of the ongoing program, 811 BMP-2/2K Sarath will undergo modernization. The work will be carried out at Indian enterprises. The vehicles will receive a more powerful engine and modern control systems. They will be equipped with a gunner's thermal imaging sight and a third-generation commander's panoramic sight, a modern fire control system and an automatic target tracking system. In the command of the Ground Forces, the modernization was explained by the "blindness" of the BMP at night and the inconsistency of sighting devices with "modern combat conditions". The possible addition of Kornet-E antitank missiles has been evoked but remains unconfirmed.

The BMP-2 Sarath is the Indian version of the Russian-made BMP-2 tracked armored IFV. In 1984, India ordered 700 BMP-2s from Russia. They were delivered between 1987 and 1991. A total of 400 BMP-2 Sarath ordered in 1985 were produced under license in India.

The BMP-2 Sarath is fitted with a two-man turret armed with a stabilized 30 mm cannon 2A42 and a 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun mounted to the left of the main armament with 2,000 rounds. Mounted on the turret roof between the gunner's and commander's hatches is a launcher for an AT-4 Spigot or AT-5 Spandrel ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missile) which has a maximum range of 4,000 meters. The BMP-2 Sarath is similar to the Soviet-made BMP-2 but there is special protection mounted around the exhaust.