Russia transfers BRDM-2M reconnaissance vehicles to Tajikistan to strengthen border with Afghanistan.

According to Novosti, after the withdrawal of the US and other armed forces from Afghanistan, the situation in Central Asia becomes more unstable. Therefore, in order to strengthen the border with Afghanistan, Russia has transferred a consignment of military equipment to Tajikistan.
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BRDM-2M benefits from additional armor plates but keeps its amphibious capability (Picture source: Twitter account of Rob Lee)

The Russian ministry of Defense handed over to the Tajik army 12 modernized armored reconnaissance and patrol vehicles BRDM-2M. In addition, the Armed Forces of this Central Asian state received spare parts for armored vehicles, melee weapons, small arms, as well as radiation, chemical and biological protection (RHBZ). This delivery was made free of charge in accordance with the agreements between the presidents of Russia and Tajikistan.

According to the Serbian military that received such modernized BRDM-2s, the BRDM-2MS’ basic hull features the frontal, side, and belly protection of 14mm, 7mm, and 8mm of armored steel, respectively. The vehicle’s body has been reinforced by 6mm appliqué armor plates, providing almost all-round protection against 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm bullets. The vehicle’s frontal arc protects against 14.5 mm bullets fired at a distance of 300 m. The mine protection of the platform has been enhanced through the medium of an anti-blast insert installed in the lower part of the crew/troop compartment. The BRDM-2MS has retained the organic armament suite of the basic BRDM-2, which integrates a Vladimirov KPVT 14.5 mm heavy machinegun with a firing rate of 600 rounds per minute and a coaxial Kalashnikov PKT 7.62 mm general-purpose machinegun.

The vehicle’s sensor suite has also passed through an intensive modernization. The BRDM-2MS’s electronic components are combined into a single network via a fire control system (FCS) that is coupled to safeties and a weapon stabilizer. Unlike the BRDM-2, the updated ARV has received an optical-electronic (OE) station in the rear part of the turret. The OE turret comprises a stabilized panoramic infrared observation device that allows the vehicle’s commander to detect targets at a distance of up to 5 km by day and up to 3.5 km by night. The second sighting system detects targets at a distance of up to 2.7 km by day and up to 1.5 km by night. The scout car’s situation awareness system is built of six daylight TV cameras and four black-and-white multifunctional displays.

According to the Serbian military, the BRDM-2MS weighs 6,900 kg. The reconnaissance vehicle is powered by a new 150 hp diesel engine enabling a top speed of 100 km/h and a cruising range of up to 1,500 km. The updated ARV has retained the amphibious capabilities of the original vehicle.