India conducts amphibious trials with local-made BMP-2 IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle.

The Ordnance Factory Medak (OFMK) recently organized its annual flotation trials for infantry combat vehicles, including the BMP-II and its variants, at Malkapur Lake in Sangareddy on December 21, 2023. These vehicles, originally of Russian design, are manufactured under license by India at the OFMK facilities in Yeddumailaram.
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Indian BMP-2 IFV infantry fighting vehicle during amphibious trials. (Picture source: The Hindu)

The Ordnance Factory Medak (OFMK) conducted flotation trials of BMP-II infantry combat vehicles on the banks of Peddacheruvu, commonly known as Malkapur Lake. Although these vehicles are of Russian design, they are indeed produced in India. These trials are carried out annually to assess their performance.

Although these vehicles were originally designed in Russia, India acquired the production rights for the BMP-2 in the 1980s through a technology transfer agreement with the Soviet Union. This agreement allowed India to manufacture these vehicles under license in its facilities, including the Ordnance Factory Medak (OFMK). This technological collaboration played a key role in developing India's production capability and enabled the country to meet its requirements for infantry combat vehicles while strengthening its independence in this strategic field. OFMK conducts annual flotation trials to assess the performance of these versatile vehicles, which are primarily designed for troop transport and battlefield fire support.

The BMP-2 is an infantry fighting vehicle primarily designed for troop transport and providing battlefield fire support. It is equipped with an armament that includes a 30mm 2A42 cannon, a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun (PKT), and provisions for launching anti-tank guided missiles (AT-5 "Spandrel" or AT-4 "Spigot" ATGW). This combination of weaponry allows it to engage a wide range of threats, from armored vehicles to infantry positions.

In terms of protection, the BMP-2 is equipped to withstand small arms fire and shell splinters. Its front armor can resist 23mm armor-piercing rounds, while the sides offer protection against 7.62mm armor-piercing bullets.

With a weight of 14,300 kilograms, the BMP-2 is a vehicle capable of carrying a crew of three and up to seven soldiers. The BMP-2 can reach a maximum speed of 65 km/h on roads. Its range extends up to 550 to 600 kilometers.

Key accessories include infrared night vision technology for improved visibility in low-light conditions, an NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) protection system, and a fire control system to enhance accuracy when engaging targets.

Designed in Russia, the BMP-2 has found users in various countries, including Afghanistan, Algeria, Iraq, Russia, and many others, including India, making it a widely adopted infantry fighting vehicle worldwide.

This year's annual flotation trials involved two BMP-II vehicles and an overhauled BMP-II from the current year's production. The trials were conducted under the supervision of the Ordnance Factory Medak and the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA).

Established in 1984, the OFMK unit has produced and supplied more than 2,000 BMPs to the Indian Army to date. In addition to manufacturing new vehicles, the OFMK also conducts overhauls on in-service vehicles. These trials, which were completed, were overseen by B. Ratna Prasad, General Manager of Quality and R&D, along with a team of officers and staff from OFMK. The vehicles were thoroughly inspected by DGQA officers after the trials and met all required standards.