Kazakhstan's Barys 8x8 Armored IFV Endures Extensive Field Trials.

On November 21, 2023, the X account, previously known as AndreiBtvt on Twitter, unveiled video footage of the training exercises of the BKM BARYS 8x8, a next-generation infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) from Kazakhstan. Named "Barys," which means "Snow Leopard" in Kazakh, this vehicle is a localized adaptation of the Mbombe 8 from the Paramount Group, first showcased at the KADEX Exhibition in 2016.
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BKM BARYS 8x8, a next-generation infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) from Kazakhstan. (Picture source: Army Recognition and Twitter)

Over the last four years, the Barys has been rigorously tested across diverse Kazakh terrains, including the mountainous regions of the south, the forested steppes, savannahs, and the central salt marshes, concluding its testing phase in the sandy landscapes of Mangistau, near the Caspian Sea. Having covered a total of 25,000 kilometers, the Barys has proven its remarkable mobility and adaptability in various environments.

The Barys 8x8 has shown exceptional resilience, enduring extreme temperatures ranging from +45º to -60ºC during its summer and winter trials in Central Asia. Its firepower was thoroughly evaluated, firing over 5,000 rounds of 30mm and 7,000 rounds of 7.62 caliber ammunition.

Produced locally at the 15,000 m2 KPE armored vehicle production facility in Nursultan, Kazakhstan, the Barys 8x8 represents the culmination of Paramount Group's 27-year legacy in modular manufacturing. This facility is one of the largest and most advanced in Eurasia and is the only one in the region capable of producing such advanced IFVs.

The factory, which employs over two hundred Kazakhstani staff, functions as a hub for localized manufacturing and a supply base for modern equipment to Kazakhstan's Special Forces and Ministry of Defense. With the capacity to produce hundreds of armored vehicles annually, this facility is a significant industrial asset in the region.

Designed to operate in challenging environments and respond to regional threats, the Barys 8x8 can accommodate up to 11 personnel, including a driver, two crew members, and eight infantry troops. It boasts a maximum speed of 110 km/h, a range of 800 km, a payload capacity of up to 9 tonnes, and offers STANAG 4569 Level 4B protection against mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and unshelled road mines.

The Barys 8 is equipped with the 'Ansar' automated combat system, entirely developed in Kazakhstan. It features a remotely controlled turret, a 30mm 2A72 automatic cannon, a dual 7.62mm PKT(M) machine gun, and 81mm smoke grenade launchers. The installation of guided missile launchers is also an available option.