Ukrarmor to develop Ukrainian BMP-V Infantry Fighting Vehicle.

Ukrainian defense company Ukrarmor has recently revealed details of their ambitious project: the BMP-V, an amphibious tracked infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) aimed at modernizing Ukraine's armored vehicle capabilities. This new venture comes from a company that has already gained recognition for its production of armored vehicles like the Bohdana 2.0, Kamrat-M, and Novator, as well as mortar systems and ammunition. Ukrarmor is also known for its expertise in the modernization of military equipment, including the BMP-1 IFV.
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A visual of the BMP-V project recently shared by Ukrarmor in one of its publications (Picture source: Ukrarmor)

While the information on the BMP-V project remains limited and somewhat reliant on various sources, a clearer picture of the vehicle's potential features and specifications is now emerging. The BMP-V adheres to the classic layout of modern IFVs, with the engine and transmission compartment located at the front, the driver-mechanic situated to the left of the engine, and the infantry landing party accommodated in the rear of the vehicle.

The BMP-V project seeks to create a versatile IFV with several key characteristics, including a front-mounted engine and transmission, multiple protection classes, rear assault force entry, remotely controlled weapon stations, and the potential for various armored vehicle derivatives based on the IFV chassis. This vehicle is designed to transport infantry personnel, provide effective fire support in combat scenarios, and engage both personnel and anti-tank threats. Its adaptability extends to diverse conditions, encompassing various terrains and challenging off-road environments.

The BMP-V's design suggests a strong focus on crew protection, notably featuring enhanced lateral armor. A turret potentially designed for two soldiers is indicated by the hatch configuration. The vehicle boasts amphibious capabilities, with large tailpipes at the rear hinting at a water jet propulsion system. The primary armament bears visual similarities to the BMP-2's 30 mm cannon 2A42, a design familiar to Ukrainians. The rear hatch, equipped with a smaller hatch, follows a similar landing system as the BTR-4MV1.

Ukrainian armored vehicle designers intend to equip the BMP-V with a comprehensive set of all-round video cameras to provide a 360° view. This system reportedly incorporates a thermal imaging camera, color cameras, three video monitors, a control panel for adjusting thermal camera settings, and a driver-mechanic steering wheel.

The BMP-V's technical specifications include a six-wheel tracked chassis, a highway speed of up to 80 km/h, a water speed of up to 10 km/h, a clearance of 0.4 m, a side slope capacity of 25°, and an obstacle clearance of 0.7 m. It can span gaps up to 2.5 meters and boasts an operational range of up to 800 km on the main fuel tanks. Without additional armor, the curb weight stands at 18 tons. Six smoke grenade dischargers are mounted on each side of the turret, and two anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) launcher tubes are located on the turret's side. The vehicle accommodates a crew of three with the capacity to transport up to eight infantrymen or paratroopers.

Regarding protection, the BMP-V hull is expected to receive additional armor protection in the form of a silicon carbide armor plate. This addition is anticipated to increase the vehicle's weight by 3,060 kg. The frontal armor is designed to withstand 30mm munitions, using a combination of steel armor and ceramic materials. The sides and rear will receive similar protection against 14.5mm munitions. The landing compartment is planned to feature mine-resistant seats, adhering to a common safety standard in Ukrainian armored vehicles.

Engine options for the BMP-V include the Caterpillar Cat 9.3, Scania DC13, and Ukrainian-made 3-TD and 4-TD engines. The vehicle will incorporate an Allison 3040MX transmission, a choice already prevalent in other Ukrainian military vehicles like the BTR-3 and BTR-4 armored personnel carriers (APCs).

In terms of armament, developers offer a range of 30mm combat modules for installation on the BMP-V. Ukraine's domestic industry produces several such modules, with the possibility of integrating foreign-produced combat modules as well. The armament package appears to include one 7.62mm machine gun and one grenade launcher. Ammunition capacity for the BMP-V is reported to include a minimum of 200 30mm shells, 500 cartridges for the 7.62mm machine gun, 29 grenades for the grenade launcher, and four ATGM missiles.

The unveiling of the BMP-V project showcases Ukraine's commitment to enhancing its military capabilities, particularly in the realm of infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). While further details and testing are necessary to fully evaluate the BMP-V's capabilities, its development marks a significant step forward for the Ukrainian defense industry and its potential to meet the evolving needs of the country's armed forces. As the project progresses, the global defense community will undoubtedly keep a watchful eye on Ukraine's latest venture in the field of military technology.