Azerbaijan Introduces Babir-3M: Upgraded BTR-70 Armored Troop Carrier at ADEX 2024.

The "Babir-3M" is a modernized version of the BTR-70 armoured troop carrier, produced since 1980. This enhanced combat vehicle, developed since 2013, was showcased at the ADEX 2024 international exhibition, held from September 22 to 25, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan. It offers enhanced capabilities, including greater operational range and improved maneuverability across various terrains.

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Azerbaijan Babir-3M Amored Personnal Carrier (Picture source: Army Recognition)

In terms of technical specifications, the "Babir-3M" has a total mass of 12,000 kg, accommodating a crew of 10. It measures 7,535 mm in length, 2,800 mm in width, and 2,320 mm in height. The vehicle is powered by a diesel engine (KAMA3-740.11.240) with a maximum output of 240 hp. It achieves a top speed of 95 km/h on highways and has a fuel consumption of 48 liters per 100 km, allowing for a range of 550 km.

The "Babir-3M" is designed to effectively overcome obstacles, with a maximum gradient of 30 degrees on solid ground and a side slope capability of 25 degrees. Its armament includes a KPVT machine gun with a caliber of 14.5 mm and a PKT machine gun with a caliber of 7.62 mm, both having a maximum firing range of 2,000 meters. The vehicle's firing angles range from -5 to +30 degrees, ensuring versatility in combat scenarios.

The Azeri land forces are equipped with various armoured wheeled vehicles. The latest available figures indicate over 70 BTR-80As and 76 BTR-82As in active service, 132 BTR-70s equipped with the modern "Shimshek" gun turret, fire-control system, and thermal sights (with more BTR-70s in storage), 10 BTR-60s (more in storage), 3 BTR-3s, and 88 BRDM-2s (23 vehicles were modernized and renamed ZKDM).

According to the SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) arms trade database, Azerbaijan has ordered 118 Russian-made BMP-3 tracked infantry fighting vehicles, 100 T-90S main battle tanks delivered between 2013 and 2015, as well as 76 Russian-made BTR-82A 8x8 wheeled armoured personnel carriers delivered in 2017-2018.

Azerbaijan Babir-3M Amored Personnal Carrier (Picture source: Army Recognition)