Indian Army secures deal with AVNL for major upgrade of 2,500 BMP-2 units to BMP-2M.

On March 13, 2024, the Indian Ministry of Defense sealed a deal with Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) to procure 693 armament upgrades for the Indian Army's BMP-2 infantry combat vehicle, transitioning it to BMP-2M. This modernization incorporates crucial enhancements such as night fighting capability, gunner's primary sight, commander's panoramic sight, and a fire control system (FCS) with automatic target tracking, all developed and manufactured in India.
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AVNL has devised an indigenous solution to equip the existing BMP-2/2K vehicles with night fighting capabilities and an FCS, through the integration of technologies developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Chennai (Picture source: Rostec)

AVNL has devised an indigenous solution to equip the existing BMP-2/2K vehicles with night fighting capabilities and an FCS, through the integration of technologies developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Chennai. These upgrades, to be produced with equipment and subsystems sourced from local manufacturers, aim to strengthen the country's defense manufacturing ecosystem and enhance self-reliance in this critical sector.

Since its introduction in the late 1980s, the Russian BMP (Boyevaya Mashina Pekhoty) or Infantry Fighting Vehicle has been central to India's mechanized infantry, especially in strategic regions like Eastern Ladakh where it is deployed in significant numbers.

The BMP-2M, an upgraded version of the BMP-2 designed by Kurganmashzavod JSC, can reach a maximum speed of 65 km/h on the road and 7 km/h in water, accommodating a crew of three and seating for up to seven soldiers. It has a combat weight of about 16,000 kg and is fitted with a KBM-2 air conditioning system, a 30mm 2A42 automatic cannon, a 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun, a multi-channel optical system for stabilized firing, a laser rangefinder, and a thermal imaging system for improved target detection.

Russian military authorities highlight the cost-effectiveness and significant enhancement of the BMP-2M's combat capabilities, including the Berezhok combat system equipped with four 9M133 Kornet-E anti-tank guided missiles and a 30mm AGS-30 automatic grenade launcher. Powered by a six-cylinder, four-stroke UTD-23 supercharged, direct-injection diesel engine with a maximum output of 360 hp, it has a cruising range of 600 km and can be airlifted by heavy military transport aircraft and helicopters. The vehicle's armor is designed to withstand 12.7mm B-3232 bullets and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) missiles, offering enhanced protection, along with an advanced target detection system with a daytime range of 5,000m and a nighttime range of 3,000m.

The Indian Army has embarked on significant upgrades for its fleet of Russian BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles, testing enhancements for over 2,500 units. These upgrades aim to integrate night fighting capabilities, anti-drone measures, and a more powerful engine. They also include specialized ammunition capable of targeting drones and loitering munitions of specific sizes, providing a comprehensive solution that encompasses the gunner's primary sight, commander's panoramic view, fire control system, automatic target tracker, and laser rangefinder.

Defense News March 2024