UAE shifts defence alliances: Turkey to modernize BMP‑3 fleet
The United Arab Emirates decided to cooperate with Turkey to modernize BMP-3 vehicles, abandoning their previous partner, Russia, according to the Bulgarian Military portal.
During the IDEX-2025 trade fair in the United Arab Emirates, the Turkish company FNSS signed a contract to modernize 615 BMP-3 vehicles. This is a strategic decision that changes the UAE's previous approach to defence cooperation with Russia.
New UAE defence strategy
The decision to collaborate with Turkey instead of Russia is a significant step in the UAE's defence strategy. The BMP-3 vehicles, which arrived in the Emirates in the 1990s, will undergo extensive modernization, including updates to their mechanical and electronic systems.
FNSS plans to upgrade the vehicles, focusing on their engines, propulsion systems, and electronics. The goal is to adapt the BMP-3 to contemporary battlefield requirements, which will enhance their speed, intelligence, and durability.
Collaboration with a local partner
FNSS is collaborating with EDGE Group, a local defence giant, to provide access to the resources and expertise necessary for the project's implementation.
The Bulgarian Military notes that the UAE's choice of Turkey as a partner demonstrates its desire to become independent from Russia. Cooperation with Turkey, a geographically closer and politically aligned country, is strategically important for the region.
The modernization of the BMP-3 is not only a matter of equipment but also a signal of the UAE's military ambitions. Choosing Turkey as a partner shows that the Emirates are focusing on innovation and modern solutions in defence.
The BMP-3 vehicle
The BMP-3 was developed as a successor to the BMP-2, using many design elements from its predecessor, particularly in the chassis. Serial production of this vehicle began in 1986, and it quickly found its place in the Russian army.
The BMP-3 is an infantry fighting vehicle that offers more advanced technical solutions compared to its predecessor. It is equipped with a modernized UTD-29M engine, delivering a power output of 500 hp, enabling it to reach speeds of up to 70 km/h on land and 10 km/h while moving through water.
The vehicle's range extends up to 600 kilometres on a full tank of fuel. Its armament consists of a combination of two guns: a 100 mm 2A70 and a 30 mm 2A72, accompanied by a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun. The BMP-3's frontal armour is designed to effectively protect against projectiles up to 30 mm.
