Russia ramps up production of advanced BMP‑3 combat vehicles
The Russian defence conglomerate Rostec has delivered another batch of BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles to its armed forces. These vehicles, manufactured by its subsidiary High-Precision Systems, have been upgraded with modern solutions intended to enhance their effectiveness on the battlefield.
As reported by Defence Blog, the new BMP-3s feature additional armour kits, lattice screens, and quickly removable anti-drone cages, colloquially known as "mangals." Furthermore, these vehicles are equipped with covers that reduce thermal and radar signatures, made from fire-resistant materials. Rostec highlighted that these improvements boost the equipment's ability to withstand combat situations.
Russians accelerate production of combat vehicles
According to Rostec, production has accelerated, with High-Precision Systems manufacturing 10 per cent more infantry fighting vehicles in March than in previous months, as confirmed by Bekkhan Ozdoev, the company’s industrial director for armaments. Since 2022, Rostec has nearly tripled the production of lightweight armoured vehicles.
BMP-3 is one of the most iconic Russian infantry fighting vehicles, which – despite the passage of time – is still part of the Russian Federation Armed Forces' inventory. Its history dates back to the Soviet era, and the vehicle itself was meant to be a response to the changing realities of the battlefield and the need for improved infantry transport security while providing substantial firepower. The design work for the BMP-3 began in the 1970s, with its official service entry occurring in the late 1980s.
In terms of design, the BMP-3 stood out from Western counterparts from the very beginning. The hull was made from aluminium alloys to reduce the vehicle's weight while providing resistance to small arms fire and shrapnel. However, in practice, the ballistic protection of the BMP-3 was a compromise. Its frontal armour can withstand hits from 30 mm calibre projectiles, but it offers considerably less protection on the sides and rear. The vehicle measures about 7 metres in length, 3 metres in width, and weighs close to 19 tonnes. It can accommodate three crew members (commander, driver, and gunner) and seven infantry soldiers.
Instead of the typical 30 mm gun for this class of vehicles, the Russians opted for a turret with a powerful 100 mm 2A70 gun, which can fire both conventional high-explosive fragmentation shells and anti-tank guided missiles launched through the barrel (9M117 Bastion system). This solution significantly enhanced the vehicle's anti-tank capabilities. Additionally, the BMP-3 is equipped with a coaxial 30 mm 2A72 automatic cannon and a 7.62 mm machine gun, allowing it to engage various targets – from light vehicles to infantry and low-flying drones.
It is also worth noting the recent reports concerning the BMP-3. Extensive excerpts of a Russian report have appeared on social media presenting the results of studies on the M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, captured by the Russians in Ukraine. The document noted that the American machine is significantly better than the BMP-3.
