BMD-3

   Combat use of the BMD-2 airborne combat vehicle in Afghanistan showed that an ACV with a two-man turret would perform more efficiently. Furthermore the BMD-2 was too light for a 30-mm cannon and the whole hull was swinging while firing. Significant improvement of the BMD-2 was impossible as it's improvement capabilities were already outgoing. Consequently a new BMD-3 airborne combat vehicle was developed and entered service in 1990.

   The BMD-3 has a redeveloped hull featuring a better armored protection.

   The BMD-3 has a similar turret used on the BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle, mounting a 30-mm cannon. Konkurs (AT-5 Spandrel) anti-tank guided missile launcher has four reload missiles and can defeat all the latest main battle tanks.

   Secondary armament consists of a coaxial 7.62-mm MG. Additional 5.45-mm machine gun is mounted in front of the hull and there is also a 40-mm AG-17 automatic grenade launcher. Over 500 rounds are carried for the grenade launcher, of which 280 are ready to use.

   The BMD-3 can carry five fully equipped troops, but in case of emergency 8 troops can be carried. Two of them are provided with a firing ports and vision blocks.

   This vehicle is amphibious and fords water obstacle afloat. The BMD-3 is very seaworthy and can take damage while afloat. Even if 30 percent of it's displacement is filled with water vehicle will still keep on floating. Furthermore it is fitted with pumps, pumping out the breaching water. Propulsion on water is provided by two waterjets.

   The BMD-3 airborne combat vehicle can be paradropped with all the crew inside, thus saving time for the assembly on the battlefield.

Variants

   BTR-MD "Rakushka" multirole airborne armored vehicle. It has a bigger hull and lacks turret. It is used to transport troops, cargo and serves as a base for a range of specialized vehicles;

   RKhM-5 chemical reconnaissance vehicle

   2S25 Sprut-SD light tank.

   BMD-4 airborne combat vehicle. It is a further development of the BMD-3, fitted with significantly more powerful armament.