BMP-23

   In the mid 1970s Bulgaria purchased license from the Soviet Union to produce the 2S1 Gvozdika 122-mm self-propelled howitzer. This self-propelled howitzer is based on the MT-LB multipurpose armored carrier. Bulgarian developers used this chassis to design an indigenous infantry fighting vehicle. A total of 115 BMP-23 IFVs were built.

   Protection of the BMP-23 is rather poor. Automatic fire detection and suppression system is fitted.

   This infantry fighting vehicle is armed with a 23-mm cannon. This cannon has a range of effective fire against ground targets of 2 000 meters. The BMP-23 is fitted with the 9M14M Malyutka (AT-3 Sagger) ATGW launcher on top of the roof to deal with tanks. Four missiles are carried inside the vehicle. The AT-3 Sagger has a range of effective fire of 2 000 meters. There is also a coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun.

   Vehicle has a crew of three and can carry 7 fully equipped troops. There is a number of firing ports for the troops.

   The BMP-23 is powered by the JaMZ-238N diesel engine, developing 302 horsepower. Vehicle is fully amphibious without preparation. On water it is propelled by it's tracks.

Variants

   BMP-23A is an improved variant of the BMP-23 with six smoke grenade dischargers and the AT-4 Spigot ATGW launcher on top of the roof;

   BRM-23 armored reconnaissance vehicle with similar layout and weapons fit. It has a crew of five and carries additional surveillance equipment;

   BMP-30 infantry fighting vehicle. Essentially it is the BMP-23 fitted with complete turret of the Russian BMP-2 IFV, armed with a 30-mm cannon. The BMP-30 was built in very small numbers.