BMP-3

   The BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle was accepted to service with the Soviet Army in 1987. A pre-production batch of 12 vehicles was delivered the same year. It was obvious, that design of this IFV had little in common with previous BMP-1 and BMP-2. A number of drawbacks related to previous IFVs were fixed. Currently the BMP-3 is in service with Russia, Cyprus, Greece, Kuwait, South Korea, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and Venezuela.

   Appearance of the BMP-3 resembles a light tank. Vehicle is armed with a 100-mm gun, capable of firing 9M117 Bastion laser-guided anti-armor missiles, as well as ordinary HE-FRAG projectiles. The 9M117 missiles have a maximum range of 4 km, providing this IFV a considerable anti-armor capability. Vehicle is completed with an semi-automatic loader and has a maximum rate of 10 rounds per minute.

   The BMP-3 is also armed with coaxial 30-mm cannon and 7.62-mm machine gun. The 30-mm cannon fires at a rate of 330 rpm and has a maximum range of 2 km against ground targets and 4 km against low flying helicopters. Vehicle is also fitted with two more bow-mounted, forward firing 7.62-mm MG.

   The BMP-3 IFV is fitted with smoke grenade dischargers. It can also generate smoke screens by injecting fuel into exhaust.

   Hull and turret of this infantry fighting vehicle are made of aluminum alloy armor. The front arc is made of composite armor and provides protection against 30-mm armor-piercing rounds. Protection can be further enhanced with add-on explosive reactive armor kit. Furthermore the Arena active protection and Shtora countermeasures systems can be installed.

   This infantry fighting vehicle has a crew of three and can carry 7 troops. Two infantrymen are located on each side of the driver and operate bow-mounted machine guns. Rest of the troops are seated to the rear on two inward-facing bench seats, over the engine pack. It is worth mentioning, that the troop compartment is cramped. Infantrymen enter and leave the vehicle via rear doors and roof hatches.

   The BMP-3 is powered by the UTD-29 diesel engine, developing 500 hp. This IFV has a hydropneumatic suspension, which can be adjusted to suit the type of ground being crossed. Vehicle is fully amphibious. Propulsion on water is provided by two waterjets.

Variants

   BMP-3K command vehicle;

   BMP-3F marine version of the infantry fighting vehicle. It has improved amphibious capabilities and can operate at sea;

   BMP-3M improved export version, fitted with new UTD-32T turbocharged engine, developing 660 hp. This IFV also has new fire control system;

   BRM-3 Rys (lynx) armored reconnaissance vehicle with the 100-mm gun removed;

   BREM-L Beglyanka armored recovery vehicle;

   2S31 Vena (vein) 120-mm mortar system;

   Khrizantema (chrysanthemum) anti-tank missile carrier.