Indian Army BMP 2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle Sarath

WolfPack86

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Night capabilities, see-through armour — how Army is upgrading its Russian combat vehicles
New Delhi:
The Army has initiated trials involving three private Indian companies for the upgrade of the over 2,500 Russian Infantry combat vehicles — BMP II — that have been in service since the late 1980s, to give them night fighting capabilities as well as anti-drone measures besides a high-power engine.

Sources in the defence and security establishment told ThePrint that the upgrade also includes a specialised ammunition that can be fired in the air to explode mid-air to take down drones and loitering munitions of a particular size.

They added that the focus of upgrades is on a comprehensive solution targeting the BMP 2’s Gunner Main Sight, Commander Panoramic Sight, Fire Control System, Automatic Target Tracker and Laser Range Finder.

The good old BMP 2 forms the backbone of India’s Mechanised Infantry and has a crucial role in combat, including in Eastern Ladakh where it has been deployed in large numbers to tackle the Chinese.

The BMP, being manufactured by the state-owned Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) under license from Russia, lacks night-vision capability, literally leaving it blind when the sun sets, or when there is smoke, dust or fog. Hence, the Army was keen on an upgrade even as it pursues a different programme for Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) that will replace these BMPs.

The programme is being pursued through the government’s iDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence) initiative in which three firms have qualified.

The three firms, sources said, in contention are Tonbo Imaging, Big Bang Boom and Dimensions NXG. Incidentally, Bengaluru-based Tonbo Imaging is the only start-up to have proven and successfully deployed an operational system and, the sources add, it completed the iDEX challenge first because it already had a working product.

One of the other companies’ systems was functionally flawed originally and the other’s was merely a concept, sources explained, adding that the delay in trials was because the Army wanted more companies for trials and did not want a single vendor situation even though an Indian company had successfully met the criteria much earlier.

The user trials for the upgrade started last week in Hyderabad and the biggest change would be the “see through armour” that will enable the men inside the BMPs to get a full view of the external situation while still inside, be it night or day.

“The see-through armour is going to be a big technological leap that will increase situational awareness,” a source said.

ThePrint had in 2021 witnessed a physical presentation of the “see through armour” that provides the commander, his driver and the gunman a 360-degree view even at night. The technology enhances the vehicle’s all-round survivability and provides an extra edge in combat.

The solution for BMPs’ weakness comes through cameras and magnetic trackers. The BMPs will be fitted with over half a dozen cameras which will be integrated with a helmet display. This will mean that when the commander turns right, the headgear displays images of the surroundings onto the insides of the tank as if he was seeing through the armour. A magnetic tracker senses the head movement of the wearer and displays video from the same direction.

Adding to the capability is that the driver’s head-mounted display can also interface with the GPS system for precise manoeuvering and situational assessment. This meant the commander was able to see a wider coverage of possible targets and threats.

Other upgrades planned on BMPs
Sources said that given the changing warfare scenario, there is a requirement to equip the army’s Mechanised Infantry with state-of-art missiles and lethal capability beyond visual range (BVR). This includes the Fire and Forget Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs).

Multiple indigenous options are being explored to equip the Mechanised Infantry with contemporary third Generation Fire and Forget ATGM, including ones being developed in India.

Another acquisition planned is that of the Canister Launched Loiter Munition System integrated on BMP 2/ Carrier Mortar Tracked (CMT) chassis.

To enable anti-drone capability on existing equipment, changes in aerial sight for effectively exploiting the ability of stabilised and automatic 30 mm Cannon and co-axially mounted 7.62 mm Machine Gun (PKT) to engage aerial targets is being pursued.

New acquisitions planned for Mechanised Infantry
For the Mechanised infantry, sources said, the Army is following a twin approach — replacement of vintage equipment with futuristic platforms and capability enhancement of existing equipment through upgrades for enhancing night enablement, lethality, intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capability.

The acquisitions planned in the tracked category includes the FICV that will replace BMP 2.

The Army will move the Ministry of Defence for Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), the first stage of acquisition process, next month for 480 FICV, sources said, adding that this would be a programme.

The other acquisition planned is the Nag Missile System (NAMIS) for Reconnaissance and Support (Tracked) Battalions.

The ministry had accorded amendment to AoN for quantity 13 Nag Missile Carrier (NAMICA) and 293 Nag Missiles on 26 July 2022.

Another tracked family acquisition will be the Infantry combat vehicle, Command (ICV Comd) as the Command and Control platform. The AoN for quantity 177 ICV Comd was accorded by the ministry, also on 26 July 2022.

In the wheeled family category, the Army is looking at New Wheeled Armoured Fighting Vehicle (Wh AFV) to replace BRDMs, reconnaissance vehicles. AoN for quantity 105 Wh AFV and 1,080 ATGM was accorded by the ministry on 6 June 2022.

The Army is also procuring the New Wheeled Infantry Combat Vehicle (Wh ICV) for standard mechanised infantry battalions (Wheeled) and is also seeking a Light Armoured Multi-Purpose Vehicle (LAMV) with enhanced mobility and protection for Recce Platoon to replace the existing modified Maruti Gypsy.
 

WolfPack86

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India created the most unique BMP-2 equipped with Kamikaze drone and ATGM


Indian state-owned defense company Armored Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVANI) created the most unique BMP-2 armored vehicle equipped with integrated FCS, Loiter munition system and 5th generation ATGM.

On October 18, the largest defense and aerospace exhibition, DefExpo 2022, kicked off in Gujrat, India, with lots of new equipment and modernized and brand-new technology. An image of unique upgraded BMP-2M published by Vayu Aerospace equipped with loitering ammunition from AVision and Rafael’s 5th Spike ATGM

AVANI BMP-2M is equipped with third generation Sighting system for both Gunner and Commander, an integrated Fire control system for weapons, a Multifunctional Display for Commander and gunner, an overriding facility for the commander, Auto target tracking, a display for trooper to improve situational Awareness. However, the vehicle is still equipped with traditional 30 mm Turret autocannon 2A42.





AVision Loiter Munition System
  • Pinpoint strikes from any direction and vertical.
  • Abort, re-engage and recover capability
  • Independent, beyond-IOS precision .
  • High-speed transit flight and low-speed loitering.
  • Low noise, low thermal signature
  • Stabilized electrooptical (EO/IR) seeker.
  • Warheads tailored to customer requirements.
  • Lightweight with the pneumatic launch.

Operational Advantage:

  • Delivers independence and flexibility to frontline forces
  • Multi-operational platform: air, land and sea.
  • Highly efficient in urban earfare with minimal collateral damage
  • Independent closure of sensor-to-shooter loop
  • Maintains element of surprise.
  • Enhanced ISR and precise fire capabilities.
  • Man Portable.
  • Multi-Mission, Miniature BLOS Systems for Land Platforms.
  • Precision and Reliability for all Levels of the Fighting Forces.

Specification of BMP version


  • Weight: 12kg
  • Warhead: 4.5kg
  • Endurance: 60 minutes
  • Propulsion: Electric
  • Launching: Canister

SPIKE 5th Generation ATGM
  • Enhanced lethality against all types of targets
  • Reduced Round weight for excellent weight to lethality ratio
  • Reduced launcher Weight
  • Full commonality to all SPIKE missile launchers (Air, Ground and Sea)
  • Lethality: Highly capable tandem HEAT warhead, Smart multipurpose warhead
  • Range: Ground launch : 5.5 km, Aerial launch : 10 km
  • Modes of operation : Fire & Forget/ Fire & Observe / Fire to target coordinate
  • Data link of Man in the loop: fibre optic for ground launch RF for Aerial launch
  • Embedded IMU for third party target allocation missions-network enabled
  • Embedded CAPS Capabilities
  • Very low LCC (Life cycle Cost)
  • Pinpoint accuracy at long range
  • Enhances the force operational range and precision ability Lofted missile trajectory enables steep angle of attack for target engagements in line of sight and beyond line of sight
  • (engagement of an enemy firing position rear slope)
  • Abort mission capability mid flight
  • High hit/ kill probability
 

WolfPack86

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India arms BMP-2 Sarath IFV with Israeli Spike LR ATGM and PALM-1250 drone

Modernised Russian BMP-2M prototype is on display at the DefnceExpo-22 in Gandhinagar, India. Land-based ATGM Spike LR has a range of up to 5,500 metres and operates in many modes. Loitering ammunition PALM-1250 is a special version of the heavier kamikaze drone HERO 1250.

At the 12th International Exhibition of Land and Naval Weapons (Defence Expo-22), held in the Indian city of Gandhinagar, a modernised Russian BMP-2M prototype is on display.



Specialists from India worked on this project, where the BMP-2M, which received the local name Sarath, is produced under a Russian license and the weapons partners are from Israel.

The land-based ATGM Spike LR has a range of up to 5,500 metres and operates in many modes. For instance, according to the “fire and forget” approach, it is also feasible to make adjustments throughout the projectile’s flight, directing it into the most susceptible areas of the target. The delivery of commands occurs through fibre optic cable. ATGMs may finally strike targets based on pre-programmed coordinates.

The exceptional penetrability of the tandem warhead makes it possible to engage tanks with dynamic protection.

Loitering ammunition PALM-1250 is a special version of the heavier kamikaze drone HERO-1250 adapted for use with the BMP-2. They are made in a joint venture. It weighs 12 kg, while the warhead is 4.5 kg. The time spent in the air is up to 60 minutes. An electric motor is used, which creates less noise and thermal visibility.

The BMP-2M is also equipped with an Israeli Rafael Samson II combat module with a 30-mm Mk44 Bushmaster II rapid-fire cannon.


It should be noted that these are not India’s first efforts to modernise the BMP-2 independently. Previously, variations with improved combat modules, a fire control system with thermal imaging sights, a reworked undercarriage, a larger hull, and a more powerful engine have been exhibited. The advent of water cannons boosted the capability to overcome water impediments.

Indian Army BMP-2 Sarath IFV upgrade plans
The Indian Ground Forces have begun testing modernised BMP-2 / BMP-2K Sarath infantry fighting vehicles built under a Russian license and have been in service since the late 1980s. Three domestic companies are participating in the trials: Bangalore-based Tonbo Imaging, Chennai-based Big Bang Boom, and Dimension NXG, headquartered in Thane.

The modernisation program is implemented as part of the initiative of the Ministry of Defense of India, “Innovations for Defense Excellence” (Innovations for Defense Excellence, iDEX). The armed forces plan to include “transparent armour”, an anti-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system, a gunner’s thermal imaging sight and a commander’s panoramic sight, a modern fire control system (FCS) and an automatic target tracking system in the modernisation package for the BMP fleet.

Tonbo Imaging successfully demonstrated the operating systems and was the first to participate in the iDEX competition since it already had an experimental prototype of the upgraded BMP. Trials began in the first half of September in Hyderabad.

One of the deficiencies of the in-service Indian BMP-2 is the absence of uncooled infrared sensors. The lack of uncooled infrared (IR) sensors renders the combat vehicle “blind.” The Indian Army possesses around 2,000 BMP-2s without such equipment, and about 881 units are to be upgraded. For combat vehicles to be able to manoeuvre at night, so-called “transparent armour” is added, which affords the vehicle’s crew a 360-degree field of vision. This technology boosts the vehicle’s survivability and gives warfare an added edge. A company, Big Bang Boom, displayed a BMP-2 at Defence Expo 2022 with a transparent armour system that uses turret cameras and software to enable a better view of the battlefield. The company has also provided the commander with an eyeglass with a gyroscope, allowing him to see 360 degrees around the vehicle.

In 2020, representatives of the Indian Army said that their BMP-2s are “blind at night”, and the aiming systems installed on them based on image intensification technology are “not suitable for modern warfare.”


Since small-sized UAVs began to pose a threat, it is necessary to equip the BMP-2 to combat drones. In India, weapons and optoelectronic systems are being developed for the BMP-2, which can be used to destroy unmanned aerial vehicles.

The prototype of the upgraded BMP-2 was first presented at the Indian exhibition DEFEXPO-2020.

Russian BMP-2
The infantry fighting vehicle BMP-2M is intended to equip motorised rifle units and boost the mobility, armament, and security of personnel working on the battlefield, even in the face of weapons of mass destruction.


Powered by a 300 horsepower engine, it is extremely mobile to fulfil all tactical mobility needs on the battlefield, travels at an astounding 65 kilometres per hour, and has effortless handling in cross-country terrain.

SARATH BMP-II is an amphibious vehicle that can go at 7 km/h on water, overcome slopes of up to 35 degrees, and traverse obstacles up to 0.7 metres in height. Due to its low weight, it can be carried by air relatively easily.

It is protected by armoured plates on all sides, providing a high level of protection for the soldiers. It provides chameleon-like concealment using smoke grenades to create a smoke screen.

The SARATH BMP-II can neutralise all forms of ground-based and low-flying military targets due to its rapid-fire 7.62 mm medium coaxial machine gun, 30 mm cannon, and anti-tank homing guided missile of second-generation.
 

SwordOfDarkness

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BMP 2 M loitering munition and spike missile.
IMO they should just have ATGMs, no need for drones on an IFV. A berezehov style would be best IMO, not just for current BPMs but also future IFVs. 30mm cannon, 40mm grenade launcher, ATGMs. Will round off the infantry support role nicely.

An AFV shouldnt have anything that is not completely necessary on it. Why have drones? If needed, the infantry can dismount, launch then remount and control. Loitering munitions arent something you launch in an emergency.
 

SwordOfDarkness

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Don't they fuck in protection and survivability
Heard they are just tin cans with guns and konkurs atgm
Depends. They can take 50 BMG from sides, and higher from front (up to 25mm bushmaster APFSDS if Im not wrong, though engine will probably be knocked out).

Which is not the best (Bradley can take 30mm from all aspect) but it is good enough for the weight.
 

Longewala

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Depends. They can take 50 BMG from sides, and higher from front (up to 25mm bushmaster APFSDS if Im not wrong, though engine will probably be knocked out).

Which is not the best (Bradley can take 30mm from all aspect) but it is good enough for the weight.
A. They are amphibious (unlike the Bradley and CV90) which means a significant tactical asset given the number of canals used for defense on the other side
B. All of them have decent ATGMs unlike the Napak m-113s, and equate to 2000 odd tank destroyers
C. Their 30mm cannons are really useful at suppressing infantry

Overall, they are so far superior to the opposing M113s there is no comparison. And they are perfect supporting vehicles for MBTs.
 

WolfPack86

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It was developed based on the requirement of the Indian Army to enhance the protection levels against unconventional enemy weapons. This kit has been designed for urban warfare which gives protection against RPGs,7.62mm and 14.5mm A.P shots.
 

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