Indian Army BMP 2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle Sarath

WolfPack86

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Russia`s Ministry of Defense to overhaul BMP-2 Infanty Fighting Vehicles
In April 2016, the 163rd Armour Repairing Plant (163rd BTRZ, a subsidiary of the Uralvagonzavod scientific-production corporation, UVZ) signed the contract with the Russian MoD to overhaul a number of BMP-2 vehicles in 2016-2018. The IFVs will receive R-168 radio stations and a digital INTERCOM system. In June 2016, the plant signed a subcontract worth RUB302.9 million (USD4.6 million) with the Rubtsovsk subsidiary of the UVZ Corporation for the modernization of 25 BMP-2 vehicles in 2016-2108. In accordance with the agreement, five IFVs will be overhauled in 2016, 10 in 2017, and 10 in 2018. The Rubtsovsk facility is also continuing the upgrade of 18 BMP-2 vehicles under the second contract with the 163rd BTRZ. The enterprise will have upgraded a total of 327 BMP-2 IFVs under the State Defense Order (Russian acronym: GOZ, Gosoboronzakaz) rearmament program by end-2018. It delivered to the customer 112 vehicles in 2014 and 112 in 2015. According to the aforementioned contracts, 78 BMP-2 IFVs are to be supplied in 2016. The remaining vehicles will be delivered to the customer in 2017-2018," the source said.

He added that the several subsidiaries of the UVZ Corporation had been awarded with the contracts to overhaul BMP-2 IFVs for the Russian MoD. "The 560th BTRZ supplied 63 overhauled BMP-2 armoured vehicles in 2014-2015, the 144th BTRZ 10 in 2014, and the 103rd BTRZ 16 in 2014. It should be noted that the 163rd BTRZ will have supplied 170 overhauled BMP-2 vehicles to the MoD by end-2016," the source said.

Hence, Russia`s military will receive at least 586 overhauled BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles to be issued to the Motor Rifle Troops, for the most part.

The MoD is supposed to be planning to retain a huge number of BMP-2 vehicles in service for the next three to five years. Russian defense analysts unanimously say that the aforementioned IFVs (even overhauled) are rapidly ageing and do not meet modern requirements to full extent. The BMP-2 vehicles being overhauled by the 163rd BTRZ and the UVZ`s subsidiaries are receiving only new radio stations. They will retain the basic armament suite that includes a 30mm 2A42 Shipunov automatic cannon, a 7.62mm Kalashnikov PKT coaxial machinegun, and a launching unit with one ready-to-launch 9M113/9M113M Konkurs/Konkurs-M (NATO reporting name: AT-5 Spandrel/AT-5B Spandrel-B) anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). The overhauled vehicles feature extremely weak armour protection (Level 3 STANAG 4569, all-round protection against 7.62mm hard steel or tungsten alloy armour-piercing bullets at a 30 m distance; the front of BMP-2 is reinforced to withstand several hits of 23mm armour-piercing rounds). The IFV lacks both explosive-reactive armour (ERA) and bar-slat protection. "BMP-2 no longer is a modern infantry fighting vehicle that provides sufficient firepower and armour protection on the modern battlefield. I suppose that the MoD will phase these vehicles out of service at an early date replacing them by upgraded BMP-3 or Kurganets-25 vehicles," the source concluded.

At the same time, the Russian defense industry has developed two variants of drastic BMP-2 upgrade. Tula-based Instrument Design Bureau (Russian acronym: KBP, a subsidiary of the High-Precision Weapons holding) offers B05Ya01 Berezhok manned turret. It incorporates a 2A42 automatic cannon, a 7.62mm Kalashnikov PKT/PKTM coaxial machinegun, a 30mm AG-30 automatic grenade launcher (AGL), six 902B Tucha smoke grenades and four ready-to-launch 9M133 Kornet-E (AT-14 Spriggan) ATGMs. The B05Ya01 turret has received independent sights of commander and gunner with infrared channels and laser rangefinders. It should be noted that a BMP-1/2 upgraded with Berezhok retains basic internal layout of the troops compartment.

The Tractor Plants concern offers the second option of BMP-1/2`s firepower upgrade. It can be described as a comprehensive one. The upgraded BMP-1/2 has retained the organic 2A42 cannon receiving a 30mm AG-17 AGL and two ready-to-launch 9M120 (AT-9 Spiral-2) ATGMs. The hull is reinforced with armour skirts and an additional frontal armour plate. The level of the BMP-2M`s protection has increased to Level 4 NATO STANAG 4569 (all-round protection against 14.5 mm steel core armour-piercing bullet at a 200 m distance). The vehicle`s protection level can be reinforced by bar-slat armour. The organic UTD-20 diesel is replaced by the UTD-23 (360 h.p.) turbodiesel engine. The vehicle`s gunner has received new PNK sighting system with integrated thermal imager, commander NKN-AI sight with laser rangefinder, and driver TVK-1 sight with infrared channel. BMP-2M is also equipped with Inei fire extinguishing systems and the KBM-2 air cooling unit.

However, Russia`s MoD is not reported to have ordered the radically upgraded BMP-2 vehicles. Both aforementioned variants are being promoted only on the global arms market. The significant part of the Russian motor rifle units will continue to use ageing BMP-2 with basic armament - for at least several years. Hence, the introduction of the state-of-the art IFVs, such as Kurganets-25 or T-15 Armata heavy infantry fighting vehicle (HIFV), is a bread-and-butter issue.
 

WolfPack86

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BMP-3M Tracked Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle

Description
The BMP-3M is an modernized version of the standard BMP-3 tracked armoured infantry fighting vehicle designed and developed by the Russian Company Kurganmashzavod. The BMP-3M with its new improvements offers more capabilities in terms of fire power, mobility, protection increasing combat efficiency of standard BMP-3 IFV. The BMP-3M was unveiled for the first time in 2011 during the Defense Exhibition, Russian Expo Arms.​

Armament
The BMP-3M is fitted with a two-man turret armed with 100mm 2A70 semi-automatic gun which can be used against ground targets at a maximum range of 4,000 m. Turret traverse is a full 360º with weapon elevation from -5 to +60º. The latter enables the weapons to engage helicopters. Turret traverse and weapon elevation are powered. The 100 mm 2A70 gun fires 3UOF17 and 3OF32 high-explosive fragmentation rounds at a rate of 8 to 10 rds/min and the 9M117M1 laser-guided anti-tank missiles. The 100mm cannon of the BMP-3M can also fire high-explosive fragmentation shells 3UOF19. The new 100-mm high-explosive fragmentation shell 3UOF19 features improved characteristics of fragmentation effect and better firing accuracy. The anti-tank guided missile 9M117M1 has a tandem warhead, which enhances armour-piercing impact and ensures piercing of explosive-reactive armour. ATGM firing range is increased from 4 up to 5.5 km Mounted coaxially to the right of the 100 mm gun is the 30 mm 2A72 cannon which can engage ground targets from a range of 1,500 to 2,000 m and helicopters up to 4,000 m using three types of 30 mm ammunition are fired, AP-I (Armor-Piercing Incendiary), HE-I (High Explosive Incendiary) and HE-T (High-Explosive Tracer). The 30mm gun of the BMP-3M can also fire 30mm armour-piercing discarding sabot shells. The 30-mm armour-piercing discarding sabot shell features 80% better armour-piercing capability as compared with the standard armour-piercing shell. One 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun is mounted either side of the hull, firing forwards and these are operated by one of the front three crew members. There is also one more 7.62mm PKTM coaxial machine gun mounted to the left side of the main armament. Three 81mm smoke grenade dischargers are mounted on either side at the front of the turret.​

Design and protection
The BMP-3M IFV is divided in three main compartments with the driver seated at the front, the turret in the middle and the troop compartment at the rear of the hull with entry via two doors in the hull rear opening left and right. The BMP-3M can carried a total of 10 military personnel including driver, commander and gunner. The hull and turret of the BMP-3M IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) are of all-welded aluminium armour construction providing the crew with protection from small arms fire and shell splinters. The BMP-3M armour is increased with additional armour shields to provide protection against 12.7mm armour piercing bullets, as well as with active protection or explosive reactive armour (ERA) kit to protect the vehicle from anti-tank hollow charge projectiles.​

Mobility
The BMP-3M is motorized with a turbocharged UTD-32 engine that increases specific power and dynamic characteristics of the vehicle. Due to the forced cooling system the engine is fully adapted to operation in hot climate conditions. The engine is coupled to an hydromechanical automatic transmission with 4 forward and 2 reverse gears. The BMP-3M can run at a maximum road speed of 55 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 600 km. The suspension either side consists of six dual rubber-tyred roadwheels with the idler at the front, drive sprocket at the rear and three track-return rollers. The BMP-3M has a 2.5 m trench crossing, 0.8m vertical climb and 35°gradient capabilities. The BMP-3M is fitted with an electromechanical track adjustment system allowing the driver to adjust the track tension for both tracks without leaving his seat. The BMP-3M vehicle can be equipped with a chassis control system (IUSSH-688). The system is programmable with microprocessor control of chassis units and assemblies, parameters of their operation, delivery of current and warning information to driver's display and generation of voice messages. Thus IUSSH-688 serves to automate some of the functions, previously performed by the driver, to improve operational reliability of chassis units and assemblies, to control their serviceability in interactive mode, to warn about failures of chassis important elements.​

Accessories
Standard equipment of the BMP-3M IFV includes the capability to lay a smoke screen by injecting diesel fuel into the exhaust outlet, an NBC system and a dozer/entrenching blade fitted at the front of the vehicle. The BMP-3 has a fire detection/suppression system in the front and rear crew compartments, turret and engine compartment. The vehicle can be also equipped with KBM-3M2E air conditioner to provide comfort working conditions for the crew and troopers in hot climate with high ambient temperature. In order to enhance fire power, the BMP-3M is equipped with an automatic fire control system which includes SOZH-M main gunner's sight with integrated laser rangefinder and ATGM guiding channel, VESNA-K sighting system with thermal imaging camera and AST-B automatic target tracker, commander's vision deviceTKN-AI, digital ballistic computer, and ATGM (Anti-tank Guided Missile) loading mechanism. The new fire control system ensures target identification and effective aimed firing at great distances and speeds, provides decrease of target destruction time and considerable improvement of firing efficiency afloat. The commander's day-night vision device TKN-AI with active-pulse illumination is used within the system and provides increase of target detection range in poor visibility conditions (dust smoke, fog, etc.).The BMP-3M is equipped with an automatic ATGM loading mechanism, which reduces loading time to 12 seconds. The mechanism ensures ATGM loading in automatic and operational modes at any angle of turret traverse relatively to the vehicle hull. The modernized BMP-3M also includes installation of a new multipurpose (day-night) driver's vision deviceTVK-1, which broadens driver's capabilities during the vehicle movement at night, and also installation of APP-688 automatic gear selector to decrease the driver's fatigue. The BMP-3M is fitted with the ARENA-E​

defensive-aid suite (DAS) provides protection against anti-tank guided and unguided missiles and anti-tank grenades used in various infantry ATGM launching systems and also in ammunition allowances of helicopters. SHTORA-1 system of protection against high-precision weapons ensures effective protection of the BMP-3M IFV against anti-tank guided missiles with semi-automatic guidance and laser target illumination, and also against artillery armament employing fire control system with laser rangefinder. As opposed to ARENA-E system, which uses the principle of enemy ammunition destruction, SHTORA-1 system misleads guidance of enemy ammunition. The BMP-3M is fully amphibious being propelled in the water by two water-jets mounted on either side low down at the rear of the hull. These water-jets are run from a power take off to the hydromechanical transmission. Before entering the water the bilge pumps are switched on, a snorkel is erected at the rear and a trim vane is erected at the front of the vehicle. When the trim vane is not required it folds back under the nose of the BMP-3. In the water, the BMP-3M can swim at a maximum speed of 10 km/h.

Armament
One 2A70 100 mm cannon, one 2A72 automatic cannon, thre PKTM 7.62mm machine guns
a​
Country users
Project for Russia​
Designer Country
Russia​
Accessories
NBC protection system, night vision, air conditioner, automatic fire control system, laser range finder, ATGM guiding channel, fire detection/suppression system, SHTORA-1 active protection system and​
Crew
3 + 7​
Armor
All-welded aluminium armour, additional armour shields, active protection or explosive reactive armour ERA​
Weight
22,000 kg​
Speed
55 km/h​
Range
600 km
a
a
a​
Dimensions
Length: 6.71 m; Width: 3.15 m; Height: 3.15 m​





BMP 3 M infantry fighting vechile.
 

Longewala

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I wonder if a BMP-2 armed with the 100mm cannon might be an interesting weapon to have
 

WolfPack86

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BMP-2 IFV
Tracked Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle - Russia
Description

The BMP-2 is a tracked armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) designed and manufactured by the Russian defense industry. This vehicle was based on the Russian-made BMP-1. The BMP-2 was manufactured under license in India under the name of "Sarath", and also in some eastern countries, such as the Czech Republic under the name of BVP-2. The BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle is designed to enhance the mobility, firepower and protection of mounted infantrymen on the battlefield under NBC (Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical) attack. The BMP-2 enters in service with the Russian armed forces in 1980, and the vehicle was seen for the first time in public during a military parade on the Red Square in Moscow, in November 1982. The BMP-2 was deployed by the Russian army during the war in Afghanistan. The vehicle is currently in use in African countries for UN missions.

BMP-2 IFV main variants:
BMP-2D: variant with add-on armor
- BMP-2E: by injecting diesel fuel into the exhaust outlet on the right side of the hull.
- BMP-2K: command variant with two antennas mounted on the rear of the hull, one behind the turret and one on the right-hand side of the rear of the vehicle, one IFF antenna on the left-hand side of the rear of the vehicle, and support for a telescopic mast in the front of the IFF antenna. The firing port equipped with the periscope was removed from either side of the vehicle.
- BMP-2M: with an upgrade of armament and powerpack
- BMP-2 Kliver: with one 30mm automatic cannon and four anti-tank launchers mounted on the right side of the turret
- BMO-1: Transport vehicle for a flamethrower squad, armed with 30 RPO-A "Shmel" napalm rocket launchers of 93 mm.

Armament
The BMP-2 is fitted with a two-man turret armed with a stabilized 30 mm cannon 2A42 and a 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun mounted to the left of the main armament with 2,000 rounds. A bank of three smoke grenade dischargers is mounted on each side of the turret. The BMP-2 is also able to create a smokescreen by injecting diesel fuel into the exhaust outlet on the right side of the hull. Mounted on the turret roof between the gunner's and commander's hatches is a launcher for an AT-4 SPIGOT or AT-5 SPANDREL ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missile) which has a maximum range of 4,000m. The 2A42 two-axis stabilized automatic cannon; the 7.62-mm PKT coaxial machine gun and the antitank guided weapon launcher enable the crew to hit different targets, including tanks and combat helicopters. The BMP-2 is able to attack air and ground targets while the vehicle is moving or stationary. The turret can rotate on 360° with elevation from +75° to - 5º. The gunner can select single shots or one of two automatic rates of fire, low at 200 to 300 rds/min; high at 500 rds./min. The roof-mounted ATGW launcher can be traversed through a full 360º with elevation from -5 to +15º.​

Design and protection
The layout of BMP-2 is very similar to the design of the BMP-1. The driving compartment is located in the frontal part of the vehicle. It accommodates the driver and one infantryman. The driving compartment is outfitted with observation devices, directional gyro, vehicle steering levers, instruments, actuating devices, and fire-fighting equipment. There is a gun port in the glacis plate. The engine compartment is located in the frontal part of the hull on the starboard side. The turret is located in the middle of the hull, just aft of the engine compartment. The commander and the gunner are positioned in the turret. The troop compartment is located in the rear of the hull between the port and starboard sides. In the middle, it is divided into two sections by the central fuel tank and a container, which holds electrical equipment. The troop compartment has six seats for the mounted personnel: three seats in each section. All seats are equipped with observation instruments and have gun ports nearby through which the mounted personnel can fire with machine guns or individual assault rifles. The infantrymen enter and leave the vehicle through two doors in the rear of the hull. Each door has an observation device and one gun port to fire with individual assault rifles. The hull and the turret are made in all-welded steel which provides protection on the front against 23-mm armor-piercing rounds fired from a distance of 500 m and the sides against 7.62-mm armor-piercing bullets fired from a distance of 75 m. The BMP-1 can be also fitted with add-on armor to increase protection against ballistic and mine threats.​

Mobility
The BMP-2 engine and transmission are to the right of the driver's compartment with the air inlet and outlet louvers on top of the hull. The BMP-2 IFV is motorized with a four-stroke, six-cylinder Model UTD-20 supercharged diesel engine developing 285/300 hp at 2,600 rpm. The torsion bar suspension of BMP-2 consists of each side with six roadwheels with the drive sprocket at the front, idler at the rear, and three track return rollers. The upper part of the suspension is protected by armor plates. The BMP-1 is able to reach a maximum road speed of 65km/h with a maximum road range of 600 km. The BMP-1 can climb a side slope of 30% and a gradient of 60%, cross a trench of 2.5m, and a vertical obstacle of 0.7m.​

Accessories
The BMP-2 is fully amphibious and propelled in the water by its tracks at a maximum speed of 7 km/h. An infra-red searchlight is mounted coaxially to the right of the 30-mm cannon and the commander also has a roof-mounted infra-red searchlight model OU-3GA2. Standard equipment on the BMP-2 includes a full range of night vision equipment for the commander, gunner and driver, a fire extinguishing system, a GPK-59 gyrocompass system, a PAZ overpressure NBC system, an engine preheater, and a turret extractor fan. For mine clearing, the BMP-2 is outfitted with mine-clearing equipment mounted at the front of the vehicle.​

Armament Armor
One 30mm 2A42 cannon, one coaxial machine gun PKT 7.62mm, 1 launcher for AT-5 `Spandrel' or AT-4 `Spigot' ATGW Protection against small arms and shell splinters. Front 23mm armor-piercing rounds, 7.62-mm armor-piercing bullets for the sides.
Country users Weight
Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Czech Republic, Finland, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Macedonia, Russia, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen.​
14,300 kg

Designer Country Speed
Russia 65 km/h maximum road speed
Accessories Range
Infrared night vision, NBC protection system, fire control system 550 to 600 km
Crew Dimensions
3 + 7 soldiers Length: 6.73 m; Width: 3.15 m; Height: 2.45 m
 

WolfPack86

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On 2/8/21 the #IndianArmy quietly transferred 12 BMP-2's to 12 domestic private and public sector companies – referred to as Development Agencies (DAs) – to retrofit by 31 July 2022 one of the BMP-2s provided to them by the IA. Chosen design to get replicated across the fleet.

Details kept under wraps but from what I know the usual suspects
@TataCompanies

@KSSLindia

@larsentoubro

@relianceinfra

@Mpf_Avnl
etc are all involved . Goal is to upgrade the BMP-2 to ensure the 2000 odd units we have stay viable for the next 15-20 yrs.

Package Army has asked for involves uprated power pack, Add on armor, new sights, new secure communication & fire control, ATGM launchers, modernized turret with modernized dual feed version of same 30mm gun & coaxial 7.62 gun to begin with.
 

Yodha

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On 2/8/21 the #IndianArmy quietly transferred 12 BMP-2's to 12 domestic private and public sector companies – referred to as Development Agencies (DAs) – to retrofit by 31 July 2022 one of the BMP-2s provided to them by the IA. Chosen design to get replicated across the fleet.

Details kept under wraps but from what I know the usual suspects
@TataCompanies

@KSSLindia

@larsentoubro

@relianceinfra

@Mpf_Avnl
etc are all involved . Goal is to upgrade the BMP-2 to ensure the 2000 odd units we have stay viable for the next 15-20 yrs.

Package Army has asked for involves uprated power pack, Add on armor, new sights, new secure communication & fire control, ATGM launchers, modernized turret with modernized dual feed version of same 30mm gun & coaxial 7.62 gun to begin with.
The existing UTD 20 engine produces 285 hp mated to a manual transmission. The upgradation project was dead long ago because none of the Development agencies could achieve what was asked for.

What was asked for is a new engine with 360 hp output and an automatic transmission with a PTO shaft for mounting additional accessories.
 

WolfPack86

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BMP-II ICV "Sarath": The Chariot of Victory
Basic Description
:
  • The BMP-2 Sarath is an Indian variant of the BMP-2 Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) that has been manufactured under license by the Ordnance Factory Board in India. The BMP-2 Sarath was first introduced in service with the Indian Army in the early 1990s. The Sarath was developed as a modified version of the BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle to meet the specific requirements of the Indian Army, and it has since become an important and widely-used armored vehicle in the Indian military. The manufacturing of the BMP-2 Sarath in India began in 1987 and it was formally inducted into the Indian Army in 1992. The BMP-2 Sarath is a versatile and effective ICV that is armed with a 30mm automatic cannon, a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, and a 9Sh119M1 missile launcher to fire Konkurs-M anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM), capable of punching through armor behind explosive reactive armor (ERA). An upgrade integrated the 9P135M-1 to provide night capabilities for the ATGM launcher. The Sarath can also carry up to seven fully equipped infantry soldiers in addition to its crew of three. The BMP-2 Sarath is well-suited to a variety of roles on the battlefield, including troop transport, fire support, and reconnaissance. Since then, the BMP-2 Sarath has several modernization programs focused on enhancing its capabilities and keep it relevant on the modern battlefield. Three main variants of BMP-2 Sarath have been derived from these programs. For this suggestion, we will focus on the base BMP-2 Sarath and the upgraded models unveiled at the DefExpo2020 developed by Ordnance Factory Madek which utilizes Elbit System's Thermal Imagers for both the Gunner and Commander of which over a 150 were ordered, and a further development of this same model dubbed the BMP-2M which utilizes the same imagers as well as integrates the AVsion PALM 120 loitering munition and a Spike ATGM launcher.

    • One modernization from the Ordnance Factory Medak incorporates a new fire control system, integrating EL-OP optical sights for both the Gunner and Commander, providing situational awareness and night operation capability, a crucial missing standard on Indian Army ICV's.
    • The AVision Loitering Munition, or the PALM 120, and Spike Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) are both advanced weapon systems that provide significant advantages to the BMP-2 Sarath and other armored vehicles. PALM 120 is a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is designed to loiter over the battlefield and provide real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to the operator. The AVision is also capable of carrying a small explosive payload that can be used to engage and destroy enemy targets, such as armored vehicles or personnel. The PALM 120's ability to loiter over the battlefield and provide persistent ISR capabilities makes it a valuable asset for the BMP-2 Sarath and other armored vehicles, as it can help to identify and engage targets that may be difficult to detect with other sensors. The Spike ATGM is a highly accurate and effective weapon system that is designed to engage and destroy armored targets at long ranges. The Spike is a fire-and-forget missile, which means that it can be launched and then guided to its target without requiring the operator to maintain a line of sight. The Spike is also equipped with advanced guidance systems, such as a fiber-optic data link and an imaging infrared seeker, which allow it to penetrate even the most advanced armor protection systems. The Spike's long range and high accuracy make it a valuable addition to the BMP-2 Sarath's armament, as it can engage and destroy enemy armored vehicles from a safe distance. The vehicle that includes these new mechanics received the nomenclature, BMP-2M.
    • In conclusion, the BMP-2 Sarath is an Indian variant of the highly successful BMP-2 Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) that has been manufactured under license in India. The Sarath has undergone several modifications and upgrades to meet the specific requirements of the Indian Army, and it has become a versatile and effective armored vehicle that is well-suited to a variety of roles on the modern battlefield. The Sarath is armed with a 30mm automatic cannon and a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, and it can carry up to seven fully equipped infantry soldiers in addition to its crew of three. The Sarath has undergone several modernization programs in recent years, which have included upgrades to its thermal imaging systems and the integration of advanced weapon systems such as the AVision loitering munition and the Spike anti-tank guided missile. Overall, the BMP-2 Sarath remains an important and capable armored vehicle in the Indian military, and its ongoing modernization programs ensure that it remains relevant and effective in the years to come.
  • Specifications:
    • Role: Infantry Fighting Vehicle
    • Origin/Manufacturer:
      • India - Ordnance Factory Medak
    • Armament:
      • Primary: 2A42 30mm Autocannon
        • Cartridge: 30x165
        • Ammunition:
          • FSAPDS-T(?)
          • 3UBR8 APDS-T
          • 3UBR6 AP-T
          • 3UOR6 HEF-I
          • 3UOF8 F-T
        • Feed System:
          • Dual-belt Fed
      • Coaxial: PKT 7.62mm Machine Gun
      • Roof-Mounted:
        • Standard:
          • 9Sh119M1 (or 9P135-1) Missile Launcher:
            • Konkurs-M
              • Warhead: Tandem HEAT
              • Penetration: 800mm of RHA behind ERA
              • Diameter: 135mm
              • Weight: 26.5kg
              • Propulsion: Single-Stage Solid Propellant Rocket Motor (and Booster)
              • Range: out to 4km
              • Guidance: Wire-guided
              • Max Speed: 208m/s

  • Israeli Modernization:
    • MELLS-ATGM/SPIKE-LR
      • Warhead: Tandem HEAT
      • Penetration: 700mm Penetration behind ERA (Tandem HEAT)
      • Weight:
      • Propulsion: Solid-propellant Rocket
      • Diameter: 130mm
      • Range: 200-4,000m
      • Guidance: Fire-and-Forget/Infrared Homing
    • AVision PALM 120 Loitering Munition

  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 6.735m
    • Width: 3.20m
    • Height: 2.40m
    • Weight: 12.8t
  • Mobility:
    • Max Speed: 65km/h (7 km/h afloat)
    • Transmission: Manual (5-Forward, 1-Reverse)
    • Suspension: Torsion Bar
    • Engine: 300hp - UTD-20/3 6cyl Diesel Engine
  • Crew:
    • Commander
    • Gunner
    • Driver

Additional Features:
  • 6x 81mm Smoke Grenade Launchers
  • ESS
  • Amphibious
  • IR Searchlight
  • Armor:
    • Same layout as standard BMP-2.
    • Could integrate the BMP Urban Survival Kit, or BUSK, however it was not adopted.
      • Optics:
        • Standard BMP-2 Sarath:
          • Gunner: 1PN22M Sight
            • Passive IR Sight
          • Commander: TKN-3B
            • Passive IR Periscope
          • Driver: TVNE-1
            • Passive IR Periscope
        • Upgraded BMP-2 Sarath/BMP-2M:
          • Gunner: EL-OP Thermal Imager
            • 3rd-generation Thermal Imager
          • Commander: EL-OP Thermal Imager
            • 3rd-generation Thermal Imager
          • Driver: TVNE-1
            • Passive IR Periscope
    • https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/580556-bmp-ii-icv-sarath-the-chariot-of-victory/
 

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.
 

Longewala

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Russian BMP-2 with additional side armor and Kontakt-1 ERA bricks.
It just seems to me that all these up armouring stuff misses the point - any moderately protected IFV will always be toast if faced with artillery, any decent ATGM, tank rounds.
As long as they are protected against heavy machine guns, it doesn't really matter.

The main benefit of the BMP type vehicle is rather what they bring to the table as a support for other tanks:
- amphibious in order to secure water crossings ahead of tanks at points where defences are less dense
- using their 30mm cannon do suppress infantry nests that could have ATGMs
- carrying infantry squads which would be offloaded to provide flank security or recce
- Anti tank support through ATGMs

The M113, for example, provides just two out of those four functions (amphibious - even that's iffy if I recall right - and infantry).
 

WolfPack86

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Lost opportunity. BMP Urban Survival Kit (BUSK) for protection of Sarath IFV is developed by Vehicles Research and Development Establishment . The light weight solution which can be fitted on quickly can give extensive protection during urban operations. Was unveiled in 2012!
 

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