Russia Equips Its BMP-3 Infantry Fighting Vehicles with Mini-Drones
Russian engineers are planning to modernize BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles by equipping them with mini-drones, thereby enhancing their tactical capabilities and crew safety on the battlefield. This initiative was announced on August 22 by the press service of the High-Precision Systems holding. The project is currently led by specialists at Kurganmashzavod, who are developing a business plan for integrating these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into the BMP-3 platform. Once testing is complete, the drones will be integrated into the vehicle’s design.
The mini-drones are specifically designed for reconnaissance and surveillance missions. They will provide real-time data to the BMP-3 crew, offering crucial information about battlefield conditions. Equipped with cameras and sensors, these drones will collect and transmit information, thereby improving the tactical capabilities of the combat vehicles and enhancing crew safety.
This innovation is part of Russia’s broader efforts to improve the performance of its military vehicles. Previous reports have highlighted how soldiers involved in the conflict in Ukraine have reinforced the armor of combat vehicles using ammunition casings.
The BMP-3 is an infantry fighting vehicle designed in Russia and used by many countries worldwide, including Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Morocco, Nicaragua, Russia, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Turkmenistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela. This vehicle weighs 18,700 kg and stands out for its combination of firepower and mobility.
The BMP-3 is armed with a 100 mm main gun, a 30 mm cannon, and three 7.62 mm machine guns, providing significant versatility on the battlefield. Its structure is made of welded aluminum alloy, which offers effective protection against small-caliber weapons and shell fragments.
This vehicle is designed to travel at a maximum speed of 70 km/h on roads and 10 km/h on water, allowing it to traverse different types of terrain and operations. It has a range of 600 km, making it capable of covering long distances without the need for frequent refueling.
In terms of equipment, the BMP-3 is equipped with a sophisticated fire control system, night vision, and an NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection system, making it well-suited for modern combat. It can carry a crew of three people along with seven additional infantrymen. Its dimensions measure 7.14 meters in length, 3.23 meters in width, and 2.65 meters in height, making it a formidable vehicle while still meeting the demands of infantry combat.
Thus, the BMP-3 is a robust and well-armed vehicle, considered the most modern infantry fighting vehicle in the Russian army. It will be interesting to see what additional capabilities these mini-drones can bring. This is certainly a development to watch closely.