BMP-2M
Berezhok
Overview
BMP-2M
BMP-2M with Berezhok turret on display in 2012.
Source: Mike1979 Russia -
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About 540 planned for Russia
Berezhok (weapon station)
Russia
Description
Introduction
The BMP-2M is a mechanized infantry combat vehicle of Russian origin. It is a modern upgrade package for the Cold War era BMP-2.
Design
The BMP-2M is an upgrade of existing BMP-2 mechanized infantry combat vehicles. The upgrade consists of fitting the Berezhok weapon system, which is a deep modernization of the BMP-2 turret. The main and coaxial armament are retained and complemented with the Kornet anti-tank missile system and an automatic grenade launcher. Furthermore, the commander is provided by a pedestal mounted panoramic sight. This improves situational awareness and target acquisition significantly.
Firepower
The 30mm 2A42 autocannon and 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun are retained. These are stabilized in both axis. Four ready to launch Kornet anti-tank missiles are fitted instead of the older Konkurs missile. The Kornet has a longer range than Konkurs and has a more powerful tandem HEAT warhead. A 30mm AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher is fitted at the rear of the turret.
Mobility
The tracked chassis provides the BMP-2M with a good cross country performance. The original UTD-20 diesel engine with 300 hp can be retained. In Russian service the 360 hp UTD-23 improved turbocharged engine is to be installed. The BMP-2M remains fully amphibious by raising the trim vane and is propelled in the water by its tracks.
Protection
The BMP-2M has the same armor protection as the earlier BMP-2. Some BMP-2M prototypes were outfitted with slat armor, but this doesn't seem part of the upgrades applied to service vehicles. A minor improvement is that on the BMP-2M the Kornet anti-tank missile can be fired from under armor protection. This was not possible with the Konkurs on the BMP-2.
Users
One of the main users is Algeria. In 2005 a contract to upgrade 300 vehicles was signed. These are now in active service with the Algerian military and can often be seen during exercises. Russia planned to upgrade its BMP-2s for a long time, but often postponed this effort. The first BMP-2M seem to have entered active service in Russia around 2020.
Subcomponents
BMP-2M
Close-up of Berezhok turret on BMP-2M.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin -
© GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Media
BMP-2M
BMP-2M during the 2020 parade in Moscow.
Source: www.kremlin.ru
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
BMP-2M
BMP-2M with Berezhok turret on display in 2012. Note the panoramic sight mounted at the rear of the turret.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
BMP-2M
BMP-2M with Berezhok turret on display in 2012.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Details
Related articles
BMP-2
The BMP-2M is an upgrade of existing BMP-2 using the Berezhok turret system.