KMDB to develop BMP-U
Ukroboronprom’s Kharkiv Morozov Machine-Building Design Bureau (KMDB) is working on a new BMP-U infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) that will enter into service with the Ukrainian Army in 2020, the company announced on 25 May.
The new IFV will replace the existing BMP-1 and BMP-2 IFVs. KMDB has already developed design documentation; prototype manufacture and testing of vehicle will take place in 2019.
The BMP-U IFV will be used to provide transportation and fire support to ground forces. The vehicle will be capable of carrying three crew members and seven paratroopers. The level of protection of the BMP-U will be 10-12% higher than the BTR-4, with the vehicle’s engine transmission compartment to be located in the front to ensure a greater level of crew protection.
The vehicle will be equipped with a 735hp diesel engine and automatic transmission for high manoeuvrability and speed on the battlefield. The vehicle will weigh between 25t and 27t and have a power-to-weight ratio of 27-29 hp/t. It will be armed with the BM-8 combat module with improved characteristics, a 30mm automatic gun, automatic grenade launcher, machine gun, as well as the Barrier guided anti-tank missile.
Featuring a modular design, BMP-U will be used as the base for a whole family of tracked vehicles including command vehicle, command and staff vehicle, reconnaissance, medical, repair and evacuation variants.
KMDB is also developing a next-generation tank. Work has included a preliminary development of the engine transmission compartment and the calculation of the main engine parameters, as well as works on manufacturing transmission prototypes.
The new tank’s 1500hp engine will be capable of working on different types of fuels. It will have compact dimensions and a modular design.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![US gives Patriot $50 billion boost, as Dutch to deliver first equipment under new scheme]()
US gives Patriot $50 billion boost, as Dutch to deliver first equipment under new scheme
The Patriot Air Defence System has been a core part of equipment used in the Ukraine-Russia war, and will form part of the first Dutch military aid package backed by the new NATO-US Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative.
-
![Europe’s air defence boosted by more IRIS-T SLM system orders]()
Europe’s air defence boosted by more IRIS-T SLM system orders
The IRIS-T (InfraRed Imaging System - Tail/thrust vector-controlled) SLM (Surface Launched Medium-Range) is a surface-to-air missile system has been developed by Diehl Defence. The system is a key part of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) and have been purchased by Sweden for this role.
-
![Leonardo acquires Iveco Defence in $1.9 billion deal]()
Leonardo acquires Iveco Defence in $1.9 billion deal
The acquisition will help consolidate Leonardo’s position in the European land defence sector, aiding it in efforts to boost its domain “interoperability vision”, according to Leonardo’s CEO.
