Russian SMD receives new BMP-3 IFVs
The Russian Southern Military District (SMD) 58th Combined-Arms Army motorised rifle formation has received the first batch of new BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles (IFV), the Russian Ministry of Defence announced on 9 April.
The first combat testing of the vehicle is set to take place at the Dalny combined-arms training ground.
Designed as a successor to the BMP-2, the BMP-3 is equipped with new chassis, engine, weapon system, hydro-mechanical transmission, and improved protection. The vehicle also has water-jet propellers to enable it to cross water obstacles at speeds of up to 10km/h.
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