Russia receives new batch of BMP‑3 vehicles despite sanctions strain

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have been reinforced with another equipment delivery. The Bulgarian Military portal reported that soldiers received a new batch of BMP-3 combat vehicles this time. Footage of the transport indicates that Rostec Corporation delivered at least 20 units of these vehicles.

Recently, the Russian defence industry has been facing increasing problems related to the availability of parts for production, modernization, and servicing of military equipment. According to findings from the Ukrainian partisan movement Atesh, the Russian Federation is increasingly feeling the effects of Western sanctions, resulting in a lack of many production components in enterprises owned by Rostec Corporation.

The more challenging situation in Russia's military sector does not necessarily mean new or refurbished machines no longer reach the front. On Monday, 17 June, Rostec Corporation announced a new delivery of Su-34 multifunctional bomber fighters for the Russian army. However, this was not significant support in numbers, as only two machines could reach the soldiers.

Now, more equipment is reaching the ranks of the Russian army. Rostec reports the delivery of a new batch of BMP-3 armoured combat vehicles. The corporation again does not specify the number of cars produced for the soldiers, but at least 20 units can be seen in the footage.

The BMP-3 vehicle, handed over to soldiers by Rostec Corporation, is the third generation of Russian infantry fighting vehicles from the BMP family. Work on its development began shortly after the introduction of the BMP-2, from which the BMP-3 draws heavily in chassis construction.

Compared to its predecessor, this combat vehicle has gained an improved UTD-29M engine, which generates a power level of 500 hp. As a result, the machine can accelerate to a speed of 70 km/h (43 mph), while in water (the BMP-3 has amphibious capabilities) it can move at a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph). The range of a fully fueled vehicle reaches 600 km (373 miles).

The BMP-3, whose mass production began in 1986, features armament based on a 100 mm 2A70 cannon coupled with a second 30 mm 2A72 cannon. The manufacturer also included a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun in this set. The vehicle's armour mainly protects against small arms fire and ensures the crew's safety from artillery shell fragments.

The official specifications of the BMP-3 claim it can protect the front part of the machine against armour-piercing projectiles of up to 30 mm calibre. Still, its weight of about 20 tons suggests that Russian armour might not be as robust.