Ukrainian ambush exposes the vulnerability of Russian BMPs in Kursk
In the Kursk region, Russian forces are conducting a counteroffensive aimed at driving Ukrainian troops out of recently captured areas. Here, we present details of the Ukrainian destruction of a Russian convoy near the village of Lubimovka.
The Russians have managed to advance between Ukrainian positions near the village of Zelenyj Shlyak. However, the Ukrainians, who still maintain control of the flanks, are inflicting significant losses on Russian units attempting to reinforce their frontline.
One notable encounter was a successful ambush on a Russian convoy near the village of Lubimovka, resulting in the destruction of several Russian vehicles. Interestingly, footage showing the wrecks of the Russian BMP-2 and BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles, as well as a BTR-82A transporter, was initially intended for Russian propaganda. It was falsely claimed to depict the destruction of a Ukrainian M2A2 Bradley, but the material was quickly removed. It is uncertain what weaponry was used in the ambush, though it is most likely a swarm of FPV drones, possibly assisted by a hidden M2A2 Bradley or another BMP.
BMP-2/3 - poorly armoured relics from the USSR era
The Russians largely rely on the BMP-2/3 family and even older BMP-1s, which have been extensively refurbished recently. The BMP-2 is a design from the 1980s, updated from the BMP-1 by replacing a 73 mm gun with a 2A42 30 mm automatic cannon.
This was a significant improvement for targeting enemies such as infantry hidden in debris or other BMPs. Meanwhile, the 9K113 Konkurs anti-tank guided missile system remains for engaging tanks.
The armour has essentially remained unchanged and is still very weak due to the BMP-2's weight of approximately 15,000 kilograms. The front plate is theoretically supposed to withstand hits from 23 mm anti-armour shells. However, according to Ukrainian forces, 20 mm anti-armour shells fired from a Marder 1A3 can easily penetrate it.
Meanwhile, the vehicle's rear and sides are vulnerable to even an FN FAL rifle loaded with tungsten core armour-piercing ammunition. This does not provide much protection for the three-person crew and seven-person landing party, and the fire control systems, apart from a few modernised BMP-2M units, lack a thermal imaging camera.
New vehicles without improvements
On the other hand, the BMP-3 is a completely new design from the late 1980s and early 1990s, based on the chassis of the light amphibious tank Object 685. Despite increasing its weight to 19,000 kilograms, the BMP-3 has a similar level of protection to the BMP-2 despite using aluminium armour instead of steel.
This implies that even 7.62x51 mm machine guns loaded with armour-piercing ammunition pose a significant threat to the vehicle's crew, except for vehicles equipped with a dedicated reactive armour package, which provides enhanced protection against, for instance, PG-7VL grenades, but such protection increases the weight by over 4,000 kilograms and prevents the vehicle from swimming.
A distinctive feature of these models is their powerful firepower, including a low-pressure 100 mm cannon capable of firing fragmentation or 9K116 Bastion anti-tank guided missiles. The vehicle also carries a 30 mm cannon and a PKT 7.62x54 mm R machine gun.
This combination of weapons often makes the BMP-3 a priority target for Ukrainian forces. It's worth noting that in 2023, Russians began producing the improved BMP-3 Manul version. Despite their power, these vehicles remain highly susceptible to destruction.
