What is Special About the BMP-3F Indonesia Imported from Russia?

19 Oktober 2020

BMP3F of the Indonesian Marines (photo : Korps Marinir, Tempo)

In addition to exporting to the Indonesian partner, based on the results of the Kavkaz-2020 exercise, the Russian Ministry of Defense is considering equipping the BMP-3F armored vehicle for its Marines.

Precursor BMP-3

The BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle (Боевая машина пехотa - БМП-3) is a Soviet and Russian armored fighting vehicle designed to transport soldiers, increase mobility, armament and degree secure them on the battlefield in terms of using nuclear weapons and contract with tanks in combat.

The BMP-3 was developed by the Kurgan Special Machine Manufacturing and Design Bureau and manufactured at Kurganmashzavod Joint Stock Company. Development of the BMP-3 ("Object 688M") began in 1977; The tests were carried out in 1983-1986.

With 111 expert inventions from the Kurgan Special Machine Manufacturing and Design Bureau applied to the BMP-3 design, in 1987, this new armored vehicle model entered service for the Soviet Army.

In state tests in the Cape Opuk area, two BMP-3 prototypes swam at a distance of 1,500 meters and fired with a 30mm automatic cannon on coastal targets, the T-55.

As a result, the T-55's sights and sightings were disabled, the 100mm cannon was punctured in four places, and cracks appeared in the front part. The BMP-3 was first introduced to the public at the parade on May 9, 1990.

BMP-3 of the Russian Army (photo : tankograd)

The BMP-3 has a length when the 100mm cannon is 7.2m forward, 3.3m wide, 2.45m high, 18.5 tons combat weight, equipped with UTD-29T diesel engine. using a variety of fuels; 3-member crew, carrying 7 landing troops (and 2 extra seats). It has the strongest armor of all the domestic infantry fighting vehicles in service, and can withstand 30mm shells fired directly.

The BMP-3 won the bid and entered service with the UAE army with more than 600 units. These vehicles are equipped with a French-made thermal viewfinder - the same type of viewfinder used on the UAE military's main battle tank - "Leclerc-Tropic". Armored vehicles were also purchased by several other countries.

Surpassing British and American vehicles, the BMP-3 showed the highest firing efficiency after running 2,000km. In 1997, China obtained a license to manufacture the BMP-3's fighter compartment for its Type 97 infantry fighting vehicle. In 2019, Russia tested the BMP-3 with the "Epoch" unmanned combat module, and signed a contract to deliver more than 150 new BMP-3s.

What is special about the BMP-3F Indonesia purchased from Russia?

Marines have traditionally been equipped with armored vehicles that are somewhat different from those used in ground and airborne forces. The BMP-3F is a marine infantry fighting vehicle designed for the combat operations of Marines, rapid response units, coastal and coastal troops, on the coast and for landing.

The BMP-3F was developed in the 1990s-2000, built in Kurganmashzavod and is essentially an upgraded version of the BMP-3. Compared with the BMP-3, the design of the BMP-3F has been modified to increase buoyancy and stability - using a telescopic air intake, and a lightweight spoiler has been installed in front of the vehicle and on the tower. .

The BMP-3F can move in water in wave conditions of level 3 (wave height up to 0.5-0.75m), fire attacks in wave condition level 2 (wave height up to 0.5m); top speed on asphalt 70km/h, speed on dirt road 45km/h, swimming speed 10-20km/h, capable of towing a BMP-3F with it; can stay in the country continuously for up to 7 hours; reserve journey 600km.

The BMP-3F is equipped with a 100mm 2A40 main cannon, which can launch anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) - capable of damage armored vehicles and covered targets; automatic cannon 30mm 2A42; three 7.62mm machine guns (two calipers and one coax with cannon). This vehicle is capable of moving and firing with the precision needed when swimming in level 2 wave conditions.

On the BMP-3F, instead of the gunner's 1K13 and 1D16 laser rangefinder, a new SOZH main viewfinder ("СОЖ" or СОЖ-М) is equipped with a built-in laser rangefinder and name control channel. controlled anti-tank fire. Using the new main viewfinder allows the target to be detected and aiming at long distances.

In 2014, at the Combat Training Center in Asembagus, the Indonesian Marine Corps received 37 new BMP-3F infantry fighting vehicles, under a $ 114 million contract, made by Russia.

In the service of the Indonesian Marines, the BMP-3F will replace the outdated amphibious tanks PT-76 produced by the Soviet Union. The first 17 armored vehicles of this type were delivered to Jakarta under a 2009 contract.

The Indonesian Marines are currently equipped with 54 BMP-3Fs (37 transferred 2014), 22 BMP-2, 24 AMX-10P, 55 PT-76 light amphibious tanks, 10 tanks light AMX-10 PAC 90, 12 armored armored vehicles BTR-80A, 100 armored vehicles BTR-50P, 10 amphibious armored vehicles LVTP-7A1, 21 BRDM-2.

The military plans to put into service 95 BMP-3Fs, of which 10 are the command vehicle version and four versions are recovery vehicle.

Jakarta values ​​the new technology and intends to equip the amphibious ships with their own local shipyards.

According to the Indonesian Armed Forces, the Marines are preparing to transfer 22 new BMP-3F infantry fighting vehicles under the contract signed in 2019 to the new landing craft (LST) KRI Teluk Kendari 518 and KRI Teluk Kupang 519 under the Teluk Bintuni class. Each ship can accommodate 361 landing troops, 10 Leopard 2A4 tanks or 15 BMP-3Fs.

In preparation for the transfer of the BMP-3F to landing ships, these armored vehicles underwent additional tests, demonstrating the tightness of the body when traveling in high-flow water; Maneuver off the ship and move to the coastline.

At the Kavkaz-2020 exercise, in the Caspian Sea, Russia tested a new BMP-3F designed specifically for the Marine Corps with higher buoyancy. These infantry fighting vehicles are not only capable of fighting on land, but can also support fire while swimming on the water, which will significantly increase the raid power of the Marines.

Initially, the BMP-3F was created to equip the Russian Marines, in service with the Indonesian BT-3F armored vehicle, but never joined the Russian Armed Forces. From the test results at the Kavkaz-2020 exercise, the Russian Ministry of Defense is considering equipping the BMP-3F armored vehicle for its Marines.

According to military experts, the BMP-3F, is essentially an amphibious tank equipped with heavy weapons and the ability to carry troops. Thanks to its excellent mobility, protection and firepower, combined with its exceptional reliability, the BMP-3F has become one of the best examples of amphibious combat vehicles. The Indonesian Marines highly appreciate the BMP-3F, saying that this vehicle is almost ideal for their conditions of use.

(Soha)