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In a move to bolster its ground combat capabilities, the Indian Army has unveiled an upgraded version of its BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), featuring a significant firepower enhancement: the integration of a 3rd Generation Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) system. This upgrade, designed in-house, showcases the Indian Army’s growing capacity for indigenous innovation.
While a twin-launcher ATGM configuration has also been developed and will be deployed in the interim, the upgraded BMP-2s now sport a single-launcher 3rd Gen ATGM, dramatically improving their anti-tank capabilities. This modification ensures these IFVs remain a potent force on the battlefield.
The comprehensive upgrade program also includes a contract with Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) signed in March 2024. AVNL, a Chennai-based state-owned company, has been tasked with upgrading 693 BMP-2/2K vehicles, incorporating night fighting capabilities and a sophisticated Fire Control System (FCS) developed in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
Other key upgrades include integration of advanced sighting systems and Fire Control Systems (FCS) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). These systems provide the BMP-2 with night fighting capabilities, allowing it to operate effectively in low-light conditions. The new FCS also improves targeting accuracy and engagement speed, making the BMP-2 a more efficient fighting machine.
Additionally, the BMP-2s are being equipped with see-through armor, providing the crew with better situational awareness and protection. The upgrades also include systems to detect and counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a growing threat in modern warfare.
The Ordnance Factory Medak has been entrusted with the task of upgrading a total of 693 BMP-2 vehicles. This comprehensive modernization program not only boosts the BMP-2's combat capabilities but also ensures these vehicles remain a formidable asset in the Indian Army's arsenal for years to come.