India's BMP-2 Evolves: Advanced Tech in the BMP-2M Upgrade

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is making a significant investment in its armored forces by contracting with Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd (AVNL) for the upgrade of 693 BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs).

This upgrade, bringing the vehicles up to the modern BMP-2M standard, promises an array of technological advancements that will significantly bolster the vehicles' combat capabilities.

Key Features of the BMP-2M​

• Advanced Armament and Fire Control: The BMP-2M's core improvement is a sophisticated armament suite paired with an integrated Fire Control System (FCS). This FCS provides precise target acquisition and engagement capabilities against a variety of threats.
• Enhanced Situational Awareness: Third-generation thermal imaging sights for both the gunner and commander will drastically improve target identification and tracking, especially in low-visibility conditions. Multi-functional displays will boost crew awareness for rapid decision-making.
• Operational Control: The commander will possess an override feature to assume control of critical functions in complex battlefield situations, maintaining a strong chain of command.
• Precision Engagement: Automatic target tracking technology ensures the BMP-2M can effectively engage moving targets on the battlefield.
• Loiter Munition System: Incorporating a loiter munition system (LMS) grants the BMP-2M a new dimension of versatility. Loiter munitions, sometimes called "kamikaze drones," can linger over an area or attack from unexpected angles, giving unprecedented tactical flexibility.

The BMP-2M's Advantages and India's Goals​

• Adaptability and Versatility: The BMP-2M represents a quantum leap for operational independence across many combat scenarios, including challenging urban settings.
• Safety and Precision: Enhanced targeting systems and precision capabilities should help reduce battlefield collateral damage, keeping civilians and friendly troops safer.
• Intelligence and Firepower Combined: Improvements to the BMP-2M's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems provide a powerful mix of awareness and accurate firepower.
• Multi-Role Platform: The upgrades transform the BMP-2M into a true multi-mission workhorse for India's armored forces.

Strategic Significance​

The Indian MoD's modernization project reflects the nation's continued focus on maintaining a cutting-edge military in response to evolving security challenges.

The BMP-2M, with its blend of firepower, technology, and versatility, underscores India's determination to equip its armed forces with the best tools available for national defense.

 

[Hari Sud]

Superior upgrade is better than brand new buy. Moreover the era of fighting vehicles and tanks is being lowered by drones and flying ammunition.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Superior upgrade is better than brand new buy. Moreover the era of fighting vehicles and tanks is being lowered by drones and flying ammunition.

Correct, i believe when EW warfare and short range mobile air defence better in coming decade, fightimg vehicles and tanks will become relevant again.

It is a game of sword and shield. Right now shield(defending assaults) is stronger and sword(assault) needs to catch up. In WW1 shield was stronger, thats why trench warfare became norm, while in WW2 sword became stronger that is why large scale tank assaults were so succesful. In ukraine, large scale assaults get wrecked by drones and Loitering Munition. Thus trench warfare and static defences has returned there.

 

[Hita Techi]

Superior upgrade is better than brand new buy. Moreover the era of fighting vehicles and tanks is being lowered by drones and flying ammunition.

Despite the prevalence of FPV drones and loitering munitions, armor will always have a role. You need to assault any position, both Ukraine and Russia are either asking or producing more IFVs and Tanks despite the losses because armor is needed.

 

[Sandeep]

India has been upgrading most of the BMP 2 with the BMP 2M for a while now and have only started manufacturing that variant directly in the last 10 years now. They need to upgrade more of the older BMP 2 vehicles that were manufactured in the last 20 years but they need to upgrade it with more modern technology like being able to use drones, have a thicker armour, more powerful engine, installing EW, use more indigenous ATGM etc.

While they do that India needs to start manufacturing its own indigenous IFV that have been under development for about 10 years as there are many private companies that have developed their own version like Tata, Mahindra etc.

 

[PRASANTh]

This article Reminds me of power point presentation I have to my manager to fool him. Lots of fancy words.

Online
Capability
Evolving challenges
Accuracy and reliability
Blah blah...
More blah blah....

 

[Alok Gupta]

I wish they would also upgrade the caliber size of the cannon so that it could fire more deadly projectiles. The 30mm cannon is not damaging enough for the weapon systems of the enemy.

 

[Anton Sokolov]

Armenian Defense Attache could have been briefed about the program as they too operate the same platform and they could take this opportunity to upgrade their BMPs as well . As bulk order will reduce the per unit cost. Also this will make us reliable patner . India should understand it is now Defense supplier. Remember when we wanted to buy light tank amid Galwan conflict - Russia demonstrated Spurut tank to IA attache .