BMP-3

Russia's heavily armed, amphibious tracked infantry fighting vehicle — fielding a 100 mm gun-launcher with a coaxial 30 mm autocannon, and a symbol both of firepower ambition and the vulnerability of modern IFVs to drone-based attrition.

Overview

The BMP-3 is a tracked, amphibious infantry fighting vehicle that entered Soviet and then Russian service in 1987. Designed by Kurganmashzavod as Obyekt 688M, it mounts one of the heaviest armament suites of any IFV in the world: a low-pressure 100 mm gun capable of firing HE shells and tube-launched laser-beam-riding anti-tank guided missiles, paired with a 30 mm autocannon. The vehicle carries a three-man crew and seven dismounted infantry and retains full amphibious capability via rear water-jets. While intended as a front-line infantry carrier, the BMP-3 has been used extensively in the Russian war in Ukraine in a direct-fire support role, where its light aluminum protection and exposed ammunition stowage have led to very high attrition rates.

🔒 The full BMP-3 file is for BattlePolicy Pro members. Below the line: development history, design and capabilities, variants, the combat record, advantages and limitations, comparable systems, outlook, the full specifications table, our sourcing, and the analyst assessment — procurement, suppliers and the BattlePolicy verdict. Unlock the full file with BattlePolicy Pro →