BMD-2

BMD-2 has a slightly modernized BMD-1 hull and a new turret. It was developed as a replacement for the BMD-1 but it failed to replace it completely because of the downfall of the Soviet economy in the 1980s.

The BMD-2 is a Soviet airborne infantry fighting vehicle, introduced in 1985. It is a variant of BMD-1 with a new turret and some changes done to the hull. BMD stands for Boyevaya Mashina Desanta (Боевая Машина Десанта, which literally translates to "Airborne Combat Vehicle"). It was developed as a replacement of BMD-1 but it failed to replace it completely because of the downfall of Soviet economy in 1980s. NATO gave it the designation BMD M1981/1. In 1981 the units fighting in Afghanistan started receiving new BMP-2 IFVs. Its 30 mm 2A42 multi-purpose autocannon with two-belt loading system and very high elevation angle solved some of the serious drawbacks of the 73 mm 2A28 "Grom" gun. Also the 9S428 ATGM launcher was replaced by pintle-mounted 9P135M-1 ATGM launcher with semi-automatic control capable of firing SACLOS guided 9M113 "Konkurs" (AT-5 Spandrel), 9M113M "Konkurs-M" (AT-5B Spandrel B), 9M111 "Fagot" (AT-4 Spigot) and 9M111-2 "Fagot" (AT-4B Spigot B) ATGMs which proved to be much more effective and reliable than the MCLOS guided 9M14 "Malyutka" (AT-3 Sagger), 9M14M "Malyutka-M" (AT-3B Sagger B) and 9M14P "Malyutka-P" (AT-3C Sagger C) ATGMs.

Type Volgograd Tractor Plant

Role Airborne Infantry Fighting Vehicle

Country of Origin Soviet Union

Introduction 1985-present

Note N/A