Kurganmashzavod (part of the High-Precision Systems holding of Rostec State Corporation) is the only company in Russia that produces infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) used by armies in dozens of countries around the world. The company's executive director Pyotr Tiukov told TASS in an interview about how the military operation in Ukraine affects further modernization of the BMPs coming off the plant's assembly line, about the tank fire control systems developed by the plant that are superior to foreign analogues, and also about the interest of foreign customers in the Manul BMP platform and the weapons that can be installed on it.
- Mr. Petrovich, to what extent in the last year has the demand for your BMPs increased worldwide and in Russia? Can we say that the special military operation in Ukraine has created a great demand for them?
- With the start of the special military operation in Ukraine, a significant increase in the state defense order became noticeable. The Russian Ministry of Defense is interested in supplies of Kurgan military equipment, as well as spare parts for it.
Foreign deliveries continue: customers from the Middle Eastern states are buying spare parts for BMP-3, and CIS countries and India are buying spare parts for BMP-2. All the negotiations on military-technical cooperation are conducted by Rosoboronexport which appreciates active interest of foreign countries to Kurganmashzavod products.
- Have you received any proposals from the military on possible modernization of BMPs which are used during the special operation in Ukraine? Perhaps some old developed projects of BMPs became actual and the military is ready to buy them? If so, tell us more about them.
- All the military proposals on the resumption of the production of the earlier generation BMPs or their overhaul with the elements of modernization are being carefully studied. But we have to understand that the price of such vehicles will be much higher than that of the new serial production vehicles, such as BMP-3 and BMD-4M. Both Kurganmashzavod, Rostec State Corporation, and the Russian Ministry of Defense are striving for a reasonable mutual understanding in their approach to shaping the army's needs for military equipment.
Based on the results of the use of the BMP-3 in the special operation in Ukraine, it was decided to reinforce the vehicles with an additional protection system (grids and armor shields). By the way, issues of military equipment modernization taking into account combat use are already being worked out by our design bureau to include changes in the new generation products.
- What feedback do you receive from the military on the combat use of your products during special operations? How do the products manufactured at your plant perform? Which of them proved to be highly effective?
- Kurganmashzavod's armored vehicles have long ago proven themselves in various conditions of use, including during military operations. The military have no complaints about the BMP-3. The reviews are very good. They confirm that our "three" is the most modern machine in its class.
The second and third generation infantry fighting vehicles, upgraded airborne combat vehicles and airborne armored personnel carriers help in special operations in Ukraine to destroy defensive structures, suppress enemy fire points and, most importantly, save the lives of our guys, the military.
And for us, the factory workers, the participation of our equipment in the special operation is also a test of the reliability of the equipment, the correctness of the implemented ideas, an additional opportunity to make certain improvements in the design of vehicles.
- Have the state tests of the modernized 125-mm self-propelled anti-tank gun 2S25 been completed? How did the results of the tests show the water-carrying qualities of the light tank and the results of the fire test on water? When is the launch of serial production of the vehicle for the Russian Armed Forces planned?
- The state tests of the 2S25 upgraded 125 mm self-propelled anti-tank gun have been completed as planned, in the first half of the year 2022. At the moment design documentation is being corrected to be considered by the inter-departmental commission and assigned the O1 designation. After that a decision will be made whether the model can be adopted by the Russian Army.
During the state tests the vehicle showed high water-carrying qualities during inspections in the Black Sea water area, demonstrated the possibility of transportation by large landing ships, and the capabilities of the weapons system afloat.
SPTP 2S25M, based on its name, is designed to fight enemy tanks and has powerful weapons for this - a 125-mm cannon, which is an analogue of tank guns. During numerous shooting tests, the characteristics of the machine in terms of hit accuracy in various operating modes were confirmed.
Tests proved that the SPTP 2S25M is not inferior to the firepower of T-90 tanks, and in terms of mobility on land and water it is at the level of the BMD-4M. The armament complex provides for the use of modern armor-piercing sub-caliber, cumulative, high-explosive fragmentation shells, as well as ammunition with remote detonation. The range of hitting targets with direct fire is up to 5 km.
Now the company has started preparations for serial production of this machine, the technological processes are being worked out, the necessary equipment is being selected and manufactured, and negotiations with the OEMs are underway.
- Are there any plans to create a wheeled tank with a 125 mm self-propelled anti-tank gun compartment? If so, have the works on the creation of such a vehicle started?
- We have not received the Terms of Reference from the Ministry of Defense for the creation of such a vehicle, so it is impossible to estimate the demand for the vehicle so far. Moreover, it is too early to talk about the export contracts for the wheeled tank, first we have to start deliveries of the tracked SPTP.
It is assumed that the wheeled vehicle with the combat compartment from the 2S25M SPTP will be export-oriented. In the Russian Armed Forces such vehicles are less likely to be used, since traditionally priority is given to tracked chassis, based on the peculiarities of our geography.
The range of tasks that can be solved by such a wheeled vehicle is very limited. The advantages can be in range and speed on highways, hard ground, flat terrain, and dry dirt roads. Therefore, in some armies of the world such vehicles are used for reconnaissance, local low-intensity conflicts, peacekeeping and counter-terrorist operations. But in off-road conditions, in the autumn-spring muddy roads, in mountains and wooded areas the wheeled vehicles are seriously inferior to tracked vehicles in cross-country ability. The wheeled tank is not in any way capable of replacing the main battlefield tank as the main attacking power of ground troops, as it does not provide the same level of protection and cross-country capability.
The most likely markets for wheeled vehicles would be in the Middle East and Africa.
- Has India shown any interest in the upgraded 2S25 125 mm self-propelled anti-tank gun? And customers from other states? Do you have any concrete orders (contracts)?
- We are currently developing the upgraded 2S25 125 mm self-propelled anti-tank gun for the Russian Airborne Troops, but the foreign customers will definitely be interested in it, too. We mainly focus on the markets of India, South-East Asia and the Middle East. The Rosoboronexport is in charge of the needs for the vehicles and the evaluation of the possibilities of military and technical cooperation in this field.
Since the machine has only passed state tests, the final package of normative design documentation is being formed now, after which it will be possible to talk about concluding specific contracts.
The tests proved that the 2S25M SPSV is not inferior to the firepower of the T-90 type tanks and is on a par with the BMD-4M in terms of mobility on land and water. The armament package provides for the use of modern armor-piercing sub-caliber, shaped charge and high-explosive projectiles as well as remotely detonated ammunition.
- The upgraded version of the 2S25M SPTP has a unique fire control system (FCS). Can you tell us about its advantages and how it is superior to Western competitors?
- Indeed, our "self-propelled" vehicle is equipped with the latest digital fire control system. The whole armament complex has a number of advantages. This is a tank gun of 125-mm caliber, capable of using all modern types of ammunition. It is also a two-plane stabilised, remotely mounted machine gun which enables the commander inside the vehicle to deliver effective fire from the ground and on the move independently of the main armament.
The main components of the fire control system are the Sosna-U combined gunner's sight and commander's panoramic sight (PCP) in the form of a functionally complete multi-channel sighting system ensuring the gunner and commander high efficiency of the weapon due to a wide observation range at all times (daytime, limited visibility and night) and high precision of stabilizing the line of sight in two planes. The Sights are capable of firing all types of ammunition, including guided missiles. Both sights are equipped with automatic target acquisition and tracking devices. In case the main sights are damaged, there is a duplicate sight; it is an optronic sight with a vertically stabilized field of view and autonomous power supply.
Judging by the range of capabilities and tasks that the 2S25M SPSS has to deal with, it is possible, without false modesty, to claim that Russia has already created several modifications of its tank SPSS that not only match the world class level, but even surpass it.
- In February 2022 it was reported that preliminary testing of the new BT-ZF armored personnel carrier was nearing completion. Have they been completed and what was the result? What timeframe is set for the start of mass production of the BT-ZF? Has a contract for the delivery of the BT-3-ZF been signed with the Ministry of Defense?
- The preliminary tests of the BT-3F have been conducted in full. The normative and technical documentation is being prepared now in order to assign the "O" prefix to the vehicle. However, it should be understood that foreign deliveries will also be affected by the international situation.
Deliveries of the BT-3F to the Russian Ministry of Defense are possible only after the state tests, which the military department plans to conduct. The volumes of possible deliveries are currently being discussed.
- Has the Arctic version of the BT-ZF started arriving in the troops? If not, when might it happen?
- The Arctic version of the BT-3F is only a variant of the main vehicle that has only passed preliminary tests. That is why its delivery is possible not earlier than the end of all the planned stages of development, including the field operation of the base model.
- Has the company started to equip BMP-3 with the complex of active protection in the process of modernization? Have such vehicles been supplied to the troops?
- Nowadays the vehicles with the additional protection sets are being supplied to the armament of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. The effectiveness of such a solution was confirmed during the special military operation in Ukraine. The issue of equipping the BMP-3 with the active protection system is being studied.
- The BMP-ZF and BT-ZF Marine Support Vehicles were on display at the IDEX 2021 international arms exhibition. Have orders for these products appeared? If so, have deliveries begun?
- There is interest on the part of foreign customers to supply the BMP-ZF and BT-ZF Marine support vehicles, especially among the countries of South-East Asia. But the situation with the coronavirus pandemic has practically eliminated the possibility of direct dialogue on military-technical cooperation. And, moreover, it has caused considerable economic damage to potential customers. That is why we have to renew and intensify our work in the area of military-technical cooperation.
Also the Russian Ministry of Defense has a great interest in BMP-3F and BT-3F. A number of BMP-3s (from the troops) were upgraded to the level of the navy variant, and then the vehicles were tested in the units of the Russian Navy. The vehicles showed their best side, and today units of the Baltic and Pacific fleets are already operating these vehicles.
As for the BT-3F, I have already said above, the vehicle will soon, after the completion of all documentary work, be able to enter export markets.
- It was informed at the forum Army-2021 that the newest Manul infantry fighting vehicle will be the platform for the deployment of new weapon systems. Could you tell us which complexes they are talking about and when they will be available?
- The Manul BMP platform is currently undergoing development work, taking into account the requirements of the Ministry of Defense based on the results of the operation of the armored vehicles in Ukraine. Only after all the necessary tests have been passed will it be put into mass production. This will take at least three years. But already today we can say about the versatility of the platform, on which it will be possible to install the entire range of military equipment - multiple rocket launchers, barrel- and barrelless artillery systems, SAMs, create special vehicles, radiochemical protection and medical purposes.
- Is there any interest on the part of the Defense Ministry and foreign customers in this machine?
- There is interest on the part of foreign customers. We see significant export potential in the Manul BMP, as its tracked platform concept reflects modern trends in the development of armoured vehicles. This is the front arrangement of the logistics equipment, the equipment of the rear ramp for quick troop hastening and, of course, the modularity of the design.
- At what stage is the implementation of the project for the introduction of flow production principles at Kurganmashzavod production facilities?
- Our company was initially created for mass production of infantry fighting vehicles. For instance, BMP-2 was produced up to 2.000 vehicles per year, that is why flow production has always been used at Kurganmashzavod. And today, our vehicles are manufactured using this form of work organisation.
- What equipment will the enterprise present at the forum "Army-2022" for the first time? Tell us about some of the novelties.
- All the machines that we will demonstrate at the forum can be called novelties in their own way. Thus, the participants and the guests of the forum will see the upgraded 125-mm self-propelled anti-tank gun 2S25 in a new configuration. The SPTP will be equipped with the additional set of additional protection, increasing resistance to damage by ammunition. At the same time, the vehicle will maintain the same level of buoyancy and stability in the water.
Another feature of the SPTP 2S25M is an optronic suppression system. It provides protection from approaching missiles or laser irradiation. To reduce the driver's fatigue, the vehicle is equipped with video cameras that provide an all-round video view when the vehicle is moving, including reversing.
This improved export version of the 2S25M 125mm self-propelled anti-tank gun, we hope, will become the center of attraction for foreign guests at the "High-precision systems" stand of the Rostec State Corporation, where the lion's share of the exhibition space is occupied by the full-scale models of the Kurganmashzavod.
Also with a set of additional protection will be presented an armored personnel carrier BT-3F. This version is offered by us against the background of the demand for a special military operation. To see such a variant of adaptation of BT-3F for different combat missions, I think, will be of interest to everyone.
A joint project between Kurganmashzavod and VNII Signal (both companies are part of Rostec State Corporation's High-Precision Systems Holding Company) is a robotized BMP-3 with Sinitsa combat module.
This robotic vehicle with the firepower of BMP-3 is equipped with a state-of-the-art sighting system. Combat module "Sinitsa" provides 360 degree view at any time of day and night with the possibility of sighting shooting, it is equipped with a mechanism for loading anti-tank guided missiles, automated digital fire control system.
Signal specialists installed a set of equipment in the vehicle body and inside the combat compartment, which made it possible to robotize the functions of the driver and gunner. It is possible to see this machine in action at the demo, where BMP-3 "Sinitsa" will be controlled remotely.
Another novelty of Kurganmashzavod, which we are proud of as it is a dual-purpose product, is the TM-140A Aurora transport vehicle. It demonstrates the first stage of technical improvements of the tracked all-terrain vehicle, currently being developed by the SKBM JSC designers and implemented by Kurganmashzavod PJSC. It has touched the exterior and interior of the cabin. New design, improved ergonomics create conditions for comfortable work of the driver and passengers.
Due to the use of composite materials the thermal and noise insulation has been improved, autonomous air and liquid heaters and air conditioning have been installed.
The second stage of renewal of TM-140A "Aurora", work on which in JSC "SKBM" is almost completed, touched the modernization of the running gear of the vehicle. The third stage will include a new domestic engine YAMZ-536, automatic gearbox and hydrostatic steering mechanism, which will increase the average speed of the snowmobile and reduce fuel consumption. All this will increase the machine's service life and its main technical, economic and ecological characteristics.
On the 18th of August it turns 35 years after the Ministry of Defense of the USSR adopted for service the BMP-3. The technical solutions applied to this vehicle were so revolutionary that up to now this vehicle has not lost its modernization potential and remains the best in its class. Today the BMP-3 is supplied to the Russian Army under the state defense order. And we are proud that it is our plant that builds this reliable combat vehicle.
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