BVP-M

BVP-M
A BVP-M of the Slovak Ground Forces
Type	Infantry fighting vehicle
Place of origin	Slovakia
Service history
In service	2018-present
Used by	Slovakia
Production history
Manufacturer	MSM Land Systems Division
Developed from	BPzV Svatava
Produced	2018-2019
No. built	17
Specifications
Mass	15.3 tons
Length	6.735 meters
Width	3.46 meters
Height	2.83 meters
Crew	3
Main armament	30 mm 2A42 autocannon
Engine	UTD-20 220 kW at 2,600 rpm
Ground clearance	0.35 meters
Maximum speed	65 km/h - on road 30 km/h - offroad

BVP-M is a Slovak modernization of the soviet BMP-1/BVP-1. The main elements of the modernization were the installation of a TURRA 30 COAPS unmanned turret developed by the Slovak company EVPÚ. The modernization of the vehicle significantly increased its combat effectiveness, but some flaws from the original design of the BMP-1 still remain, like the low mine-resistance.

Development

In 2013, the Slovak Ministry of Defence presented a modernization of the Slovak built, Soviet designed BVP-2/BMP-2s. The vehicle was given the designation BVP-M2SKCZ. Following military trials, many problems were discovered, and it was decided that such an in-depth modernization was not viable. On the basis of the unsuccessful military trials, the Slovak Armed Forces refused to commission the vehicle into service.

The Ministry of Defence consequently decided to change their approach to modernizing vehicles of soviet design and origin, and decided to modernize 35 vehicles to a smaller, but still significant extent. Overall, 18 were modernized into BPsVI, and 17 to the BVP-M. Multiple Slovak defence companies participated in the modernization, including Konštrukta – Defence, EVPÚ, and MSM Land Systems Division Trenčín.

Design

The modernization of the vehicle consists of a general repair of the chassis, including the engine and transmission, as well as the replacement of the old turret that held the 2A28 Grom cannon and the 9M14 Malyutka anti-tank guided missile. It was replaced by a stabilized unmanned TURRA 30 COAPS turret with a high-fire rate 30 mm 2A42 cannon assisted by a 7.62 mm PKMT machine gun, and two 9M113 Konkurs ATGMs. The turret however, can fire Spike ATGMs as well. The turret holds 330 rounds of 30 mm ammunition, and 600 rounds of 7.62 ammunition.

The driver has a new DND-5F periscopic sight. The crew is connected via a Harris RF-7800I. Another part of the modernization is the Kestrel-5500.

The stabilization of the turret and the fire-control system combined with the gunner's sight significantly increases the accuracy. The commander's sight can take control of the gun as the turret allows the commander to see both static and moving targets and to fire at them.

Both the gunner and the commander's sights feature Leonardo Tilde A thermal images with a resolution of 640x480 pixels as well as a laser rangefinder. A laser warning receiver that works together with eight smoke grenade launchers in a fully automatic manner was also added. (Soft-kill APS)

Additionally, the mine-resistance of the lower part of the vehicle was improved by adding mine-resistant seats and crew protection according to STANAG 4569 Level 2.

Another large part of the modernization was the improvements in crew comfort, with the installation of independent heating and cooling systems. The vehicle also comes with a full-vehicle camo netting which reduces its thermal signature and therefore makes detecting it harder.

Operators

Slovakia

Slovak Ground Forces

• 1st Mechanized Brigade – 17 vehicles in service.

See also

• BPzV Svatava