Osprey New Vanguard 12 : BMP Infantry Fighting Vehicle 1967-1994

The Russian BMP infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) was one of the most significant innovations in infantry tactics in the latter half of the 20th century. It was the world's first IFV and represented another milestone in the evolution of infantry tactics and technology. The BMP represented an important change in mechanised infantry tactics, providing the infantry squad with unprecedented firepower, mobility and protection. Later other armies specified vehicles like the German Marder, American M2 Bradley and the British Warrior. With over 55,000 manufactured since 1966, it is also numerically one of the most important armoured vehicles ever built. Steven Zaloga examines the development and performance of this radical machine. Its controls, weapons and the differences between each generation are discussed. The vehicle's performance in combat is evaluated, in particular the part it played in the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. Reasons for modifications are also given, such as the increase in the side armour of many vehicles due to the use by Afghanistan guerrillas of heavy machine-guns capable of penetrating the BMP's sides. Finally, variants of the basic infantry-carrying model are also examined including the Bronirovannaya Remontno-Evakuatsionnaya Mashina or armoured recovery vehicle and the Boevaya Razvedyvatnaya Mashina or scout version. Illustrations by Peter Sarson.

Contents

• Design and Development
• BMP Development
• Inside the BMP
• The BMP in Combat
• BMP Export
• BMP-3
• BMP Variants