State owned Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), headquartered in Avadi, Chennai and the Ministry of Defence have signed a contract for 693 Armament Upgrades of Infantry Combat Vehicle BMP2 to BMP2M.
AVNL was established in 2021 as part of the restructuring and corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board into seven different Public Sector Undertakings.
What are the upgrades that will be made?
Financial Express Online has previously reported that the upgrades would include Night Enablement, Gunner Main Sight, Commander Panoramic Sight and Fire Control System (FCS) with Automatic Target Tracker under Buy {Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured} Category.
The Avadi based company has developed an indigenised solution for providing existing BMP 2/2K with Night Fighting Capabilities and FCS. This solution is based on the integration of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Chennai-developed sight and FCS.
Self-Reliance
The armament upgrades with equipment and sub-systems sourced from indigenous manufacturers by the company. And this is expected to further strengthen the indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Background
In an effort to modernize its Mechanised Infantry battalions, around 2,500 Russian Infantry Combat Vehicle BMP 2 are in line to be upgraded for future warfare.
The BMP 2, a backbone of the Mechanised Infantry Unit since the 1980s, remains a cornerstone of military operations, boasting a versatile array of capabilities essential for modern warfare. Developed to provide troops with enhanced mobility, firepower, and protection, the BMP II has undergone continuous upgrades to ensure its relevance on the battlefield.
One of the defining features of the BMP 2 is its ability to launch rockets, mortars, and missiles while on the move, offering unparalleled firepower support for advancing infantry units. Additionally, its robust armour and troop-carrying capacity make it a reliable platform for transporting soldiers safely across hostile environments.
In recent upgrade plans, the focus has shifted towards enhancing the BMP II’s targeting and surveillance capabilities. The incorporation of advanced Fire Control Systems, Automatic Target Trackers, and Laser Range Finders enables more accurate and effective engagement of enemy targets. Furthermore, the integration of Thermal Imaging technology provides improved visibility during low-light conditions, giving troops a crucial advantage on the battlefield.
One of the most significant advancements in the latest upgrades is the introduction of “see-through armour.” This groundbreaking technology allows soldiers inside the BMP II to have a clear view of their surroundings, day or night, greatly enhancing situational awareness and overall operational effectiveness. With this capability, troops can better identify potential threats and respond accordingly, minimizing the risk of ambushes or surprise attacks.
Another noteworthy enhancement is the integration of magnetic trackers and cameras with a helmet display system. This innovative setup allows commanders to see outside surroundings as if through the armour, providing real-time situational awareness and facilitating more informed decision-making. Moreover, the interface with GPS systems enables precise manoeuvring and target acquisition, further increasing the BMP II’s combat effectiveness.
The deployment of BMP2s in strategic locations, such as the Galwan Valley and the Shyok River, underscores their importance in current geopolitical conflicts. In the ongoing standoff between Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, these armoured vehicles serve as a visible deterrent and a symbol of national defence readiness.
The Mechanised Infantry’s track record of success spans four decades, demonstrating its versatility and adaptability across various terrains and operational scenarios. From the rugged high altitudes of Eastern Ladakh and Sikkim to the vast plains of Punjab and the arid deserts of Rajasthan, BMP 2-equipped units have consistently proven their mettle in both conventional and unconventional warfare.
Despite its strengths, the BMP 2 is not without limitations. One notable drawback is its lack of native night-vision capability, which can significantly impair its effectiveness in low-light or adverse weather conditions. To address this issue, efforts are underway to integrate advanced night-vision technology into domestically manufactured BMP 2s, ensuring they remain combat-ready in all environments.