Image source: topwar.ru
Russia supplied 47 BMP-3Fs to Indonesia: 17 units in 2010 and 37 in 2013 (and possibly several copies in subsequent years). Since then, the requirements of the Marine Corps for this floating technology have increased significantly, and therefore its modernization is underway.
As indicated in the local publication Indomiliter, in 2022 the machines have already undergone partial improvement, having received the SOZH-TM IR sight [manufactured in Belarus]. However, now the command intends to significantly increase the protection of the BMP-3F.
The ILC reported that the corresponding project, developed by PT TMI (Indonesian Military Technology), provides for the installation of an additional set of protection from a combination of lattice screens and armor plates on the frontal and side projections of the hull and turret of the vehicle.
- stated in the command.
Image source: topwar.ru
BMP-3F model with enhanced protection
It thanked PT TMI for its efforts to improve the BMP-3F, taking into account the latest technological advances and the dynamics of combat operations, which made it possible to increase the combat capability of the vehicle and simplify its operation.
For our part, we note that it is unclear how this upgrade will affect the amphibious capabilities of the equipment: specific weight figures are not given. At the same time, its buoyancy is a necessary attribute, given that the BMP-3F is in service with the ILC. It is possible that local developers have managed to combine additional protection and stability of the machine on the water.
