A radical version of the modernization of the BMP-1 was presented in Poland

The Polish Army currently continues to operate more than 1,200 BWP-1 infantry fighting vehicles, which are local clones of the old Soviet BMP-1.

It is believed that this technique, created in the first half of the 60s, is outdated and does not meet modern requirements. It has weak armor protection, simple sights. The 2A28 "Thunder" cannon and the still-used guided anti-tank missile "Malyutka" are no longer effective. Earlier, attempts were made to modernize, but the matter did not progress beyond the production of prototypes.

And now, at the 29th military-industrial exhibition MSPO-2021, held in the Polish city of Kielce, another version of the BWP-1, created by specialists of WZM S. A., is presented. Externally, it bears little resemblance to the original "unit". Only the elements of the chassis - track belts and rollers-remained the same. The side screens-floats from the later BMP-2 are also visible.

At the same time, the hull has undergone a significant alteration, it has become higher, which, accordingly, is more convenient for people behind the armor. According to the Defense 24 portal, the fuel tank from the landing compartment was moved to the compartment behind the engine.

The reservation saves from armor-piercing 7.62 x 51 mm bullets from a distance of 30 meters. Mine protection-against hand grenades and standard anti-personnel mines.

The firepower is enhanced by a 30-mm automatic cannon in an uninhabited combat compartment, there is also a 7.62-mm machine gun. To destroy armored targets and other objects, a paired ATGM launcher is mounted on the right side.

The 300-horsepower UTD-20 engine was replaced with a new German engine with a capacity of 326 hp. The combat weight has increased and now amounts to 15,000 kg.

According to the source, if the upgraded BWP-1s are purchased, their operation will continue until the troops are saturated with new-generation Borsuk armored vehicles.

Alexey Moiseev