A batch of tank support combat vehicles, unofficially named after the famous American blockbuster "Terminator-2", is about to enter service. According to representatives of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, it has successfully passed the tests.
So far, only nine Terminator-2 BMPT are expected in the troops, in addition to another 12 first-generation Terminator vehicles (created on the platform of the T-90 tank) in service. However, according to the American magazine "The National Interest", potential opponents of Moscow should pay attention to this fact. Combat vehicles will be delivered to the 90th Guards Tank Division of the Central Military District, stationed in the Urals, starting from December 1. According to the military, this is an effective technique that has been tested in cooperation with tanks. Despite the fact that the troops will be equipped with the Terminator-2, its tests will continue. In 2022, they will be joined by the BMPT battalion.
The platform of the combat vehicle cannot be called new. It is based on the chassis of the T-72 tank, which appeared in the early 1970s in the USSR. The development of the platform began more than 20 years ago, taking into account the experience of the Soviet-Afghan war and the operation in the Chechen Republic. According to official statements, the BMPT is equipped with powerful weapons (automatic cannons, a machine gun, an automatic grenade launcher and guided missiles), as well as modern devices. It is well protected and easily controlled even at high speed. It is capable of hitting ground armored targets and firing at helicopters and enemy manpower both in the city and in open terrain.
A few years ago, there were heated discussions in the expert and military community about the first-generation Terminator. In particular, it was pointed out the low level of tower protection, the not quite successful layout of weapons and the lack of special advantages over the devices of serial tanks. However, apparently, these problems in the case of Terminator-2 have been eliminated and removed from the agenda. By the way, Algeria ordered 300 of these vehicles for its army.
By Ilya Kharlamov, Sputnik radio
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