The TASS news agency, under the heading "The head of Kurganmashzavod: the protection of Russian infantry fighting vehicles will be strengthened following the results of their use in a special operation," published an interview with the executive director of PJSC Kurgan Machine-Building Plant (as part of the Rostec State Corporation's High-Precision Complexes holding)Pyotr Tyukov. It is characteristic that there is no mention of the topic "Kurganets-25" in the interview.
Delivery to the International Military-Technical Forum "Army-2022" of one of the prototypes of the 125-mm self-propelled anti-tank gun 2S25M "Sprut-SDM1" in a modernized version produced by PJSC "Kurganmashzavod", August 2022 (from) via otvaga2004.mybb.ru
PJSC Kurganmashzavod (as part of the Rostec State Corporation's High-Precision Complexes holding) is the only enterprise in Russia that produces infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) that are in service with the armies of dozens of countries around the world. Executive Director of the companyPyotr Tyukov spoke in an interview with TASS about how the military special operation in Ukraine affects the further modernization of the BMP plant coming off the assembly line, about the tank fire control systems developed by the plant that surpass foreign analogues, as well as about the interest of foreign customers in the Manul BMP platform and the weapons that can be installed on it.
- Pyotr Alexandrovich, how much has the demand for your BMP increased all over the world and in Russia over the past year? Is it possible to say that in connection with the special operation in Ukraine there is a great need for them?
- Since the beginning of the special military operation in Ukraine, a significant increase in the state defense order has become noticeable. The Russian Defense Ministry is interested in the supply of Kurgan military equipment, as well as spare parts for it.
Deliveries abroad are continuing: customers from the Middle East are purchasing spare parts for the BMP-3, and CIS countries and India are purchasing spare parts for the BMP-2. All negotiations in the direction of military-technical cooperation are conducted by Rosoboronexport, which notes the active attention to the products of Kurganmashzavod from foreign countries.
- Have you received any proposals from the military on the possible modernization of the BMP, which are used during the special operation in Ukraine? Perhaps some old developed BMP projects that are needed now have become relevant, and the military is ready to purchase them? If so, tell us more about them.
- We are carefully working on all military proposals for the resumption of the production of earlier-generation IFVs or their overhaul with elements of modernization. But we must understand that the price of such products will be much higher than for new serial machines produced as planned, such as BMP-3 and BMD-4M. Both Kurganmashzavod, Rostec State Corporation, and the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation strive for a reasonable understanding in the approach to the formation of the needs of the army in military equipment.
Based on the results of the use of BMP-3 in a special operation in Ukraine, it was decided to strengthen the vehicles with an additional protection complex (grilles and armored screens). By the way, the issues of modernization of military equipment, taking into account combat use, are already being worked out by our Design Bureau to include changes in new-generation products.
- What feedback do you get from the military on the combat use of your products during a special operation? How do the products produced at your factory show themselves? Which ones have proven to be highly effective?
- Kurganmashzavod's armored vehicles have long proven themselves in a variety of application conditions, including during military operations. The military has no complaints about the BMP-3. The reviews are very good. They confirm that our "troika" is the most modern car in its class.
Infantry fighting vehicles of the second and third generations, modernized amphibious assault vehicles, amphibious armored personnel carriers in a special operation in Ukraine help in destroying defensive structures, suppressing enemy firing points and, most importantly, save the lives of our guys, the military.
And for us, factory workers, the participation of our equipment in a special operation is also a test of the reliability of equipment, the correctness of implemented ideas, an additional opportunity to make certain improvements in the design of machines.
- Have the state tests of the upgraded 125 mm 2S25 self-propelled anti-tank gun been completed? How did the results of the tests show the waterworthiness of the light tank, as well as the results of fire tests on the water? When is it planned to launch serial production of the machine for the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation?
- State tests of the 125-mm self-propelled anti-tank gun 2S25 upgraded were completed according to plan, in the first half of 2022. Currently, the design documentation is being adjusted for consideration by the interdepartmental commission and assignment of the letter O1 to it. After that, a decision will be made on the possibility of adopting a sample for the Russian army.
At the state tests, the machine showed high waterworthiness during inspections in the Black Sea, demonstrated the possibility of transportation by large amphibious ships, the capabilities of the weapons complex afloat.
SPTP 2S25M, based on its name, is designed to fight enemy tanks and has quite powerful weapons for this - a 125-mm cannon, which is an analogue of tank guns. During numerous firing tests, the characteristics of the machine in terms of hit accuracy in various operating modes were confirmed.
The tests proved that the SPTP 2S25M is not inferior to the firepower of T-90 tanks, and in terms of mobility on land and water it is at the level of the BMD-4M. The armament complex provides for the use of modern armor-piercing-sub-caliber, cumulative, high-explosive fragmentation shells, as well as ammunition with remote detonation. The range of direct fire targets is up to 5 km.
Now the company has started preparing production for the serial production of this machine, technological processes are being worked out, the necessary equipment is selected and manufactured, negotiations are underway with the pickers.
- Are there any plans to create a wheeled tank with a 125-mm self-propelled anti-tank gun? If so, has work started on the creation of such a machine?
- We have not received a technical specification from the Ministry of Defense for the creation of such a product, so it is not yet possible to assess the need for a car. Moreover, it is too early to talk about the export contracts of a wheeled tank, before you need to start delivering tracked SPTP.
It is assumed that the wheeled vehicle with a combat compartment from the SPTP 2S25M will be export-oriented. In the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the use of such equipment is less likely, since traditionally priority is given to tracked chassis, based on the peculiarities of our geography.
The range of tasks solved by such a wheeled machine is very limited. Advantages may be in terms of power reserve and speed of movement on highways, hard ground, in flat terrain, dry dirt roads. Therefore, in some armies of the world, such machines are used for reconnaissance, in low-intensity local conflicts, peacekeeping and counter-terrorism operations. But in off-road conditions, autumn-spring thaw, in mountainous and wooded-swamp areas, wheeled vehicles are seriously inferior to tracked vehicles in cross-country ability. It should also be taken into account that, according to its characteristics, a tank on a wheeled chassis will in no way be able to replace the main tank on the battlefield as the main striking force of the ground forces, since it does not provide the same level of protection and patency.
The most likely markets for wheeled vehicles may be the countries of the Middle East and the African continent.
- Have customers from India shown interest in the upgraded 125 mm 2S25 self-propelled anti-tank gun? And customers from other countries? Are there already specific orders (contracts)?
- An upgraded 125-mm 2S25 self-propelled anti-tank gun was developed for the Airborne Troops of Russia, but, of course, it will also interest foreign customers. We mainly focus on the markets of India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. The needs for vehicles, the assessment of the possibilities of military-technical cooperation in this area for Rosoboronexport.
Since the car has just passed state tests, the final package of regulatory design documentation is being formed, after which it will be possible to talk about the conclusion of specific contracts.
- The updated version of the SPTP 2S25M has a unique fire control system (FMS). Tell us, what are its advantages, how does it surpass Western competitors?
- Indeed, our self-propelled gun has the latest digital fire control system installed. In general, the weapons complex has a number of advantages. This is also a 125-mm tank gun capable of using all modern types of ammunition. This is a remote machine gun installation stabilized in two planes, which allows the commander, while inside the car, to conduct effective fire from the spot and on the move, regardless of the main armament.
The main elements of the SLA are the combined gunner's sight of the PNM "Sosna-U" and the commander's panoramic sight (PKP), made in the form of a functionally complete multi-channel sighting complex, providing the gunner and commander with high efficiency of combat use of weapons due to wide search capabilities at any time of the day (during the day, in conditions of limited visibility and at night), high accuracy of stabilization of the aiming line in two planes. The control panel allows you to fire all types of ammunition, including a guided missile. Both sights are equipped with automatic target capture and tracking. In case of damage to the main sights, there is a doubler sight, it is optoelectronic, with a field of view stabilized in the vertical plane and autonomous power supply.
Evaluating the SSS SPTP 2S25M by the range of capabilities and the range of tasks to be solved, it is possible without false modesty to declare the fact that several modifications of tank SSS have already been created in Russia, not only corresponding to the world level, but also surpassing it.
- In February 2022, it was reported that preliminary tests of the new BT-ZF floating armored personnel carrier were being completed. Have they been completed and what is the result? How long is the start of serial production of BT-ZF scheduled for? Has the contract with the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation for the supply already been signed?
- Preliminary tests of the BT-3F have been carried out in full. Currently, the registration of regulatory and technical documentation for assigning the letter O to the car is underway. This will be enough to negotiate and conclude export contracts. But we must understand that the international situation will also affect foreign supplies.
Deliveries of BT-3F to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation are possible only after passing state tests, which the military department plans to conduct. The volumes of possible deliveries are currently being discussed.
- Has the Arctic version of the BT-ZF started to enter the army? If not, when can this happen?
- The Arctic version of the BT-3F is only a variant of the main machine, which has just passed preliminary tests. Therefore, its deliveries are possible not earlier than all the planned stages of the ROC are completed, including the military operation of the base model.
- Has the company started equipping the BMP-3 with an active protection system during the modernization work? Have such vehicles been received by the troops?
- Currently, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation is receiving vehicles with additional protection kits. The effectiveness of such a solution has been confirmed during a special military operation in Ukraine. The issue of equipping the BMP-3 with an active protection complex is being worked out.
- Combat support vehicles of the BMP-ZF and BT-ZF Marines were demonstrated at the IDEX 2021 International Arms Exhibition. Have there been any orders for these products? If so, have deliveries started?
- There is interest on the part of foreign customers for the supply of BMP-ZF and BT-ZF marine support vehicles, especially among the countries of Southeast Asia. But the situation with the coronavirus pandemic has practically ruled out the possibility of a direct dialogue on military-technical cooperation. And, in addition, it caused significant economic damage to potential customers. Therefore, we will have to resume and strengthen the work in the direction of military-technical cooperation.
The Russian Defense Ministry is also very interested in the BMP-3F and BT-3F. A number of BMP-3s (from the troops) were retrofitted to the level of the naval version, after which the vehicles were tested in parts of the Russian Navy. The machines showed their best side, and today in the units of the Baltic and Pacific fleets, this equipment is already in operation.
According to the BT-3F, I have already said above, the machine will soon, after completing all the documentary work, be able to export.
- At the Army-2021 forum, it was reported that the newest Manul BMP will become a platform for the deployment of new weapons systems. Could you tell us what complexes we are talking about and when they can be seen?
- Currently, development work is underway to create the Manul BMP platform, taking into account the requirements of the Ministry of Defense based on the results of the operation of armored vehicles in Ukraine. Only after passing all the necessary tests will it be put into mass production. It will take at least three years. But already today we can say about the universality of the platform, on which it will be possible to install the entire range of military equipment - multiple launch rocket systems, barrel and barrel-less artillery systems, air defense systems, create special machines, radiochemical protection and medical equipment.
- Is there any interest from the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation and foreign customers in this car?
- There is interest from foreign customers, and the most lively. We see a significant export potential in the Manul BMP, as the concept of the tracked vehicle platform reflects current trends in the development of armored vehicles. This is the front location of the MTO, the equipment of the rear ramp for quick dismounting of the troops and, of course, the modularity of the design.
- At what stage is the implementation of the project on the introduction of the principles of streaming production at the Kurganmashzavod production facilities at present?
- Our company was originally created for the mass production of infantry fighting vehicles. For example, the BMP-2 at one time was produced up to 2,000 units per year, so in-line production at the Kurganmashzavod was always used. And today our equipment is manufactured using this form of labor organization.
- What equipment will the company present for the first time at the Army-2022 forum? Tell us about some new products.
- All the cars that we will show at the forum can be called novelties in their own way. So, the forum participants and guests will see the upgraded 125-mm self-propelled anti-tank gun 2S25 in a new configuration. An additional set of additional protection will be installed on the SPTP, which increases the resistance to damage by ammunition. At the same time, the buoyancy and stability on the water will be preserved at the same level.
Another feature of the SPTP 2S25M is the optoelectronic suppression complex. It guarantees protection from approaching missiles or laser irradiation. To reduce the fatigue of the driver, the car is equipped with video cameras that provide a circular video overview when the car is moving, including reversing.
Such an improved export version of the 125 mm self-propelled anti-tank gun 2S25M, we hope, will become the center of attraction for foreign guests at the stand of the "High-Precision Complexes" of the Rostec State Corporation, where the lion's share of the exhibition space is usually occupied by full-scale samples of the Kurganmashzavod.
The BT-3F armored personnel carrier will also be presented with a set of additional protection. Such a performance was proposed by us against the background of the demand for a special military operation. To see a similar variant of the BT-3F adaptation for different combat missions, I think everyone will be interested.
A joint project of the Kurganmashzavod and the Signal Research Institute (both enterprises are part of the NPO High-Precision Complexes holding of the Rostec State Corporation) is a robotic BMP-3 with a Titmouse combat module.
This robot machine with the firepower of the BMP-3 is equipped with a state-of-the-art sight. The combat module "Tit" provides a 360-degree view of the terrain at any time of the day with the possibility of targeted firing, it is equipped with an ATGM loading mechanism, an automated digital fire control system.
Signal specialists installed a set of equipment in the body of the vehicle and inside the combat compartment, which allowed the functions of the driver and shooter to be robotized. You can see this car in action, including at a demo screening, where the BMP-3 "Tit" will be controlled remotely.
Another novelty of the Kurganmashzavod, which we are proud of, since it is a dual-use product, is the TM-140A Aurora transport vehicle. It demonstrates the first stage of technical improvements of the tracked all-terrain vehicle, currently being developed by the designers of JSC "SKBM" and implemented by PJSC "Kurganmashzavod". He touched the exterior and interior of the cabin. The new design, improved ergonomics create conditions for comfortable work of the driver and passengers.
Due to the use of composite materials, thermal and anti-noise insulation has been improved, autonomous air and liquid dependent heaters and air conditioning have been installed.
The second stage of the TM-140A Aurora upgrade, the work on which at JSC SKBM is almost completed, concerned the modernization of the chassis of the car. At the third stage, a new domestic YAMZ-536 engine, an automatic transmission and a hydro-volume turning mechanism will be installed on the Aurora, which will increase the average speed of the snowmobile and reduce fuel consumption. All this will increase the life of the machine, the main technical, economic and environmental characteristics.
August 18 marks 35 years since the USSR Ministry of Defense adopted the BMP-3. The technical solutions used on this machine were so revolutionary that until now this machine has not lost its modernization potential and remains the best in its class. Today, the BMP-3 is being supplied to the Russian Army as part of the state defense order. And we are proud that it is our factory that creates this reliable combat vehicle.
Roman Azanov, Georgy Sultanov
