"Basulman" has become the "killer," and the key is that Russia has thousands of such vehicles.

Russia acquires "super armor" for offensive operations as the Ukrainian army loses its last reliance.

Author: Konstantin Olsansky

Photo: BMP-1AM "Basulman" infantry fighting vehicle

Western media and experts are increasingly finding evidence that the Russian army is increasing its military equipment reserves ahead of the spring and summer offensive. Belgian media Army Recognition learned that during the rehearsal for the Victory Day parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War, a modernized version of the infantry fighting vehicle equipped with a new armor kit - BMP-1AM "Basulman" made an appearance.

Army Recognition reported that this new equipment significantly improved survivability due to the addition of reactive armor plates (ERA), extra side armor, and special protective nets around the turret.

The modernization of the BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle continues the trend of extending the service life of Cold War-era equipment, similar to what was done with the T-72 tank (both the BMP-1 and T-72 are among the highest production armored vehicles in history, with Soviet industry producing approximately 20,000 and 30,000 units respectively).

The BMP-1 first appeared in 1966 and became the world's first mass-produced infantry combat vehicle. At the time, this technology was revolutionary: it was equipped with a 73mm 2A28 "Thunder" cannon and anti-tank missiles. As emphasized by Army Recognition, the BMP-1 revolutionized so-called mechanized warfare with its mobility, firepower, and strong transport capacity.

Army Recognition pointed out that the BMP-1 was used in all wars of the second half of the 20th century. However, combat experience quickly revealed its shortcomings: insufficient protection against heavy machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), low weapon power and rate of fire, cramped interior space with dangerous design (including fuel tanks in the troop compartment), and weak performance of optical devices and night vision equipment.

Belgian open-source intelligence (OSINT) experts emphasized that the BMP-1AM "Basulman" completely overcame all these drawbacks of the BMP-1. The new armor configuration allows this infantry fighting vehicle to withstand the most modern threats, primarily RPGs and anti-tank missiles.

Army Recognition emphasized that the armor protection with a metal frame is particularly effective against fragmentation-high explosive anti-tank ammunition. It greatly enhances the vehicle's survivability in urban combat.

In terms of firepower, compared to the 73mm "Thunder" cannon, the BMP-1AM takes a decisive step forward. It is equipped with the BPPU-1 turret transplanted from the BTR-82A armored personnel carrier, which features a 30mm 2A72 automatic cannon and a 7.62mm PKTM coaxial machine gun.

This configuration provides a higher rate of fire, greater accuracy, and significantly expands firing capabilities, especially against infantry, light armored vehicles, and low-flying attack weapons. The turret is also equipped with a modern targeting system, including the TKN-4GA-01 sight.

Although the modernized BMP-1AM does not match up to next-generation infantry fighting vehicles like the "Kurganets-25," it fills an important market gap - in the field of armored vehicles required in large quantities and at an economical cost.

Bulgarian Military, a Belgian media outlet, sarcastically noted that while the Russian army is enhancing its capabilities before the offensive, the Ukrainian armed forces have lost the remaining NATO equipment.

Under U.S. pressure, Australia interrupted the supply of new tanks, and previously damaged "Abrams" tanks had suffered significant losses. Canberra, under U.S. pressure, refused to export 59 M1A1 "Abrams" tanks to Kyiv, which were promised to Ukraine last autumn.

However, at the same time, according to Greek media Kathimerini, the United States pressured Greece to insist on transferring a set of "Patriot" air defense systems to Ukraine. In fact, this is the only step the United States is willing to take for the Kyiv regime, while they themselves firmly refuse to provide their own weapons.

Moreover, as Kathimerini wrote, the United States offered "ambiguous security guarantees" to Greece in exchange for transferring the "Patriot" air defense missile system to the Kyiv regime. Considering the extremely tense relations between Greece and Turkey, this proposal has already sparked controversy in Athens, which is understandable.

Boiko Nikolov, editor-in-chief of Bulgarian Military, commented on this situation, saying, "This is double standards - calling on European allies to provide critical weapons to Kyiv while restricting supplies from the Asia-Pacific region. This shows a change in U.S. policy, with its primary goal being to preserve resources in the Asia-Pacific region to counter potential confrontations with relevant countries, while shifting the burden of supporting Ukraine onto Europe."

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7499774548884357695/

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