Rostec's delivery of new infantry fighting vehicles reflects Russia’s strategy for ground forces

Russia’s state defence corporation Rostec delivered a new batch of BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) on July 2 to the nation's armed forces, reinforcing its mechanised infantry forces in response to modern battlefield pressures.

The move reflects Moscow’s adaptation to evolving threats, including widespread drone use and advanced anti-armour systems, and marks a continued emphasis on fielding versatile, resilient combat vehicles.

According to Rostec’s press office, the delivery is part of an accelerated modernisation drive that draws heavily from recent combat experience. With improved protection and updated systems, the BMP-3 remains central to Russia’s combined arms strategy, bridging firepower, mobility, and troop transport under a unified platform.

Built by High Precision Systems and assembled by KurgaNMashZavod, the BMP-3 has been a staple of Russian mechanised forces since its introduction in the late 1980s.

Armed with a 100mm main gun, a 30mm autocannon, and modern optics, the vehicle, as noted in an article by Army Recognition Group, offers a potent mix of firepower, mobility, and amphibious capability, giving infantry greater battlefield flexibility and survivability.

Decades of operational use—including in the Northern Caucasus, Syria, and now the ongoing war in Ukraine—have driven successive upgrades.

Rostec reports that dozens of design changes over the past three years alone were directly shaped by feedback from troops engaged in modern conflicts, where drones and guided weapons dominate. 

These include enhanced armour, anti-drone shielding, thermal signature reduction, and upper-hemisphere defences.

Compared to Western counterparts like the US Bradley or German Puma, the BMP-3 is notable for its armament and water-crossing abilities. Its latest enhancements aim to counter drone-delivered munitions and long-range precision strikes—threats increasingly common in 21st-century warfare.

Rostec’s modular production lines allow for fast integration of new features, ensuring the platform stays adaptable and affordable in a rapidly changing combat environment.

The consistent rollout of upgraded BMP-3s signals Russia’s long-term investment in mobile, protected infantry systems.

The article points out that this reflects a strategic commitment to maintaining manoeuvrable ground forces capable of breaching fortified defences and surviving in drone-heavy battle zones. 

At a broader level, this reaffirms Moscow’s push to ramp up domestic military production despite sanctions and wartime pressures.

As the publication puts it, the BMP-3’s evolution highlights the enduring importance of tracked IFVs in sustaining operational momentum amid shifting technologies and global military trends.

By Nazrin Sadigova