BMP-2M

This page is about the squadron Soviet light tank BMP-2M. For the other version, see BMP-2. For other uses, see BMP (Disambiguation).

BMP-2M

BMP-2M

USSR

VII Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
10.3	10.3	10.3

Class:

SQUADRON

Light tank

Research:520 000

Purchase:710 000

Description

The BMP-2M is a squadron rank VII Soviet light tank (infantry fighting vehicle) with a battle rating of 10.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced during Update "Starfighters". The BMP-2M is a light, mobile yet lethal light tank. Although its survivability and armour are not remarkable, its armament and utility are unmatched at its battle rating.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades

Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle

ESS

Creation of a smoke screen in the direction of movement of the vehicle

Armourfront / side / back

Hull15 / 15 / 13

Turret20 / 16 / 10

Crew3 people

Visibility70 %

The vehicle's playstyle is relatively similar to the BMP-2s. The fast turret traverse speed, wide field of view, and thermals for the optics combined with a fast-firing 2A42 autocannon and four 9M133 ATGMs makes it an excellent close range combat IFV and good front line scout at open fields. Armour on this vehicle can only protect the crew from 7.62 mm fire at all angles and sometimes 12.7 mm or even 20 mm when being shot from the front. The BMP-2M can sometimes survive AP rounds such as APFSDS as they can penetrate the vehicle without significant damage due to its large empty space inside. The overpressure mechanic will mean that often even a poorly placed HEAT round may immediately knock out the crew. Overall, survivability is poor, and the BMP-2M should use its manoeuvrability to flank opponents and strike before the enemy can locate you and return fire.

Armour type:

• High hardness rolled armour (hull and turret)
• Alloy ABT-101 (engine deck)

Armour	Front (Slope angle)	Sides	Rear	Roof
Hull	12 mm (81°)	13 mm Top 15 mm Bottom	16 mm Doors 13 mm Door frame	5 mm 12 mm Engine deck
Turret	20 mm Turret front 25 mm Gun mantlet	12 - 16 mm	10 mm	6 mm

Mobility

Amphibious

The design allows you to swim and control movement in the water

Speedforward / back

AB73 / 12 km/h

RB and SB66 / 11 km/h

Number of gears10 forward

2 back

Weight14.5 t

Engine power

AB763 hp

RB and SB400 hp

Power-to-weight ratio

AB52.6 hp/t

RB and SB27.6 hp/t

Game Mode	Max Speed (km/h)		Weight (tons)	Engine power (horsepower)		Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
	Forward	Reverse		Stock	Upgraded	Stock	Upgraded
Arcade	73	12	14.5	558	763	38.48	52.62
Realistic	66	11		318	400	21.93	27.59

With 60 extra horsepower, the BMP-2M has excellent mobility compared to the BMP-2. The acceleration of the BMP-2M in off road conditions is excellent, and it is able to keep up with top tier MBTs like the T-80U, M1A2 Abrams and Leopard 2A5. The reverse speed however is still -10 km/h and it still has no neutral steering. Its amphibious capabilities can be useful to cross deep water sections to reach places normally unreachable for other vehicles.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference

AB3 254 → 5 821

RB3 116 → 5 574

SB4 152 → 7 427

Total cost of modifications217 600

357 000

Talisman cost2 800

Crew training200 000

Experts710 000

Aces2 100

Research Aces1 080 000

Reward for battleAB / RB / SB

140 / 170 / 220 %

232 / 232 / 232 %

Modifications

Mobility	Protection	Firepower
Tracks Research: 9 100 Cost: 14 000 360 Suspension Research: 8 500 Cost: 13 000 340 Brake System Research: 8 500 Cost: 13 000 340 Filters Research: 9 400 Cost: 15 000 370 Transmission Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 440 Engine Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 440	Improved Parts Research: 2 700 Cost: 14 000 360 Improved FPE Research: 2 600 Cost: 13 000 340 Crew Replenishment Research: 9 400 Cost: 15 000 370 ESS Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 440	Horizontal Drive Research: 9 100 Cost: 14 000 360 Airstrike Research: 9 100 Cost: 14 000 360 30mm_2a42_AP_ammo_pack Research: 9 100 Cost: 14 000 360 Adjustment of Fire Research: 8 500 Cost: 13 000 340 NVD Research: 8 500 Cost: 13 000 340 152mm_9M133FM_3_ATGM_ammo_pack Research: 8 500 Cost: 13 000 340 Elevation Mechanism Research: 9 400 Cost: 15 000 370 Laser rangefinder Research: 9 400 Cost: 15 000 370 30mm_2a42_APDS_ammo_pack Research: 9 400 Cost: 15 000 370 Scout UAV Research: 9 400 Cost: 15 000 370 Artillery Support Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 440 Smoke grenade Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 440 Improved optics Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 440 30mm_2a42_APDS_FS_ammo_pack Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 440

For module research, the following order is recommended:

• Parts & FPE to increase the durability
• 9M133FM-3 and NVD
• 30 mm APDS, Laser rangefinder and Filters
• 30 mm APDS-FS and Smoke grenade
• Pick the next modules you wish to research depending on your needs

Armaments

Laser rangefinder

Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder

Night vision device

Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.

Thermal imager

Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

30 mm 2A42 automatic cannon

Two-plane stabilizer

Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving

Ammunition500 rounds

Belt capacity250 rounds

Reloadbasic crew → aces

1.3 → 1.0 s

Fire rate550 shots/min

Vertical guidance-4° / 74°

As this tank has a similar playstyle to its 8.3 counterpart, the BMP-2, the main armament of the Shipunov 2A42 30 mm autocannon is a very versatile weapon, considering its vertical guidance, traverse speed, and large selection of ammo belts.

It is not recommended to engage in long-term combat without ATGMs using only the autocannon with any tank heavier than a light tank or an Anti-Tank Missile Carrier unless using the APDS ammo selection. If not using APDS, for heavier tanks it is recommended to cripple it by shooting its tracks and the main armament.

30 mm 2A42						Turret rotation speed (°/s)					Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode	Capacity (Belt)	Fire rate	Vertical	Horizontal	Stabilizer	Stock	Upgraded	Full	Expert	Aced	Stock	Full	Expert	Aced
Arcade	500 (250)	550	-4°/+74°	±180°	Two-plane	57.1	79.1	96.0	106.2	112.9	1.30	1.15	1.06	1.00
Realistic						35.7	42.0	51.0	56.4	60.0

Ammunition

• Default: AP-T · HEF-I*
• 30 mm HE: HEF-I* · AP-T · HEF-I* · HEF-T*
• 30 mm APT: AP-T · AP-T · AP-T · HEF-T*
• 30 mm APDS: APDS · APDS · APDS · APDS · HEF-T*
• 30 mm APDS-FS: APFSDS · APFSDS · APFSDS

Penetration statistics
Ammunition	Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
	10 m	100 m	500 m	1,000 m	1,500 m	2,000 m
HEF-I*	8	7	6	5	4	3
AP-T	65	63	53	44	36	29
HEF-T*	9	8	7	5	4	3
APDS	82	81	79	75	72	69
APFSDS	102	99	94	88	81	75

Shell details
Ammunition	Velocity (m/s)	Projectile mass (kg)	Fuse delay (m)	Fuse sensitivity (mm)	Explosive mass (TNT equivalent) (g)	Ricochet
						0%	50%	100%
HEF-I*	960	0.39	0.1	0.1	75.46	79°	80°	81°
AP-T	970	0.4	-	-	-	47°	60°	65°
HEF-T*	960	0.39	0.1	0.1	17.86	79°	80°	81°
APDS	1,120	0.3	-	-	-	75°	78°	80°
APFSDS	1,260	0.1	-	-	-	78°	80°	81°

Ammo racks

Full ammo	1st rack empty	Visual discrepancy
2	0 (+2)	No

Additional armament

30 mm automatic grenade launcher AG-30M

Ammunition300 rounds

Belt capacity300 rounds

Reloadbasic crew → aces

1.3 → 1.0 s

Fire rate401 shots/min

Vertical guidance-4° / 74°

It is recommended to fire the main and additional armaments separately, using separate keybinds for "Fire from secondary guns" and "Fire from the main calibre gun" or by setting keybinds to select the different weapon groups, as this 30 mm grenade launcher has a very different shell trajectory to the main 30 mm autocannon.

30 mm AG-30					Reloading rate (seconds)
Capacity (Belt)	Fire rate	Vertical	Horizontal	Stabilizer	Stock	Full	Expert	Aced
300 (300)	400	N/A	N/A	N/A	1.8	1.8	1.8	1.8

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition	Type of warhead	Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
		10 m	100 m	500 m	1,000 m	1,500 m	2,000 m
VOG-30	VOG*	3	3	3	3	3	3

Shell details
Ammunition	Type of warhead	Velocity (m/s)	Projectile mass (kg)	Fuse delay (m)	Fuse sensitivity (mm)	Explosive mass (TNT equivalent) (g)	Ricochet
							0%	50%	100%
VOG-30	VOG*	185	0.28	0	0.1	64.68	79°	80°	81°

Ammo racks

Full ammo	1st rack empty	Visual discrepancy
1	0 (+1)	No

Additional armament

9M133 ATGM

Ammunition8 rounds

Belt capacity4 rounds

Fire rate120 shots/min

Vertical guidance-5° / 10°

Unlike the BMP-2 which only has one ATGM launcher and takes some time to reload, the ATGMs on the BMP-2M are arranged in 4 slots, 2 on either side of the tank. If all 4 are expended, an extra 4 will be able to reload if chosen in the battle start up.

9M133 missile				Reloading rate (seconds)
Capacity (Belt)	Vertical	Horizontal	Stabilizer	Stock	Full	Expert	Aced
8 (4)	-5°/+10°	N/A	N/A	26.00	23.00	21.20	20.00

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition	Type of warhead	Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
		10 m	100 m	500 m	1,000 m	1,500 m	2,000 m
9M133	ATGM (tandem)	1,200	1,200	1,200	1,200	1,200	1,200
9M133FM-3	ATGM-VT	61	61	61	61	61	61

Missile details
Ammunition	Type of warhead	Velocity (m/s)	Range (m)	Projectile mass (kg)	Fuse delay (m)	Fuse sensitivity (mm)	Arming distance (m)	Trigger radius (m)	Explosive mass (TNT equivalent) (kg)	Ricochet
										0%	50%	100%
9M133	ATGM (tandem)	300	5,500	26	0.4	0.01	-	-	6.36	80°	82°	90°
9M133FM-3	ATGM-VT	320	10,000	28	0.05	0.1	300	4	9.24	79°	80°	81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the BMP-2M

Full ammo	1st rack empty	2nd rack empty	Visual discrepancy
2	1 (+1)	0 (+2)	No

Notes:

• Racks are modeled as 2 loadouts of 4 missiles
• Missiles are fired from A to D (see picture).

Machine guns

7.62 mm PKTM machine gun (coaxial)

Ammunition2 000 rounds

Belt capacity250 rounds

Reloadbasic crew → aces

10.4 → 8.0 s

Fire rate700 shots/min

7.62 mm PKT
Mount	Capacity (Belt)	Fire rate	Vertical	Horizontal
Coaxial	2,000 (250)	700	N/A	N/A

Usage in battles

During the stock grind, the vehicle is best played as a scout, as the stock ammo with the exception of the ATGMs is poor. Once it is spaded, the vehicle is basically a complete lineup in itself. It can play the part of a light tank, with excellent manoeuvrability, the ability to scout and repair, and the fast-firing autocannon to flank and destroy light to medium armoured targets. Along with its scout capability to mark enemy armoured targets for allies or eliminate them with its ATGMs. If played cautiously, it can be played as a true IFV, supporting MBTs in close-quarters battle (CQB).

However, when playing close-quarter battle this, it is a support vehicle, and should not engage in frontal brawls with MBTs, as it will quickly be destroyed, due to its thin armour. It can be played at long range, using its scouting ability and ATGMs to knock out targets at long ranges. While not its purpose, the BMP-2M can also be played as a last resort SPAA with its fast firing 30 mm autocannon and proximity fuse ATGMs in case there is no dedicated vehicle to perform this role.

Combat tactics

Avoid frontal confrontation with enemies of any kind, due to the very thin armour, high density of ammunition and crew and vulnerability to overpressure. Any weapon of calibre .50 cal or larger will absolutely shred the BMP-2M to pieces. The vehicle can be played in different roles:

Long-range engagement: it can use its scouting ability and ATGMs to mark and track targets at long distance. Unlike the BMP-2, this improved variant carries an ATGM with a tandem shaped warhead. This weapon can easily deal with any armour found at its battle rating and even above it. Furthermore, 4 out of the total 8 missiles can be simultaneously fired and controlled at any given time, allowing to engage multiple targets standing close by launching each missile in quick succession before the initial one impacted. This is only further reinforced through the ability to fire on the move at any speed, unlike almost all other ATGM carrying systems. Even in the case that only one missile is left, a 6-second reload will help a quick re-engagement. Be aware that your ATGMs have a lower velocity than the common APFSDS and HEATFS round that your enemies will fire: if you and your enemy fire at the same time, you will most likely be killed first. Once the laser rangefinder is unlocked, one can use APFSDS rounds at range as it can easily penetrate the side and roofs of most enemies it will face, and the high volume of rounds will quickly disable if not destroy the target.

Support and repair: this style of gameplay is most useful in close quarters environments especially when the vehicle is stock, making use of the autocannon, seeking out flanks and assisting with fast repairs. Good communication about targets is possible through the scouting feature. Adding to the support role is the 9M133FM-3 missile equipped with a HE warhead and a proximity fuse most effective against helicopters in particular.

Flanking: the main features of this strategy are the BMP-2's mobility and the 30 mm APFSDS belt which easily punches through the sides of any vehicle at its BR. The main focus is on targeting crew members and modules, as the post-penetration damage is very localized. Basic knowledge about crew positions is most useful to get the most out of the rather short APFSDS belt (160 shells).

Pros and cons

Pros:

• 2A42 autocannon can punch through most vehicles at its battle rating from the back, side and sometimes front with the APDS and APFSDS rounds
• Fast turret traverse speed and gun elevation speed, better gun handling than the standard BMP-2
• 2nd generation thermal optics for the gunner, wide field of view and 2.5 to 12 times zoom for gun sight, suitable for combat at any range
• 1,200 mm penetration power for the standard 9M133 missile; can fire and guide all four missiles simultaneously while on the move
• Can equip 9M133FM-3 HE missiles with proximity fuses, useful for AA duties
• Laser rangefinder keeps the autocannon effective at range, especially with the APFSDS belt
• Amphibious ability can be useful for crossing the water to areas hard-to-reach for other vehicles
• Roof-mounted grenade launcher can clear obstacles that typically machine guns can not
• Can be played as a light tank, long range tank, CQB support vehicle, or SPAA
  • IFV IRST has a max range of 8 km and does not trigger aircraft RWR. Works very well alongside 9M133FM-3 proximity-fused HE missiles and works well against aircraft at close range with the autocannon

Cons:

• Missiles mounted on the turret have a chance to explode from shrapnel if too close to any form of explosion
• Chassis can only protect the crew from 7.62 mm and with limited 12.7 mm or bigger calibre ammunition protection from the front
• No neutral steering, and a slow reverse speed of -10 km/h
• Grenade launcher has only 3 mm of pen and generally can't destroy opponents, instead being used against obstacles and clearing ERA at close range, sometimes damaging tracks or exposed ammo racks (e.g. ATGMs) at very close range
• ATGMs require discipline to use, as the urge to fire all four of them on contact is near irresistible. While firing all four ATGM ensures that the target tank is absolutely annihilated, it is a waste of ammunition if operator does not redirect remaining missiles away from already destroyed tank towards next target
• Destroying the grenade launcher belt knocks the vehicle out

History

In 2017, the Russian Ministry of Defense signed a contract with KBP Instrument Design (Konstruktorskoe Buro Priborostroeniya) for the modernization of BMP-2.

The BMP-2 (Boyevaya Mashina Pekhoty) is a Soviet-era infantry fighting vehicle that was introduced into service in the early 1980s. It is an improved version of the BMP-1 and has been widely exported to other countries.

The BMP-2 was designed to provide infantry with fire support and protection in a variety of combat situations. It features a 30mm automatic cannon and a coaxial machine gun, as well as a missile launcher for the 9M113 Konkurs anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). The vehicle is also equipped with a 7.62mm machine gun mounted on the roof for anti-aircraft defense.

The BMP-2 has a crew of three: a driver, a gunner, and a commander. It can carry up to eight fully equipped infantry soldiers in the rear compartment. The vehicle is amphibious, propelled by two water jets at the rear, and can cross rivers and other bodies of water.

The development of the BMP-2 began in the early 1970s, with the goal of improving upon the BMP-1. The design team focused on increasing the vehicle's firepower, protection, and mobility. The new vehicle was equipped with a more powerful engine and improved suspension, allowing it to travel faster and more comfortably over rough terrain.

The BMP-2 was officially unveiled in 1982 and entered service with the Soviet army soon after. It saw its first combat action during the Soviet war in Afghanistan, where it proved to be effective in both urban and rural combat environments.

Since its introduction, the BMP-2 has undergone a number of upgrades and modifications. The most significant of these is the BMP-2M, which features improved armor protection, a thermal imaging system for the gunner, and an improved fire control system. The BMP-2M also has the ability to launch the 9M133 Kornet anti-tank guided missile.

The BMP-2 has been widely exported to other countries, including China, India, Iran, and Iraq. It has seen action in a number of conflicts around the world, including the Gulf War, the Chechen wars, and the ongoing Syrian Civil War.

Despite its effectiveness, the BMP-2 has not been without its flaws. Its armor protection has been criticized as insufficient, and its lack of air conditioning has made it difficult to operate in hot climates. The vehicle has also been prone to mechanical breakdowns and fires, particularly in desert environments.

In response to these issues, a number of countries have developed their own upgrades and modifications to the BMP-2. For example, India has developed the BMP-2 Sarath, which features improved armor protection, air conditioning, and a more powerful engine. The UAE has developed the BMP-2 Sarab, which features additional armor protection, improved suspension, and a new fire control system.

Despite its shortcomings, the BMP-2 remains a popular and effective infantry fighting vehicle around the world. Its combination of firepower, mobility, and protection make it a valuable asset on the modern battlefield.

Media

Skins

• Skins and camouflages for the BMP-2M from live.warthunder.com.

Images

• BMP-2M Devblog Images
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Videos

BMP Family discusses the BMP-2M at 05:33 - War Thunder Official Channel

Should You Buy The BMP-2M? - Sako Sniper

BMP-2M - Squadron Effort to Top Tier - Napalmratte

BMP-2M - The Russian Death Kornet - JustinPlaysYT

See also

• BMP-2 - Base variant for the BMP-2M.

External links

• [Devblog] Squadron vehicles: BMP-2M "Berezhok"

Squadron ground vehicles
USA	M901 · M1A1 AIM
Germany	Leopard 2 PL
USSR	BMP-2M · T-80UK
Britain	Bhishma TWMP
Japan	RCV (P)
China	Object 122MT "MC"
France	CV 9035NL
Sweden	T 80 U
Israel	Magach 6B Gal