File image.
The Russian military has destroyed close to a dozen of Ukraine’s locally-upgraded BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles, known as BMP-1TS, since the start of the year.
The main feature of the BMP-1TS is the Spys remote weapon station (RWS), which has a ZTM-1 30 mm automatic cannon with 300 rounds of ammunition, a KT-7.62 machine gun with 350 ready rounds of ammunition and a total of 2,100 rounds carried, a KBA-117 AGS 30 mm grenade launcher with 116 rounds on board, 29 ready to use, and Skif anti-tank guided missiles, one installed in each side and two more in storage.
The Spys station is equipped with a Syntez fire-control system consisting of a Kazhan-3K15 sighting complex with both thermal and optical TV cameras as well as a laser rangefinder.
The BMP-1TS upgrade package does not include any changes to the chassis, protection or automotive qualities of the BMP-1, and the only other addition to the Spys RWS is a Motorola DM4601 radio.
Only a few hundred Soviet-era BMP-1 IFVs, reportedly close to 400, are still in service with Kiev forces. Many of these vehicles were supplied by Eastern European NATO members after the start of the Russian special military operation more than three years ago. It is unclear how many were upgraded by Kiev forces to the BMP-1TS standard, but the number is likely in the dozens.
Up until August 9, eleven videos showing Ukrainian BMP-1TS destroyed or being destroyed by the Russian military, mostly using FPV suicide drones, were posted to social network. The total number of destroyed IFVs of this type is more than 30, according to observers.
Ukraine’s efforts to upgrade its aging BMP-1s is likely meant to stretch its current arsenal as NATO backers lower their support, especially when it comes to armored vehicles.
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i am sure an upgrade like that attracts a lot of drones💯🤫💯