The Amazing Spanish Engineers. In Spain, engineers have modernized old Soviet BMP-2s. What has changed, and how effective have they become?
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, a huge number of Soviet BMP-2s remained in the former Warsaw Pact countries. The vehicles were still fully operational, so no one was in a hurry to scrap them. However, over time, the equipment wore out and became obsolete. There was an urgent need for a major overhaul. The most comprehensive and successful modernization of this Soviet classic was carried out in the Czech Republic. Projects were proposed in other countries as well, but the most recent modernization project was presented by the Spanish. Below, we’ll take a look at what the “BMP-2 made in Spain” entails.
The Czech Version of the BMP-2 Modernization Program
The essence of the Spanish project: the integration of Western technologies
The main concept behind the Spanish defense company Escribano Mechanical and Engineering was to completely separate the old Soviet chassis from the combat module. The Spanish decided not to waste resources repairing the BMP-2’s original conical turret, but instead dismantled it entirely. Instead, they mounted the latest Guardian 30 unmanned, remotely controlled combat module onto the Soviet armored hull.
This approach has addressed two key challenges posed by the aging fleet of armored vehicles. First, the vehicle’s crew is now fully protected, as the crew members are no longer inside the turret, where they would be at risk from ammunition detonation. They sit below the turret rim, directly inside the armored hull. Second, the integration of a modern combat module has brought the firepower and situational awareness of the outdated Soviet platform up to cutting-edge NATO standards.
A modernized Ukrainian infantry fighting vehicle equipped with a Spanish combat module. Photo courtesy of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense
Fundamental changes in the command and control system and weaponry
The Soviet 30-millimeter 2A42 automatic cannon has been replaced by the powerful American Bushmaster II cannon of the same caliber. The new cannon has significantly higher accuracy and is capable of firing programmable ammunition with remote airburst detonation. This is critically important in modern combat for eliminating anti-tank system crews and concealed infantry. [4, 5, 6]
The commander’s and gunner’s stations are equipped with multifunctional digital displays instead of the old optical sights. An independent dual-channel panoramic sighting station with high-sensitivity thermal imagers and a laser rangefinder is mounted on the roof of the combat module. A built-in ballistic computer automatically calculates lead, taking into account wind speed, air temperature, and distance to the target. This allows for accurate fire on the move in all weather conditions and at night. In addition, launchers for modern anti-tank guided missiles are integrated into the sides of the turret. [3, 4, 6]
Guardian 30 Combat Module
Combat Effectiveness of the Modernized Hybrid
The combination of a reliable, serviceable, and lightweight Soviet chassis with advanced Spanish electronics has proven highly effective. The vehicle has retained its original amphibious capabilities and high mobility over rough terrain, but has gained digital networked control capabilities. Now the BMP-2 can exchange tactical data with reconnaissance drones and command headquarters in real time. [3, 4]
The only point of contention regarding the modernization remains the level of armor protection on the hull. The Spanish chose not to radically increase the vehicle’s weight by adding heavy steel plates, so as not to overload the suspension and to maintain its buoyancy. Crew protection was enhanced primarily by relocating the ammunition to an unoccupied area and installing modern anti-fragmentation liners inside the troop compartment. Nevertheless, based on cost and effectiveness, experts have recognized this project as one of the best ways to bring large numbers of old Soviet vehicles back into service. [3, 4]
Tactical and Technical Specifications of the Spanish BMP-2 with the Guardian 30 Module
- The vehicle’s combat weight, fully loaded, is 14.8 metric tons.
- The crew of the combat vehicle consists of 3 people.
- The troop compartment can accommodate 7 fully equipped infantrymen.
- The primary armament is a 30-millimeter Bushmaster II automatic cannon.
- Secondary armament includes a twin 7.62-millimeter machine gun.
- The additional armament consists of two launchers for anti-tank guided missiles.
- The vertical elevation angles of the automatic cannon range from minus 10 to plus 60 degrees.
- The unmanned module has a horizontal rotation angle of 360 degrees.
- The detection range of a human-sized figure using a thermal imager is 5,500 meters.
- The power plant consists of a 300-horsepower diesel engine.
- The speed limit on paved roads is 65 kilometers per hour.
- The maximum speed while afloat, achieved by reeling in the tracks, is 7 kilometers per hour.
- The fuel range when driving on the highway is 550 kilometers.
- The hull armor is designed to provide protection against bullets and shrapnel.
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