The war in Ukraine has cast a dark shadow over Europe.
Day after day, social media has content that goes viral that shows the aftermath of intense fighting.
We present such an example below:
The Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) Twitter account posted a video back in early March that appears to show the annihilation of a Russian BMP, or boevaya mashina pehoty – a turreted, troop-carrying infantry vehicle.
The video was released along with a caption reading: “The offensive of ruscists in Donetsk region continues according to the same suicidal plan.”
The 53rd Mechanized Brigade is given credit for shooting the video.
In the video, a Russian BMPs attempts to cross a snow-covered minefield in Donetsk.
The field is pockmarked with what appear to be the craters resulting from previous landmine detonations.
The husks of previously destroyed Russian equipment litter the ground.
The field looks inhospitable.
In attempting to cross the minefield, the BMP, predictably, appears to trigger a landmine, causing an explosion that completely destroys the BMP.
Later, two more BMPs are shown attempting to cross the same minefield.
The lead BMP is destroyed, again appearing to roll over a landmine, and the trailing BMP turns back.
Each BMP is presumably loaded with infantry personnel, who do not appear to survive the blasts.
What is Russia’s BMP Vehicle?
The Russian Army had nearly 800 BMPs in service.
Reportedly, over 200 or more have been destroyed, captured, or abandoned during the Russo-Ukraine War.
The BMP-3 is the most recent BMP design, with over 2,000 units built.
The BMP-3 is heavily armed infantry combat vehicle, outfitted with a low-velocity 2A70 100mm rifled gun capable of firing either conventional shells or 9M117 Bastion ATGMs.
Additionally, the BMP-3 features a 2A272 30mm dual feed autocannon with 500 rounds. The 2A272 is capable of firing between 350 and 400 rounds per minute, or over five rounds per second.
Lastly, two 7.62mm PKT bow machine guns are mounted on the BMP-3.
Allegedly, the BMP-3 can fire all of its weaponry whether the vehicle is stationary or moving.
To aid in weapon targeting and accuracy, the BMP-3 is outfitted with a 1V539 ballistic computer, a crosswind sensor, a 2E52-2 stabilizing system, a 1D16-3 laser rangefinder, a 1K13-2 gunner’s sight/guidance device, a PPB-1gunner’s sight and an OU-5-1 IR searchlight.
As demonstrated in the minefield video, the BMP is rather mobile – despite featuring an unconventional layout.
The BMP’s engine, a 500-horsepower UTD-29M, is located in the back of the vehicle (whereas most other comparable vehicles feature the engine towards the hull). The engine is a diesel four-stroke with liquid cooling.
The transmission is a four-speed. The BMP has a range of 600 kilometers and can be operated at altitudes up to 3,000 meters.
The BMP-3 features a variety of countermeasures (which don’t help all that much in the event a BMP rolls over a Ukrainian landmine). The hull and turret are constructed from high-strength aluminum alloy. The front of the hull even features an extra steel plate, welded on.
The BMP has a self-sealing fuel tank to reduce the likelihood of the fuel tank exploding should the BMP take fire. The BMP is effective at reducing the destructive power of shaped charge warheads and autocannon shells – but is still susceptible to landmines.
Ukraine Has BMPs
The Russians aren’t the only ones using the BMP in Ukraine.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine have captured an unknown number of BMPs and put them into service fighting against the Russian invaders.
The BMPs featured in the video will not be captured and put into service for the Ukrainians, however; the BMPs featured in the video appear to have been fully destroyed.
The offensive of ruscists in Donetsk region continues according to the same suicidal plan.
???? 53rd Mechanized Brigade pic.twitter.com/jlaiWeXxZf— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 1, 2023
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Harrison Kass is the Senior Editor at 19FortyFive. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, Harrison joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken.
