MOSCOW, October 31. /TASS/. Kurganmashzavod (part of High Precision Systems Holding Company within the state tech corporation Rostec) has delivered a new batch of BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles to Russian troops, the Company’s press office announced on Tuesday.
"Kurganmashzavod (part of High Precision Systems Holding Company within the state corporation Rostec) sent a new batch of BMP-3s to the Russian Defense Ministry in late October under the defense procurement plan. The enterprise monthly delivers the required amount of infantry fighting vehicles, consistently ramping up output," the press office said in a statement.
BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles are well suited for operation in low temperatures, which is important, considering the approaching winter. The vehicles are easy to get started in any weather, including in temperatures of minus 40 degrees Celsius, it said.
"The vehicle has proven its worth. The new batch is going to the troops. The enterprise is successfully fulfilling the defense procurement plan. I want to thank the entire enterprise for that," the press office quoted Chief of the Defense Ministry’s Main Automotive and Armor Department Alexander Shestakov as saying.
The BMP-3 infantry combat vehicle was developed by the Special Engineering Design Bureau in the second half of the 1980s and is produced by Kurganmashzavod. The vehicle can carry a crew of three and seven assault personnel.
The amphibious vehicle features a 100mm gun capable of firing missiles and three 7.62mm (one coaxial and two bow) machineguns. The BMP-3 weighs 18.7 metric tons and can accelerate to 70 km/h on the road. The combat vehicle has been operational in the Russian Army since 1987.