Russian Army/Ground Forces Discussion and Updates

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Update.

There is unconfirmed information that Russia is reorganizing the defense industry internally with the factories and design bureaus associated with artillery no longer being an organic part of UVZ.


An updated T-90M variant with the K-5 tiles on the roof and Relikt on the sides have been re-arranged to improve coverage. The question of why this wasn't to begin with of course remains hanging. Overall this is a very modest change after such heavy fighting. Either the T-90M has shown itself well under current conditions with no obvious improvements to be made or Russian defense industry isn't up to the job. It's likely a combination of the two factors.


Another BMP-3 batch ships. Note the videos provided raise questions. They're well designed videos but they also show the vehicles very clearly. And we don't see any of the additional armor mounts that are typical of the BMP-3Ms that we saw in production pre-war. Has Kurganmash reverted to BMP-3s without the extra armor mounting points? Or is the footage old? In which case, did a delivery even take place?


Russian BMP-3 production lines at Kurganmash.


A T-72B3 mod'22 (or B1 mod'22?) at the victory day parade in Yekaterinburg. It has the new thermal sight, but not the Sosna-U FCS upgrade. It also has expanded ERA coverage on the rear of the tank.


The 163rd Armor Repair Plant reportedly repaired a record quantity of BMP-2s. The number includes a mix of damaged vehicles from the war and vehicles pulled from storage which makes sense. No total figure is provided but the claim is highly credible.


A production facility for the Zemledelie remote-minelayer. It's a 122mm caliber MLRS but that only fires land mines. It's a sad reminder that Russia can produce packet-reloadable 122mm MLRS but doesn't, instead producing the Tornado-G, while engineer units get a unique 122mm system that only lays mines.


A look at AMZ, the production facility for BTR-82As and Tigr armored cars. Note during this war Russia delivered a batch of BTR-82As and BREM-K ARVs to Belarus despite losses of the type in Ukraine. In general AMZ can put out 800+ armored vehicles per year, and I wouldn't be surprised to see production hit 1000+ vehicles with bottlenecks coming primarily from subcontractors for things like turrets, engines, and comms. For all their limitations, a BTR-82A remains a capable and relevant vehicle in the current conflict, much better then many others fielded by both sides.


After 14 months of war, the Russian MoD has finally deployed a modern IFAK. What Russia had previously was woefully inadequate. Recon and SpN typically purchased their own to supplement, and regular units often depended on volunteer aid to provide.


A look at ATGM and fire arms production at the Degtyarev plant. Note Russia is so far short on ATGMs that there are regular reports of quite old Soviet-era ATGM tubes being used with high failure rates. There has also been a sighting of Iranian Kornet clones in Russian service.


Rosatom is planning new APSFDS DU rounds for T-62s and T-54/55s. Their ability to penetrate a modern western MBT is limited, but when dealing with T-72M1s it's a different story. Obviously these rounds would also be quite effective against light armor of all makes and models.


Chelyabinsk and Kirov regions, Russian production of artillery shells. We know Russia is tapping Soviet reserves hard and there's a good chance Russia is sourcing imports wherever it can.


A large column of AMN-590951s somewhere. The type has been conspicuously absent on the front lines suggesting that it's being used to replace conventional IFVs and APCs being sent to the front.

 

ngatimozart

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Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
I think that the Russians need to reorganise their army command structures, strategy and tactics far quicker than reorganisation of the military industrial complex. The criminal waste of personnel and equipment on the frontline is going to result in a major Russian military defeat and possible collapse more than reorganising the MIC. The Russian commanders both on the frontline an in higher command do not appear to have learned much at all from their military setbacks and defeats.
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
I think that the Russians need to reorganise their army command structures, strategy and tactics far quicker than reorganisation of the military industrial complex. The criminal waste of personnel and equipment on the frontline is going to result in a major Russian military defeat and possible collapse more than reorganising the MIC. The Russian commanders both on the frontline an in higher command do not appear to have learned much at all from their military setbacks and defeats.
You're not alone in this opinion. Personally I also find this reorganization questionable. I'm not seeing the ramp up of military production that we should expect. Don't get me wrong, KurganMash and UVZ are producing more for domestic consumption then they did pre-war. But both the scale of fighting and scale of losses requires entire new production lines.
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Another bucket of news.

Russia apparently intends to mass-equip vehicles with Nakidka. Reportedly its shown itself well in recent combat use.


A fresh batch of BMP-3s was shipped, quantity unclear.


T-64As have been spotted pulled out of storage. Given that nobody in Russia does engine overhauls for them, it raises questions. It's possible they will be used for spare parts for LDNR and captured Ukrainian T-64s.


OTM is shipping another T-80BVMs (likely mod'22s with the simplified FCS). Note they're apparently coming with Nakidka and standardized removable roof cages. This suggests that they have had some effectiveness.


A large delivery of new military equipment took place in South MD. They got 15+ T-90Ms, some quantity of T-72B3s (likely mod'22s), T-62Ms mod'22, and Motovoz Ural trucks.


A simplified Bumerang variant has been patented and a prototype was seen rolling around on a trailer. It seems to retain the up-armored hull but use a BTR-80 related wheels/transmission/engine. Note while the patent looks similar to the BTR-80, the prototype less so. It's hard to say anything for sure at this point, especially since this war hasn't been kind to wheeled vehicles.


Fresh Russian BTR-82AT, and BMP-2Ms have been spotted whose deliveries have not been advertised. Note they have new armored covers for their sights, no doubt a reaction to the current war.


A look at the BMP-3 production lines reveals the same kind of armored doors for BMP-3 sight boxes.


A closer look at a T-72B3 mod'22 in Yekaterinburg. Note the rear ERA and the sightbox.


A fresh batch of 11 upgraded T-90Ms were sent to Center MD. I wonder if the term "upgraded" means they're pulling old T-90s (not T-90A) and upgrading them or if they simply mean these T-90Ms are T-90M mod'23.


A look at Russian turret replacement projects for Soviet BMPs and BTRs. This is the Spitsa module that's currently going into service on Vystrel armored cars. The module in principle looks good, though we don't have any real feedback. The second link has a look at it's production.


Kurganpash has stated they intend to resurrect the 2S18 Pat-S project. This was an aborted "light" 152mm howitzer project. It uses the 2A63 cannon. With its short range and its scarce BMP-3 chassis to me this looks like a terrible idea. Note the type was rejected for service by the Soviet Army back in the '80s.


Reportedly Russia has completed state trials for the 2S43 Mal'va. This is a Frankenstein's monster merging a giant BAZ chassis with an '80s vintage Msta-B howitzer. While technically a wheeled howitzer and likely no worse then a regular Msta-B in service (likely better since its self-propelled) this is a far cry from a modern western wheeled howitzer. In the best case scenario it will feature the same comms and targeting improvements of the Msta-SM but this is not obvious. One might rationalize this as a war-time desperate move, but this project started pre-war. Likely due to the difficulties of adapting the Coalition to a wheeled chassis.


Coalition-SV state trials are set to complete this year. It remains to be seen whether this works out, but it's been long enough. If this can enter production, it might be able to bridge


There are reports that Russia will begin production of the Manul BMP-3 variant. While this designation ("BMP-3 variant") could be used to sidestep the state trials required, and this might be wise given the current war, it's definitely a new vehicle for all practical intents and purposes that simply shares the hull of a BMP-3 and even then not completely. In principle this is a decent vehicle, somewhat behind the latest western IFVs but reasonably modern and as long as Russia can produce a relevant combat module, it should be something Russia can produce. It remains to be seen whether this sensible compromise moves forward. If it does, it will likely be a good choice for Russian motor-rifles for years to come.


Reportedly Russia has produced over 100 BMP-3s in the first quarter of 2023, and overall defense production will quadriple this year. If true, this would mean 400+ BMP-3s for a year. To me this seems to stretch the upper limit of what I thought Kurganmash could do, but it's not impossible. Kurganmash apparently also increased production at their Volgograd branch and raised salaries by 11.3%. They also claim MBT production in the first quarter equivalent of all production from last year. This seems questionable.


The 163rd Armored Repair Plant reports record numbers of BMP-2s repaired, namely "hundreds" though this is likely '22 and '23.


A look at FPV drone production in Tambov, likely just assembly from imported components.


Russia is forming the 40th Army Corps in South MD. It's unclear what will go into it, possibly a batch of new units.

 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
There are some interesting statements recently made regarding Russian MBT plans. First off we have Murakhovskiy claiming that the first T-14 tank company (formed iirc late last year from what I saw) has been disbanded and the tank is up for additional development with the earliest reforming of any unit on it being at least 2024. This doesn't mean a unit will be formed in 2024. It means one won't be formed until then for sure at least according to him. There was a flurry of activity with what appeared to be a test company of T-14s being formed in Kazan previously and it's likely there was an intent to send them to the front. TASS claims they actually did go to the front, but if they did it was quite brief (possibly for some UAV-supported indirect fires).


Next we have a statement from UVZ claiming they will resume full scale T-80 production. Note it appears the intent is to produce an upgraded T-80 variant, possibly using the OKR Burlak turret. I recall hearing that the Burlak was supposed to carry the 2A82 cannon at some point but of course it's not clear what this would look like in practice. It's also not clear Russia can produce the OKR Burlak which would in effect be a new tank. It has a dual autoloader (one in a carousel under the turret, the other in the rear of the turret) new armor design (OKR Burlak featured modular turret armor), an APS, and a new FCS. How much of that will be in play here is unclear. Logically they would retain the Relikt ERA of the T-80BVM, and the FCS matching either the T-80BVM mod'22 or the T-90M depending on Sosna availability. New modular turret armor is an open question, as is what cannon it will carry (the 2A82 would be ideal), and the dual autoloaders. It's very much unclear that Russia will be able to restart production, and it's important to note that the T-80B series were under-armored by Russian standards. Presumably they will be using a hull armor comparable to or matching that of a T-90M. Which raises of course the important question; why bother with the T-80 at all? If the desire is to resurrect the Burlak today, why not use the T-90M chassis? Andrei Tarasenko speculates that issues with the T-14 engine buried that project. This is certainly possible. But the T-90M is in serial production and in the armed forces on a fairly large scale, with many units using it on the front lines. Why bother with the gas-turbine? Or is the intent to really design a new tank around the OKR Burlak turret, a gas-turbine engine, and a new armor package? It's very murky. We really could have anything, from a new T-80BVM variant but with some more improvements, to an alternative FMBT project. Feasibility remains an open question as do timelines.

 

Big_Zucchini

Well-Known Member
If Russia stays on its current course, it's fairly soon going to remain anywhere from a minor threat to eastern Europe, to a purely defensive force (according to a report from: link)
Churning out a few hundred AFVs annually is not going to cut it. It needs much higher production. And the sooner it begins, the better for it. I think that's going to be a major factor in how non-ambitious Russia eventually decides the new tank is going to be.
T-90M and T-80BVM pre-2022 are going to be difficult to manufacture because of foreign parts, and the downsized obr.2022/2023 models are probably a good indicator for the way ahead.

China continues to be a wild card. Okay, it doesn't send tanks to Russia despite its massive production capability - but not even components? Regardless, Russia can try to get the most out of bending the metal a different way, assuming new form factors for MBTs and general AFVs that can provide higher effect. Infuse that with civilian tech and they can get a fairly solid solution for the time being. Even if they buy made-in-China civilian thermals that can only see to several hundred meters with bad resolution and connected with an exposed cable to a barely hanging screen inside, it's better than nothing.

Until Russia can start producing a viable MBT, I assume we'll start seeing heightened refurbishment and even manufacture of towed guns as substitutes.
 
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Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
If Russia stays on its current course, it's fairly soon going to remain anywhere from a minor threat to eastern Europe, to a purely defensive force (according to a report from: link)
Churning out a few hundred AFVs annually is not going to cut it. It needs much higher production. And the sooner it begins, the better for it. I think that's going to be a major factor in how non-ambitious Russia eventually decides the new tank is going to be.
T-90M and T-80BVM pre-2022 are going to be difficult to manufacture because of foreign parts, and the downsized obr.2022/2023 models are probably a good indicator for the way ahead.
Good point. Counter-point, T-90M production seems to be continuing. The news above are about resurrecting T-80 production at the OTM plant, not about shifting UVZ over to T-80 production.

On the question of scale, I believe Russia produces much more then a few hundred AFVs. Combined MRAP, BTR, BMP, and MBT production, as well as various armored trucks, we're probably looking at something between 1 and 2 thousand vehicles a year.

China continues to be a wild card. Okay, it doesn't send tanks to Russia despite its massive production capability - but not even components? Regardless, Russia can try to get the most out of bending the metal a different way, assuming new form factors for MBTs and general AFVs that can provide higher effect. Infuse that with civilian tech and they can get a fairly solid solution for the time being. Even if they buy made-in-China civilian thermals that can only see to several hundred meters with bad resolution and connected with an exposed cable to a barely hanging screen inside, it's better than nothing.

Until Russia can start producing a viable MBT, I assume we'll start seeing heightened refurbishment and even manufacture of towed guns as substitutes.
Is there something I missed? To the best of my knowledge T-90M production is still ongoing. That's a viable MBT, modern even.
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Update.

The Kurganets program is apparently either being reconfigured or was already reconfigured. The statement we have also mentions ongoing trials for the type. Personally I'm more curious about the Manul BMP-3 variant production. That seems like a far more realistic option.


A look at the latest T-80BVM mod'23. The roof cage is now a standard removeable design, with ERA on it. It has new ERA on the sides and front of the hull, and anti-UAV EW mounted on the turret reportedly with effective range from 600-1000m.


Land Forces have gotten a new batch BREM-1Ms from UVZ, completing the 2023 deliveries early.


Kurganmash has sent a new batch of BMP-3s, that include both new vehicles and rebuilt ones (quite possible damaged vehicles from the front). Reportedly they're delivering up-armor kits for every new BMP-3.


BMP-2M deliveries continue. Note the Berezhok module is a relatively complex and high-tech system. Continued production of the type raises questions.


Another look at the new "BTR-82A Improved", which is reportedly also referred to as the BTR-22. I'm going to use the latter designation moving forward since it makes the most sense. There are turret options for it presented, the simple BTR-82A turret, and an upgraded module with a 2A42 autocannon and for some reason the old 9M111 ATGM on it. This latter part makes no sense since old BMP-2s are being rearmed with Kornets as part of the upgrade program. But a brand new APC will carry the old Soviet system? The BTR-22 is reportedly undergoing trials, but is being developed by the factory on their own initiative. In other words, the MoD hasn't asked for this. It would make sense for Russia to purchase the type in principle, assuming it can pass trials. But this situation means it's in factory not state trials. It's unclear how quickly it could be inducted.


We have a rare shot of a T-14 undergoing trials for it's APS. Note even if the MBT doesn't go into production, the APS in question is still needed for other vehicles.


A number of new units are being formed in the Russian Armed Forces. The 22nd Corps of the Black Sea Fleet are being expanded into the 18th Army which include a 70th MRDiv, in it a 28th MRRgt is already active. Also in South MD is a new 47th MRDiv. A new 25th Army is being formed in the Urals which will include the 67th Motor-Rifles. The Northern Fleet's 14th Army Corps will also be turning into an Army. The 155th MarBde is being turned into the 55th MarDiv. This is a logical step since the unit has already formed not one but two volunteer btlns, so currently stands at 5 btlns. The 31st VDV Bde will be turned into the 104th VDV Div. In South MD, Krasnodar area, the VDV has gotten a 52nd Arty Bde using Giatsint-B towed guns. In West MD, near St. Peteresburg, a 17th Heavy Arty Bde is being formed, with 2S7s and 2S4s for guns. Reportedly 5 such brigades are planned. Also in West MD, a 3rd Army Corps is completing formation, and a 6th MRDiv.A 40th Army corps have been formed, with a 144th MRBde in it. A 72nd MRBde is also being formed.


As part of the recent Army-2023 forum Russia has ordered additional Tor-M2 systems, and Shoygu recently visited the factory. It's interesting that production of the type appears to be continuing despite the sanctions.


Also from Army-2023, the Spartak MRAP with various loadouts. Noteworthy is the one carrying an S-60 in the back. Improvised S-60 guntrucks are quite common and it makes sense to use an armored truck.


Otherwise noteworthy is the contract for 2S34 Mal'va SP Howitzers.


Also from Army-2023 is a new piece of Russian SHORAD, using 23mm autocannons, EO, and radar, on a BTR-82A chassis. This is clearly meant for anti-UAV work.


Russia's 1430th Motor-Rifles Rgt with their T-55As. The tanks have no upgrades of any kind, and it's not clear if they intend to use them as tanks or as improvised SP Arty.

 

Big_Zucchini

Well-Known Member
We have a rare shot of a T-14 undergoing trials for it's APS. Note even if the MBT doesn't go into production, the APS in question is still needed for other vehicles.
In the grand Armata program, sanctions probably hit Afghanit the hardest. It's not easy to downsize a 3D (let alone a 4D) radar to fit multiple units on a tank, especially when many western components are restricted.
It's also not easy to redesign the pre-war product to cover a hemisphere rather than just the front. Afghanit will need to evolve quite substantially. A discouraging factor for Russia is that others like China, Turkey, South Korea, are struggling in the same efforts.
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
In the grand Armata program, sanctions probably hit Afghanit the hardest. It's not easy to downsize a 3D (let alone a 4D) radar to fit multiple units on a tank, especially when many western components are restricted.
It's also not easy to redesign the pre-war product to cover a hemisphere rather than just the front. Afghanit will need to evolve quite substantially. A discouraging factor for Russia is that others like China, Turkey, South Korea, are struggling in the same efforts.
It appears some sort of trials are continuing. We just had some footage leaked from live-fires. It's possible the info about the first company doing experimental exploitation wasn't disbanded. The entire situation is very murky. Aside from the Afghanit, I think the biggest advantage of the T-14 is the new 2A82 cannon and armor package (assuming what has been leaked/released is accurate). If that technology can be adapted to a T-90M2, or Burlak follow-on much of the benefit can be retained.

 

Attachments

Big_Zucchini

Well-Known Member
It appears some sort of trials are continuing. We just had some footage leaked from live-fires. It's possible the info about the first company doing experimental exploitation wasn't disbanded. The entire situation is very murky. Aside from the Afghanit, I think the biggest advantage of the T-14 is the new 2A82 cannon and armor package (assuming what has been leaked/released is accurate). If that technology can be adapted to a T-90M2, or Burlak follow-on much of the benefit can be retained.

Unless we can somehow date this video, it's pointless. I've seen a few projects in my life that were cancelled but bits of information kept coming out as if they were active.
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Update.

A look at an unmanned wheeled platform presented under the name Zubilo at Army-2023. Note while it's shown carrying a ZU-23-2, presumably it could carry quite a few different thing.


Also from Army-2023, an up-armored Tigr-M. I find the variant questionable, situational awareness out of it would be terrible. The protection level for the wheels can't be great, and no doubt the extra weight has a negative impact on lifespan and mobility.


Another tank-based EW system, the Triton, presented recently. Unlike the Volnorez, this one isn't being used in the field yet.


Another piece on new units being formed in the Russian Ground Forces. The VDV has formed a 44th Division out of two motor-rifle regiments, one the former DNR 111th mobilized regiment, the other the 387th. Note in the past the 44th VDV was turned into the 242nd Training Center and that unit still exists. The 98th and 106th VDV each got a third regiment, a tank btln, and their' artillery has switched to 152mm, likely reflecting a shortage of 122mm both guns and shells. In Center MD, as part of the 25th Army, a new 164th MRBde was formed. Not yet formed but planned is an 11th Tanks, and a 73rd Arty Bdes.


It appears the plan is for all VDV units to have their own MBTs moving forward.


The VDV has apparently received two batches of repaired BMD-2s. Theoretically these could have been pulled from storage, but I don't think there were many BMDs left in storage. It's true a few had been swapped out for BMD-4Ms, but those went to re-arm para-assault bdes that were riding regular BMP-2s up to that point. I suspect this is a mass-return to service of damaged vehicles from early in the war that have finally been repaired.


Russia apparently has plans to create recon-assault bdes as part of the land forces. What these would look like in practice is unclear. No unit of this classification exists today. My best guess is that we're looking at a heavier version of SpN Bdes. Reportedly they will have light and heavy armor in them.


A look at Russia's new standardized roof cage. While these drew much mockery from the internet early in the war, roof cages have become staples for both sides.


A fresh batch of BMP-3 (Ms? presumably) has been delivered by Kurganmash.


Reportedly the 2S40 Floks has been accepted for service and the first batch has been delivered. It's the same gun-mortar 120mm combined system used on the Vena. In principle this is a good addition, but the question of quantities remains. Of course unlike the Vena this uses an armored Ural chassis, something Russia can theoretically produce in much larger quantities, saving the valuable tracked AFV chassis for BMP production.


A fresh video from UVZ. It appears T-90 production is still ongoing.


EDIT: I missed two pieces. One is the recent T-72B3 mod'23 delivery, with new standard roof cages.


The other is a new delivery of the Zemledelie remote minelayers. Essentially an MLRS for mines with packet reloading. I'm waiting for this mess to come full circle, when they start producing regular rockets for it, but in reloadable packets.

 
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Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Update.

Russian ground forces have taken delivery of another BMP-3 batch. With the losses of the current war, the Russian ground forces have been receiving these at the maximum rate Kurganmash has been able to pull off. It's been repeatedly stated that all new BMP-3s are coming with up-armored kits. However that hasn't been visible at the front. They could be lying. It could also be the case that footage is scarce.


Kalashnikov concern has completed a 3 year contract for AK-12 production. The rifle has seen extensive use in the current war, and a modified variant has been entered service in 2023. Note, there is another modified variant scheduled to enter production, but the changes are mostly minimal, relating to the rail mounts on the handle guard, the buttstock, the pistol grip, and the suppressor.


The first batch of 2S34s have entered service. Note this is essentially a Msta-B/S hybrid on a BAZ truck chassis. It's unclear what the fire control system looks like. It's undoubtedly preferable to D-20s pulled from storage, but I have my doubts about the type.


There have been interesting but non-specific claims related to a Russian ground-based laser cannon. We now have footage of what that might be. Unsurprisingly it looks like a typical laser cannon, but on a T-90-ish chassis.


The 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV has completed state trials and officially been accepted for service. It remains to be seen whether this translates into any serial deliveries. Russian ground forces desperately need a longer ranged howitzer to compete with western Caeasr and PzH-2000 howitzers in Ukraine.


And we have confirmation that T-90M production is continuing. It's been a while since we've had news, but there is an increased level of secrecy which makes it hard to say whether we're looking at a lower rate of production or a lower rate of media coverage.

 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Update.

The biggest recent news is that the 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV has been accepted for service. As discussed previously the project is currently on the T-90M chassis. With that in mind there are some interesting questions. For example we saw the 2S43 Mal'va accepted for service recently which is a Msta howitzer on a BAZ wheeled chassis. Is it possible the intent is to leave the tracked chassis to the more advanced 2S35? It might be the case that the production of Koalitsiya howitzers is done on a separate production line from the Msta, and considering the ongoing war Russia will produce the types side by side to maximize output. Unlike MBT production and light armor production, we saw virtually no increase in artillery production this war so far. It's been the same 2 btlns per year of Msta-SM. That's 36 cannons to be clear, not exactly much in light of the current losses.


We have sighting of a train carrying the Uragan-1 MLRS. Note unlike the Uragan-1M this is is the traditional BM-27 launcher on a BAZ chassis. It likely has new comms but otherwise should be nearly identical. I believe these might be launchers out of storage with their ancient chassis being hard to repair. Alternatively these could be damaged BM-27s from the front refitted with a new chassis. This is particularly curious in light of a recent announcement that the ultimate plan is to phase out the Uragan for the Tornado-S, i.e. an upgraded Smerch. These plans are logical and Uragan production was not ongoing.


State trials for the 2S42 Lotos are now planned to start at the end of winter and run through spring. Note there are some questions about the future of the chassis, including whether BMD production will even be a thing post-war. However the turret and gun are a further development of the Vena, and certainly make sense even on a BMP-3 chassis.


Russia is continuing the delivery of SP-ATGM carriers with both new Khrizantema systems and Shturm-S pulled from storage. In the context of the current war I guess it makes some sense to use what you have, but I seriously question expending limited BMP-3 chassis on this, given the current situation. FPV drones and loitering munitions are clearly the future. This almost certainly means a BMP-3 or BTR-82A chassis with a one or two quad-containers of the Lancet variant. Possibly even a Tigr-M or some MRAP chassis. Certainly something like the Khrizantema has no place in the future ORBAT.


Rounding out the topic of artillery, Russia has begun forming super-heavy artillery brigades in every army and corps. The brigades will likely be one btln each of 2S7s and 2S4s.


Russian Kornet ATGM deliveries for the year were completed early.


Kurganmash has delivered 2 new batches of BMP-3s, and BTR-MDMs. Notably absent are BMD-4Ms. It's curious that BTR-MDM production is continuing and is likely due to it being a separate production line. A batch of upgraded BMP-2Ms with Berezhok modules were also delivered. BMP-3 deliveries are constantly mentioned as coming with extra armor kits. Pre-war Russia purchased some similar kits for BMP-2s, and it would make a lot of sense to pair those with the Berezhok module to produce something approaching a modern IFV. However things have been quiet on that front.


OTM opened a new production space for tracks for T-80s and derived vehicles.


Russia has resumed production of GTD-1250 gas turbine tank engines for the T-80 in Kaluga. This might be a necessity with restoring older tanks and repairing damaged ones. It could also be preparation for the announced resumption of T-80 production.


A look inside UVZ's tank production. Noteworthy is the new layout of roof ERA, and the replacement of the condition by a simple fan. Note this indicates some continuing production and adaptation including simplification and improvement.


It appears Roskosmos is involved in Tornado-S munition production. As the war continues more and more resources will get tapped for projects like this.


And the Lipetsk mechanical plant is now joining repair efforts for Russian SAMs.


Despite dealys, work on the next generation platforms is continuing. The Bumerang is undergoing trials, and the Armata BREM is also in testing though likely not state trials.

 

AnastasM

New Member
Army to field new rifle, machine gun, and optic in 2024



My video about the new XM series. Is that a THE END for most of the Russian body armor?


@AnastasM It is against the rules to promote businesses, channels etc. If you wish to advertise your channel, contact the Web master. I have deleted the text promoting your channel.

Ngatimozart
 
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Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Update.

BMP-3 production seems to be going strong with the first batch of 2024 arriving in February.


The Rubtsov machinebuilding plant has shipped a fresh batch of BMP-1AMs. Note while the type is not an impressive or modern vehicle overall, it's much better then a standard BMP-1. It standardizes the engine to the same UTD-20 variant used on the BMP-2, and it features a fully stabilized turret with a 30mm autocannon. It also features comms improvements, and some reports say it includes a new spall liner.


Eugene Tonkih, commander of the 98th VDV, has been promoted to Major General. In the Russian rank structure this is the first General rank. Presumably prior to this the division commander was a colonel.


The Lipetsk machinebuilding plant has gotten state defense orders and has spun up production of armored SAM chassis, and armored panels for light armor vehicles.


NII Stali reports a triple increase in the state defense order since 2022. Note NII Stali is the primary ERA producer, something Russian ground forces are badly short on.


A look at continuing MBT production, as well as upgrades of vintage models at UVZ. War time simplification is continuing to take its toll. The new T-90M doesn't have a device for measuring barrel bend. Evolution of the new two-layer ERA sideskirts continues. Their main issue is that they don't stay attached very well in field conditions. There are continued improvements to the protection of exposed elements on the roof of the tank. It's also interesting to note that we're seeing plenty of T-72B3 mod '23s but with the full Sosna sight box. It's possible Russia has overcome production bottlenecks and expand production enough to equip both new T-90Ms and upgraded 72s. Also noteworthy are the armored doors on the Sosna. Lastly we see at least one lonely BMPT.


New BREM-1Ms are coming with standard mounts for ERA and Tucha smoke launchers.


Fresh T-80BVMs heading to the fight. They're kitted out with the new Krysha module.


ChTZ Uraltrak, part of UVZ, reports engine production exceeding Soviet levels (at that factory). For many Russian defense manufacturers the current war is a godsend.


A new Tayfun 4X4 MRAP variant called the Titan is undergoing trials. It's unclear what turret it will carry in production, it's been seen with the 30mm autocannon unmanned turret, and a regular open armored box for a machinegunner.


Delivery of the Linza MEDEVAC MRAPs is continuing.


A look at the ATGM mount on a BTR-82A. We've seen this set up before, though clearly not all of them have it.


From a recent visit by Shoygu we have some footage of Russian loitering munition production.


UVZ has registered the TOS-3 trademark. Called Dragon it appears to be a TOS-2 module on an MBT chassis, so not really a new vehicle. Using both tracked and wheeled chassis makes sense in principle.


Russia is producing uparmor kits for trucks and SUVs for the military.


Russia is producing wartime mobilization shells that use TNT instead of hexal for explosives. This makes them less effective, but apparently allows additional production volume. Note this is coupled with an overall increase in production volume including continued production of shells with hexal with longer range. In other words, we have a side-by-side increase in production of mobilization variant shells and higher end better quality shells.


Uraltransmash is reporting a 6X increase in SP howitzer production. I find this hard to believe. Pre-war Russia could produce 2 18-gun btlns of Msta-SM. A 6X increase would indicate a production of 216 howitzers per year. We're not seeing those new Msta-SM hit the front lines.


2S35s in the Uraltransmash factory. 6 of these are due in February for the first line battery.


Russian Armed Forces received a final batch of 2S19 and 2S4 upgraded variants in 2023.


A ground forces version of the Pantsyr is reportedly undergoing trials on a tracked chassis. This is very logical and overdue in my opinion.


Testing of an updated Kurganets variant continues. It remains unclear whether Russia will go for the BMP-3 Manul variant or a Kurganets variant in the end.


Russia has begun deliveries of the SVCh DM rifles, an SVD replacement. It remains to be seen whether they are accurate or reliable enough.

 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
I couldn't wait to share this particular tidbit of hilarity. If you recall the Russian Ground Forces employ the following multiple-launch rocket systems;

BM-21 Grad/Tornado-G 122mm
BM-27 Uragan 220mm
BM-30 Smerch/Tornado-S 300mm
TOS-1/1A/2 Buratino/Tosochka 220mm
Zemledelie (remote minelayer) 140mm

Out of all of these systems to the best of my knowledge only the last one uses packet reloading. And it doesn't match the caliber of anything else. In chassis size it's somewhere in between a Grad and an Uragan, closer to the latter. We've also seen 0.5 variants of the BM-30 that carry 6 instead of 12 tubes on a smaller chassis. The logical thing would be to standardize these systems around the Zemledelie variant for all missiles, except maybe the BM-30 which could be standardized with the Iskander TEL for size reasons.

Well... the Zemledelie is getting MLRS capability. For the least common and out of production system, the 220mm Uragan. It will also be able to use the thermobaric shells of the TOS family. Which is of course the pinnacle of absurdity. What's the point of the TOS-2 at all if the same engineer branch that has the Zemledelie also has the TOS-2? Why isn't there a 122mm packet option to replace the ancient Grads? And the Uragan itself has been announced to be planned for phasing out completely, to be replaced by Tornado-S systems. The most logical system to serve as a unified launcher is being expanded but to operate in either a duplicate capacity to the brand new TOS-2, or to operate a munition that's going to be disappearing from use (presumably). We used to have an emoji that was beating it's head against a wall. I wish we still had it. :rolleyes:


P.S. I don't believe the 220mm Uragan has a guided missile variant unlike the BM-30...
 
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