In 2021, a batch of 10 modernized BMP-2M infantry fighting vehicles and 10 Shturm-SM self-propelled combat vehicles will enter service with the 6th Guards Motor Rifle Vitebsk-Novgorod Twice Red Banner (Ural Guards Tank) Division of the Russian Central Military District (CVO), stationed in the Chelyabinsk and Sverdlovsk regions. This year, the armament fleet of armored reconnaissance units also will be supplemented by the Sobolyatnik-O multifunctional detection unit. The 6th Guards Motor Rifle Vitebsk-Novgorod Twice Red Banner Division was a Soviet motor rifle division, which after the end of World War II was stationed on the Polish territory as part of Northern Group of Forces.
The BMP-2M infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) is an upgraded version of the BMP-2 IFV. Designed and developed by Kurganmashzavod JSC, the IFV offers improved mobility and fire power for armed forces. The weapon system for the upgraded vehicle is provided by KBP Instrument Design Bureau. Two versions of the upgraded vehicle have been developed in the process of BMP-2 modernization: the first variant (sb4-2) is designed for combating enemy manpower and the second (sb4-3) – for use in tank approach routes. To counter enemy tanks and other heavily armored vehicles, the BMP-2M (sb4-2) is fitted with the Konkurs-M second-generation anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system.
The Shturm-SM self-propelled antitank missile system is an upgraded version of the Shturm-S. The Shturm-SM carrier is based on MT-LB multi-purpose armored vehiclewith a retractable launcher for 9M114 Kokon ATGM. This missile is known in the West as AT-6 or Spiral. Radio link allows the missile to travel faster and further than if it had wire guidance. This amphibious vehicle was widely used by the Soviets for a whole host of support roles. The vehicle carries 12 missiles on board and crew of 2. The main role of the Shturm-SM is to engage enemy tanks, armored vehicles, enemy infantry, buildings, fortifications. It also has a secondary capability against low-flying and slow moving helicopters.
The Sobolyatnik-O (Sable hunter) detection systems designed to monitor the situation at a distance of up to 30 kilometers, which allows analyzing target parameters with an accuracy of 10 meters and classifying them, dividing them into people and equipment.The equipment of reconnaissance units with the latest technical reconnaissance means makes it possible to raise training standards for reconnaissance men who will conduct artillery reconnaissance. Despite its ultra-small weight and size the Sobolyatnik radar reconnaissance station can be used for detecting and simultaneous automatic tracking of up to 20 targets for the purpose of artillery spotting of shell paths and shell bursts.
