The Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation (Russian MoD, Minoboron) unveiled new footage of Airborne Troops’ (Vozdushno-desantnye voyska Rossii, VDV) modernised BRDM-2MS armoured reconnaissance vehicles in action for training mobilised personnel in special military operation area. It differs from its predecessors in increased manoeuvrability and improved armament system with modern aiming and target designation systems that allows its operators to conduct a combat both at day and night time. The Russian forces that were recently mobilized are currently been trained with these new vehicles for possible deployment in Ukraine.
The BRDM-2 (Boyevaya Razvedyvatelnaya Dozornaya Mashina, literally “Combat Reconnaissance/Patrol Vehicle”) is an amphibious armoured scout car used by states that were part of the Soviet Union and its allies. It was also known under the designations BTR-40PB, BTR-40P-2 and GAZ 41-08. This vehicle, like many other Soviet designs, has been exported extensively and is in use in at least 38 countries. It was intended to replace the older BRDM-1, and has improved amphibious capabilities and better armament compared to its predecessor. BRDM-2MS is an improved version of BRDM-2. The modification made for the armed forces of Myanmar, Serbia, Laos, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan.
The BRDM-2MS is fitted with new armor plates mounted around the hull to offer more protection against anti-tank guided missiles and RPGs (Rocket-Propelled Grenades). With the help of new hinged armor, the vehicle can withstand a hit of 14.5 mm KPV machine gun ammunition at distances of 300 meters, side – from 12.7 mm, rear – 7.62. The floor of the vehicle has also been reinforced to provide protection against mines and IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) blasts. The total weight is reduced to 6900 kg. New engine with 150 hp. allows to develop maximum speed on the highway up to 100 km/h, on dirt roads up to 50 km/h. The machine retained the ability to swim across water obstacles.
The BRDM-2MS keeps the original turret and the armament of the BRDM-2, but the roof of the turret is fitted with optics and observation systems. The new fire control system has a stabilized three-channel panoramic commandier sight that can spot the enemy up to 5 km during the day and up to 3,5 km at night. For the all-round view, six cameras are mounted, allowing round-the-clock monitoring of the terrain on four multifunctional panels. The armament is a 14.5 mm KPVT heavy machine gun with a coaxial 7.62 mm PKT general-purpose machine gun as a secondary weapon, both in a small conical BPU-1 turret mounted on the hull in a central position above the belly wheels.