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Russian Army Gets New BMP-3s with Anti-Drone Grills Straight from the Factory.
The Russian Army has received a new batch of BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles, now equipped with additional protection, including against drones.
The Russian state corporation Rostec reported the delivery on April 9.
These vehicles are leaving the factory with anti-drone grills designed to provide extra protection for Russian forces on the battlefield.
This marks the second batch of such armored vehicles to be delivered to the Russian Army this year, following the arrival of the first batch in early February.
It is claimed that the BMP-3s come with additional mounted armor and anti-cumulative grills covering the side projections and nose of the vehicle.
In addition, the new BMPs are equipped with quick-detachable anti-drone “braziers” and “cloaks” made of non-combustible material to reduce visibility in thermal and radar spectrums.
Russia hopes these upgrades will increase the survivability of their vehicles in combat.
Rostec also announced that since 2022, they have increased production of light armored vehicles by nearly three times.
In addition to factory modifications, Russian forces are also retrofitting BMP-3s with DIY-made “braziers,” screens, and electronic warfare systems to protect them from drones, which have become a primary threat to armored vehicles. Recently, a photo of one such retrofitted BMP-3 appeared on Russian propaganda resources.
BMP-3
The BMP-3, developed by the Soviet Union, is armed with a 100-mm 2A70 cannon, a 2A72 30mm automatic cannon, and a PKTM 7.62mm machine gun. It is designed to transport personnel to the front line, enhance the mobility and protection of troops, and engage tanks in combat.
Unlike previous Soviet-era combat vehicles, the BMP-3 features a new chassis, engine, weapons system, and hydromechanical transmission. The engine transmission compartment was relocated from the front to the rear, following a tank-style layout.
Last spring, Russian forces were spotted using a BMP-3 fitted with the Cactus dynamic protection kit, which is intended to improve the vehicle’s survivability against Ukrainian strike drones, widely used on the front lines.
BMP-3 vs. Bradley
In April 2025, Russia published the results of a study on the M2A2 Bradley ODS SA infantry fighting vehicle, which was captured from Ukrainian forces. The findings suggest that the American vehicle outperforms the BMP-3 in several key areas.