BWP-3 for Indonesia

According to unofficial information, Izvestia , Russia is negotiating an agreement to sell tens of BWP-3 (BMP-3) for Indonesia, probably for more than $ 100 million.

The main weaknesses of BWP-3 are installed in the rear of the engine - which greatly complicates the landing operation - and weak armor of aluminum sheets. In the standard version, it provides protection against fire from guns and 30 mm, a distance of over 300 m and small arms caliber 7.62 mm at the back and sides.

The Russian newspaper reports that the sale negotiates Rosobronexport 60 vehicles, 20 of which will be delivered before the end of this year. Agreement should be signed on 10 February. Representatives of manufacturers BWP-3, Kurgan Machine Factory (Kurganmaszzawod), said they plan to produce upgraded cars for Indonesia.

Land Forces of this country have about 500 transporters and BWP several suppliers. The largest group - about 200 copies - are, however, the old AMX-VTT, developed in the middle of last year in France, the AMX light tank chassis. Purchase of Russian BWP-3 would allow for a significant rejuvenation of the Indonesian fleet of armored cars.

If the reports of sales of cars Kurganmaszzawodu become a reality, it will be quite successful Rosobronexportu. The Russian army stopped buying because BWP-3 in 2010, claiming that it is a good outlook design. The main objections put forward against low armor, calling for the development of a completely new vehicle.

It is true that a mass of less than 19 t of limited dimensions, the possibility of upgrading the car is limited. For comparison - the German Puma at larger size has a mass of 31.5 tonnes, which increased to 43 t for the use of additional armor.