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| After the BMP-3 Unmanned Combat Vehicle, Russia will Develop Unmanned MLRS |
International Military - After introducing the BMP-3 robotic (unmanned) infantry fighting vehicle last year, Russian technology companies are now exploring ways to develop a multi-barreled multiple rocket launcher system (MLRS) that is also unmanned.
Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov told TASS in an interview commemorating the state company's 15th anniversary on Wednesday. “Our company has engineered a robotic BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle with the Sinitsa combat module that can be controlled remotely or operates autonomously. Other types of hardware can be robotized, including some rocket launch systems. Why not?" he said.
Hardware military robotization is recognized as a major trend in recent years. Unmanned combat vehicles can partially replace the role of humans on the battlefield and operate in network-centric warfare, continued Chemezov.
Regarding the BMP-3 with the Sinitsa combat module, this vehicle was jointly developed by Kurganmashzavod (KMZ) and the All-Russian Research Institute Signal. Both are part of High Precision Systems Holding Company.
The unmanned BMP-3 has been demonstrated at the Army 2022 international arms exhibition in Russia. The combat vehicle can be operated both by the crew and remotely with the help of a portable control panel.
The BMP-3 is designed to provide fire support for motorized infantry troops in the most vulnerable areas, including in dense urban environments. The robotic vehicle can move independently along a defined route without human control and with or without satellite navigation data.
The robotic BMP-3 uses track wheels and is equipped with a V-shaped UTD-19 engine developing 500 hp. The manufacturer states, this vehicle can pass through ditches as wide as 2.5 m. With a fuel capacity of 700 liters, the robotic BMP-3 can cover a range of 600 km. The turret is equipped with a 100mm and 30mm main gun and a 7.62mm machine gun.