The latest version of the BMPT-72 tank support combat vehicle, also known as Terminator 2, is about to enter service in the Russian army. The decision of putting the Terminator-2 in service has been taken. The signing of relevant documents is expected soon.

The BMPT Terminator 2 will enter service in the Russian army (Picture source: Russian MoD)

In 2017, the Terminator 2 was spotted at the Hmeymim air base in Syria, demonstrated for Syrian President Bashar Assad by Russian Chief of General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov. The Syrian campaign is believed to be the first combat deployment of the armoured vehicle.

At the Russian Arms Expo 2013 defense exhibition in Nizhny Tagil (Russia), the Russian Defense Company Uralvagonzavod had unveiled a new version of its fire support armored fighting vehicle BMPT-72 dating back to 2001.

The idea to build new heavily armed tank support vehicles emerged on the ground of experience acquired by the Russian military during the First Chechen War in North Caucasus, especially during the urban fighting in Grozny in 1995 when Russian troops lost a large number of combat vehicles to “guerrilla warfare” tactics used by Chechen separatists.

The BMPT-72 is based on the chassis of the T-72 main battle tank. The vehicle offers new protection and fire power especially designed for urban operations. The BMPT-72 is able to fight a full range of modern targets as main battle tanks, armored infantry fighting vehicles, and other combat vehicles, dismounted infantry, and guided missile combat teams.

Like the T-72, the BMPT-72 is manufactured by Uralvagonzavod. Compared with its predecessor, it has an improved fire control system and better turret weapon station protection. According to Uralvgonzavod, the key advantage that the BMPT-72 gives to all the countries operating T-72 tanks is that they can promptly, and at minimal cost, upgrade their forces without purchasing new high-cost machines.