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Russia Reports Successful Kurganets-25 Trials as It Advances Toward a New Era of Networked IFV.
At the 12th edition of the MILEX 2025 international defense and military equipment exhibition in Minsk, the Russian Federation showcased significant progress in the development of its new infantry fighting vehicle (IFV): the Kurganets-25. This next-generation tracked platform, designated as a BMP (Boevaya Mashina Pekhoty) under the Rostec state corporation classification, is considered a key project within the modernization plan for Russia’s ground forces. According to a representative from the High-Precision Systems holding, quoted by the Russian news agency TASS, preliminary trials for the vehicle are nearing completion, with most technical requirements from the Ministry of Defense having reportedly been met.
The B-11 Object 695 Kurganets-25 IFV during the April 17th, 2019 rehearsal for the Victory Day Parade in Alabino (Picture source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin)
The Kurganets-25 represents a departure from earlier generations of Russian IFVs, which were known for their compact size and mobility but offered limited protection, as exemplified by the BMP-1 and BMP-2. Lessons drawn from recent conflicts, particularly in Syria and Ukraine, have highlighted the vulnerability of legacy platforms against modern anti-tank weapons. In response, the Kurganets-25 has been developed as part of a broader doctrinal shift aimed at equipping mechanized units with more resilient, modular, and digitally integrated vehicles. This evolution is intended to improve survivability and tactical connectivity in both high-intensity and asymmetric warfare scenarios.
The vehicle is being developed by Kurganmashzavod, a subsidiary of High-Precision Systems, to gradually replace existing BMP units. It was first shown behind closed doors at the 2013 Russian Arms Expo and later presented to the public during the Victory Day parade on May 9, 2015. The Kurganets-25 features a configuration not previously seen in the Russian armored fleet. Built on a tracked chassis measuring 7.2 meters in length, 3.2 meters in width, and 2.3 meters in height, its larger profile allows for enhanced internal space and improved protection. The diesel engine, estimated to deliver between 800 and 850 horsepower, is mounted front-right and enables a top speed of 80 km/h on roads. The vehicle is fully amphibious, powered in water by two hydrojets located at the rear. Before entering water, a front-mounted deflector is raised and bilge pumps are activated, providing a water speed of up to 10 km/h.
In terms of armament, the Kurganets-25 is equipped with the remotely operated Bumerang-BM turret, mounted centrally on the hull. This unmanned turret includes a 2A42 30mm automatic cannon, a coaxial 7.62mm PKT machine gun, and four Kornet-EM anti-tank guided missile launchers. The missile system offers a declared range of up to 5,500 meters and employs a fire-and-forget mode via automated target tracking, allowing for simultaneous or salvo engagement against active protection systems. Both the gunner and commander have access to the weapon controls, ensuring operational redundancy.
The vehicle's protection is modular, based on a multilayer armor structure with optional kits that can be fitted according to mission requirements. The sides are equipped with passive armor, and areas such as the turret top and front may be fitted with reactive armor. The Kurganets-25 is also reportedly designed to integrate the Russian Afganit active protection system, which includes laser warning receivers, threat detection sensors, and countermeasure launch tubes around the turret. While the actual performance of Afganit in combat remains untested, its inclusion reflects current Russian efforts to enhance vehicle survivability against modern threats.
Internally, the rear compartment accommodates up to six infantry soldiers in addition to the three-person crew (driver, commander, gunner). Access is provided via a hydraulically operated rear ramp with a central door. The interior is equipped with multiple panoramic cameras, offering a 360-degree field of view, along with a combat management suite that includes a laser rangefinder, thermal imager, GPS, and inertial navigation system. A computer-assisted fire control system enables semi-automated target acquisition. These features align the Kurganets-25 with Western IFV standards in terms of battlefield digitalization, though no independent assessments have confirmed its performance under electronic warfare or jamming conditions.
The preliminary trials mentioned at MILEX are said to have covered key performance areas, including mobility over varied terrain, firing while in motion, resistance to direct hits, and resilience in extreme weather. While the results presented are described as positive, they should be interpreted cautiously due to the lack of detailed technical reports or operational data from live combat environments. State trials will be necessary to assess the vehicle's actual integration potential within Russian mechanized units.
Initiated in the early 2010s, the Kurganets-25 program has experienced multiple delays attributed to industrial, technical, and budgetary challenges. Despite a highly publicized debut at the 2015 military parade, the vehicle has not yet entered mass production, prompting skepticism among some international analysts. Outlets such as Defence Blog have questioned the platform’s technological maturity, its production feasibility, and whether it can be sustained logistically across the Russian armed forces.
Nevertheless, the vehicle’s presence at MILEX 2025 confirms the intent of Russian industry to continue developing the Kurganets-25 as a base platform for a broader family of armored vehicles. In addition to the standard BMP version, other configurations are reportedly planned, such as command post vehicles, reconnaissance variants, armored ambulances, and fire support units. The Kurganets-25 may eventually be integrated into a triad of platforms alongside the heavy Armata and wheeled Bumerang, all developed under a strategy emphasizing interoperability and modularity.
While the end of preliminary testing marks a step forward in the Kurganets-25's development, several uncertainties remain regarding its production timeline, actual battlefield resilience, and operational cost. Still, the vehicle appears to meet the core requirements of a modern IFV: enhanced protection, digital systems integration, adaptability, and readiness for networked operations. The upcoming state trials will be critical in determining its future role in the Russian armed forces and its potential appeal to international buyers, at a time when next-generation armored vehicles are gaining renewed strategic relevance.