Uralvagonzavod confirms delivery of new IMR-3M engineering vehicles

Uralvagonzavod supplies IMR-3M engineering vehicles to the Russian Ground Forces

While attention often centres on the successive equipment deliveries received by the Russian Ground Forces, particularly tanks, armoured personnel carriers and infantry support vehicles, specialised support platforms are equally significant. This is illustrated by one of Uralvagonzavod’s latest deliveries, with the company confirming the supply of new IMR-3M engineering vehicles.

Like its predecessor, the IMR-2, which used the T-72 chassis, the newer IMR-3 engineering vehicle is built on the T-90 tank platform. As Rostec explained in one of its most recent statements, its primary role is to “... clear routes through dense woodland, rocky formations and areas covered by untouched snow. They can also create lanes through minefields, fill ditches, trenches and craters, fell trees and uproot stumps, clear blocked exits from air-raid shelters, and carry out many other tasks”.

IMR-3M equipment and battlefield protection

To perform these duties, the T-90 chassis has been extensively modified and adapted to carry a range of specialist engineering and combat engineer equipment. This includes a hydraulically operated universal dozer blade and a telescopic arm fitted with a manipulator, grapple, bucket with a front shovel and backhoe.

However, as has become evident, Russian engineering vehicles have also had to adapt to the high-intensity conflict in which they are deployed in support of the Ground Forces. The equipment listed above has therefore been supplemented by electronic warfare systems and additional anti-drone protection. Rostec did not specify which systems were installed.

Although the number of vehicles delivered in this early-year batch was not disclosed, it was stated that the Russian Ground Forces received IMR-3M vehicles throughout 2025. The Russian Ministry of Defence also confirmed that orders are in place for the current year.

These equipment deliveries also carry considerable symbolic importance, as Russia’s engineering troops mark their 325th anniversary this year, tracing their origins back to the era of Peter I the Great.

“Russia’s engineering troops are celebrating their 325th anniversary this year. Peter I already understood the importance of these units in achieving strategic success. They later became established as an independent branch of the armed forces in the 19th century. During the Great Patriotic War, their role expanded as part of major offensives. Today, the UVZ consortium, preserving this continuity, builds upon the glorious traditions of its engineering and design school, supplying the Russian army not only with tanks and BMPTs, but also with special armoured and engineering vehicles. We are seeing strong demand for our IMR-3M clearance vehicles among the troops,” Uralvagonzavod’s press service stated.

BMP-3M armoured vehicle deliveries at the end of 2025

Before the IMR-3M engineering vehicles were delivered, it is also worth noting that Rostec confirmed the supply of BMP-3M infantry fighting vehicles at the beginning of last December. These were equipped with “... complete multi-component additional protection kits, as well as electronic warfare systems”.

“The infantry fighting vehicles produced by High-Precision Systems are among the most widely used and sought-after platforms on the front line. Russian service personnel value this equipment for its mobility, high firepower and ease of operation, even in the most difficult conditions. A coordinated equipment modernisation system has been developed, through which BMPs receive options that are in high demand among the troops,” said Bekhan Ozdoev, industrial director of the armaments cluster at the Rostec state corporation and a member of the Bureau of the Russian Union of Machine Builders.

Photographs: Rostec.