Russia Delivers Modernised BMD-2M Vehicles With Bereg Combat Module to VDV

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Russia delivers BMD-2M vehicles with the Bereg combat module

Russia has started deploying an upgraded variant of one of its longstanding airborne fighting vehicles. State-owned defence conglomerate Rostec has announced the first delivery of BMD-2M vehicles, fitted with the new Bereg combat module, to the Russian Airborne Forces (VDV).

Completed under a state defence procurement contract by Rostec subsidiary High-Precision Systems, the handover is the latest move to improve the firepower and battlefield performance of Russia’s airborne formations. The company states that, compared with earlier BMD-2 versions, the upgrade substantially increases engagement range, target-detection capabilities and overall combat effectiveness.

Instead of developing a completely new vehicle, the scheme rebuilds and upgrades existing BMD-2s, prolonging their service life through new armament, sensors and protection systems. At the centre of the modernisation is the Bereg combat module, which broadens the vehicle’s capacity to engage targets in a wider variety of battlefield situations.

Weapons, sights and Kornet missiles

Rostec says the modernisation package features an improved sighting system, enhanced fire-control architecture and Kornet guided missiles. Collectively, these additions allow crews to engage armoured vehicles, tanks, fortified positions and other battlefield targets from longer ranges, while retaining day-and-night operating capability.

The inclusion of precision-guided weapons with extended range is especially important for airborne units, which frequently operate with limited heavy fire support. By enabling engagements at greater distances, the improved vehicle is intended to give paratrooper formations more tactical flexibility and lessen their exposure to enemy anti-armour systems.

Rostec additionally stressed that the BMD-2M has been built to address a broad range of threats found in modern combat operations. The Bereg turret, together with the upgraded weapons suite, is expected to reinforce offensive and defensive capabilities alike, enabling airborne formations to provide more effective fire support during manoeuvre operations.

Commenting on the programme, Bekkhan Ozdoyev, Industrial Director of Rostec’s Armaments Cluster and a member of the Bureau of the Russian Engineering Union, stated: “Our specialists in high-precision systems constantly improve their equipment, based on practical experience. The modernized BMD-2 with the Bereg combat compartment is a direct result of this work. It has become more technologically advanced and more comfortable for the crew, thus matching the BMP-2M equipped with the Bereg combat module.”

Ozdoyev also said that longer-range weaponry has improved the platform’s combat effectiveness and survivability. In his view, engaging threats from further away gives crews a tactical edge and helps protect personnel operating in contested environments.

Protection and electronic warfare upgrades

In addition to greater firepower, the newly supplied vehicles have received extra protection packages and electronic warfare systems. The improvements reflect lessons from recent combat operations, in which survival against precision-guided weapons, drones and electronic threats has become ever more important.

Before being placed into operational service, the upgraded BMD-2Ms underwent the necessary testing and certification process, obtaining approval from military inspectors before their transfer to Russian Airborne Forces units.

The delivery is another stage in Russia’s continuing effort to modernise older armoured platforms through incremental improvements, delivering increased capability without the cost and timescales involved in creating entirely new vehicle families.

Cover image courtesy of Rostec.

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