BMP-2 Sarath
India1987 - Present
The BMP-2 Sarath ('Chariot of Victory') is India's license-produced version of the Soviet BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle manufactured by Ordnance Factory Medak. Weighing 14.3 tons, it features a 30mm 2A42 autocannon with dual-feed system, 7.62mm PKT coaxial MG, and AT-5 Spandrel (9K113 Konkurs) ATGM launcher with 4km range. Powered by UTD-20/3 300hp diesel engine providing 65 km/h road speed and 7 km/h amphibious capability via water jet. Length 6.74m, width 3.15m, height 2.45m (with turret). Crew of 3 plus 7 infantry. Approximately 2,500 Sarath produced with 90%+ indigenous content. BMP-2M upgrade program underway for 693+ vehicles.
Primary Specifications
Main gun
30mm 2A42 + ATGM
Autocannon for infantry support
Engine
300 HP
UTD-20S1 diesel engine
Weight
14 tonnes
Light armored fighting vehicle
Speed
65 km/h
Fast infantry mobility platform
Range
600 km
Excellent range for IFV class
Crew
3
Crew of 3 plus 7 infantry
Quick Summary
What's different?
Indian version features indigenous Bharat Dynamics-manufactured Konkurs ATGMs. 90%+ indigenous content achieved. BMP-2M upgrade includes modern thermal sights, fire control system, automatic target tracker, and C-UAS capability.
Why it matters?
Workhorse of Indian mechanized infantry since 1987. Proven in multiple operations including Kargil. Upgrade program extends service life while indigenous Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) develops.
Real-World Impact
1
Ladakh High-Altitude Deployment
BMP-2 Sarath deployed to Galwan Valley during 2020 India-China standoff, providing infantry mobility and firepower in contested high-altitude terrain.
2
Anti-Naxal Operations
CRPF operates WhAP vehicles alongside BMP-2 in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region for anti-Left Wing Extremist operations. Provides protected mobility in jungle terrain.
3
BMP-2M Modernization
March 2024 MoD contract with AVNL for 693 BMP-2M upgrades including night enablement, thermal sights, FCS with automatic target tracker. Initial rate 100/year, increasing to 125/year.
4
Counter-Drone Integration
Tonbo Imaging developing anti-drone systems for BMP-2 including EO/IR systems for drone detection and neutralization, addressing modern battlefield threats.
Additional Features
Armor
Steel
Other key features
Mainstay IFV; anti-tank capable with Konkurs missiles
FAQs
1. What is the main armament?
30mm 2A42 dual-feed autocannon firing AP-T and HEI rounds at 200-300 rpm. Effective range 3,000m against ground targets, 2,000m against air targets. 7.62mm PKT coaxial MG with 2,000 rounds.2. What ATGM does it carry?
3. What is the BMP-2M upgrade?
4. Is it truly amphibious?
5. What is replacing the BMP-2?
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