Previously, the BMP-3 was equipped with a UTD-29T engine producing 450hp, which was sufficient in the past. However, since the start of russia's full-scale invasion, vehicles have been fitted with increasingly heavy improvised armor, including mesh screens, slat armor, and massive "shed-like" structures covering the entire vehicle.
This extra protection has significantly increased the vehicle's weight, reducing the speed and maneuverability that the BMP-3's designers once proudly compared to the U.S. M2 Bradley – a capability that was arguably one of the few advantages the russian IFV had over its American counterpart.
Read more: SSU Drones Hit Shahed Drone Plant in russia's Tatarstan
To compensate, Rostech decided to install the more powerful UTD-32T diesel engine, producing 660 hp and offering greater torque. This upgrade gives the BMP-3 nearly 50% more power compared to its old engine, while increasing the vehicle's weight by only around 7%, according to the manufacturer.
It is worth noting that the plan to fit BMP-3s with the UTD-32T engine was first announced back in April 2021. At the time, it was also planned to equip the vehicle with a new panoramic thermal imaging sight for the commander.
In practice, installing the UTD-32T on the BMP-3 took over four years. This lengthy timeline may be explained by the fact that in 2021, russia saw little need to upgrade the engine, and the project was either shelved or postponed.
Now, with BMP-3s oftenly carrying massive "tsar mangal" and other improvised armor, the lack of engine power has become a pressing issue. As a result, russia has quickly revived and implemented the modernization plan.
It is also worth mentioning that the russian military is considering equipping BMP-3s with mini-drones – an idea previously seen with Germany's Lynx IFV and the Black Hornet reconnaissance drone. In addition, russians have been using their BMP-3s as "assault guns," a role that says a lot about their current battlefield tactics.
Read more: U.S. Calls 1960 Soviet Technology Its "Revolution" for HIMARS
