New version of BMP-2 with a simplified “Epoha” combat module and 57mm gun is being tested by Russians
Russian Kurganmashzavod armor plant has started testing a prototype of an infantry fighting vehicle with designation B-18, which is basically a modified BMP-2 equipped with the TKB-973 “Epoha” unmanned combat module.
The information comes from russian “Center for analysis of strategies and technologies” and photos available in open sources.
The russians from the Center assume that the Epoha module installed on this prototype has “simplified” configuration, lacks some sensors and fire control systems, and without the launchers for small “Bulat” missiles. Instead of the latter, it is equipped with “Kornet” anti-tank missile launchers and the original 57mm automatic gun.
The presentation of the russian IFV project under the “B-18” index took place during the “Army-2017” forum, but it took a while since this combat vehicle was “incarnated in metal” for the first time – it happened only in the fall of 2022. Quite likely, russian defense ministry wants to resume the production of the BMP-2 at Kurganmashzavod in this particular version B-18. The ministry revealed these plans in August 2022, as noted by the russian outlet.
