Kurganets-25.

This is coolbert:

Thanks to the tip from Strategy Page we have yet one more brand new Russian combat vehicle.

First the Armata T-14 tank, then the 2S35 self-propelled gun, and now the Kurganets-25 infantry fighting vehicle [IFV].

Kurganets bearing as somewhat striking resemblance to the American Bradley M2?

"The Kurganets-25 . . . is a tracked, 25 ton [25 pertains to the weight of the vehicle?] modular platform being developed for the Russian Army. The Kurganets-25 will evolve into various models, gradually replacing BMP and BMD and MT-LB and other types of tracked armored platforms. The Kurganets-25 will have modular armor that can be upgraded for specific threats."

"The Kurganets-25 IFV and APC variants were first seen in public (initially with the turret and main armament shrouded) during rehearsals for the 2015 Moscow Victory Day Parade."

Kurganets to replace all existing BMP and BMD IFV as currently found in the Russian inventory.

Kurganets having as organic armament a 30 mm rapid fire cannon and two anti-tank guided missiles [ATGM]. Also able to carry a fire team of infantry, five to seven men. Not sure if that latter number includes the crew for the IFV.

How well I remember the criticism of the Bradley M2 when contrasted with and compared to the Soviet BMP.

Bradley it was said:

* Could not "swim" [not amphibious].
* Possessed only a 25 mm cannon.
* Too tall.
* Armor is aluminum.
* Crew must dismount to replace ATGM.

The BMP thought to have superior features to include:

* Able to "swim" [amphibious].
* Possessed a superior 73 mm cannon.
* Carried a full squad of ten infantry.
* Lower profile.

With hindsight for a period of three decades Bradley comporting itself well during two wars and a counter-insurgency.

BMP also with hindsight somewhat overrated. ONLY able to carry a squad of ten infantry if each man five foot [one and one-half meters] tall and weighing about one hundred pounds [forty-five kilograms]. That 73 mm cannon also woefully and almost totally inaccurate very quickly replaced with a rapid-fire cannon in the manner of a Bradley. That crew of the BMP also having to dismount to replace the organic ATGM of which the BMP carried ONLY one at any moment ready for firing.

Bradley M2 of course a heavily modified M113 armored personnel carrier. Kurganets a brand-new design those Russian military hardware designers having studied and been influenced and impressed by the relative combat effectiveness of the Bradley?

coolbert.