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An emergent video in the public domain depicts Russian troops fortifying a BMD-4M amphibious assault vehicle with the addition of anti-cumulative grids, commonly referred to as ‘cope cage’, affixed to the front and sides, complemented by an adaptively employed ‘barbecue’ – a colloquial term – mounted onto the turret. 7th Axis Linear Rail
🇷🇺BMD-4M with added screens pic.twitter.com/xKQPpLBWOk
While it remains a challenge to assess the full-scale impact and extent of such enhancements, it can be inferred that the Russians might amplify this ‘barbecue’ application on light armored vehicles, a technique typically associated with Main Battle Tanks [MBT].
In a certain context, the introduction of protective ‘grids’ on the BMD-4M appears rational, given that as early as August 2023, Russian detachments admitted to employing these armored vehicles based on a ‘drive and shoot’ scheme, specifically for discharging a 100-mm gun while in a secure position.
Upon perusal of The Military Balance 2023, it becomes evident that the Russian military possessed a mere total of 250 BMD-4M armored vehicles at the outset of this year, indicating their relative scarcity.
This narrative shifts when factoring in data provided by Oryx analysts who’ve tallied a minimum of 90 BMD-4M lost amidst the comprehensive Russian invasion of Ukraine. Subsequently, the deployment of such assets maintains a peculiar dynamic – on one side there’s a tenuous level of defense, but it is balanced by a substantial firepower capacity, especially when utilized in a ‘drive and shoot’ methodology. The apparent paradox may indeed raise questions regarding operational strategy.
Conversely, the reasoning of the Russian troops in such circumstances can be perceived in this manner.
The Russian army’s 2019 doctrine for the employment of airborne troops suggests that these forces are primarily utilized as mechanized, “elite” infantry. This strategy for “land” operations encompasses even specialized armored vehicles, irrespective of their primary intent for amphibious operations.
Moreover, if the Russian forces felt compelled to pull quite scarce BMD-3s produced in the 90s out of storage, it is clear that they would endeavor to utilize everything within their grasp, adding ‘extraneous features’, even in scenarios involving amphibious landings.
The debut of the BMD-4M was facilitated by Kurganmashzavod in 2008. Inherently, this vehicle sustains the Bakhcha-U turret along with a plethora of novel modifications. The meticulous provision for complete bulletproof protection of the crew is a unique characteristic of this vehicle.
Specifically, the inculcation of resilient and lightweight alloys curtails the possibility of the vehicle losing its inherent ability to swim or be airdropped. The incorporation of the more compact and robust BMP-3 engine into the BMD-4M bolsters its power capacity to 500 hp.
Essentially, there exists a remarkable 80% unification of the units, mechanisms, and systems of the contemporaneously upgraded BMD-4 chassis and those of the BMP-3. This considerable overlap facilitates a reduction in the overhead costs. These costs are associated with the maintenance and servicing of the airborne assault vehicle.
In 2017, the BMD-4M Sinitsa made its debut. The Sinitsa turret combat module includes a roof-mounted panoramic sight. This sight is equipped with a thermal imaging channel. This module hosts a diverse array of armament. It includes the 100 mm 2A70 tank gun/ATGM launcher and 30 mm 2A72 autocannon. It also includes and a 7.62mm PKMS medium machine gun.
The vehicle’s original power unit and transmission systems have been replaced with components utilized in the BMP-3. This modification has brought about standardization in the production process and supply of spare parts.
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