The BMP-2 (Boyevaya Mashina Pyekhota - Infantry Fighting Vehicle) infantry combat vehicle, fielded in the early 1980s, is an improved version of the BMP-1 incorporating major armament changes.

The new two-man turret mounts a 30-mm automatic gun with a long thin tube and double-baffle muzzle brake that can be used against aircraft and helicopters.

 

The ATGM launcher on top of the turret can employ either AT-4 SPIGOT or AT-5 SPANDREL missiles, though the AT-5 Spandrel canister is normally mounted. Given the enlarged turret, there are two roof hatches in the rear fighting compartment, rather than the four of the BMP-1, and the the BMP-2 accommodates one less passenger. Each side of the troop compartment has three firing ports with associated roof-mounted periscopes.

The BMP-2 is broadly similar to the BMP-1. The most significant changes are:

• A new two-man turret armed with the 2A42 30 mm autocannon and the 9P135M ATGM launcher capable of firing SACLOS guided 9M111 Fagot" (AT-4 Spigot), 9M113 "Konkurs" (AT-5 Spandrel) and 9M113M "Konkurs-M" (AT-5B Spandrel B) anti-tank missiles

• The commander now sits with the gunner in an enlarged turret

• Seven troops are carried instead of eight

• Two rear infantry roof hatches instead of four

• Slightly improved armour