BMPT Terminator

The concept for this tank support fighting vehicle emerged from combat experiences during significant conflicts of the late 20th century, which highlighted the vulnerabilities of conventional armored vehicles, particularly in challenging urban and mountainous terrain. Initial development efforts in the 1980s sought to address these shortcomings by envisioning a heavily armed and robustly protected platform with versatile engagement capabilities. The urgent need for such a dedicated anti-personnel vehicle became critically apparent following experiences in urban combat scenarios where traditional armored units suffered notable losses. Consequently, a series of prototypes were created, culminating in a design finalized between 1998 and 2002, with the production model being introduced thereafter.

This tank support fighting vehicle is constructed upon the chassis of a widely utilized main battle tank, engineered for exceptional survivability and substantial firepower in demanding combat environments, especially urban areas. Its formidable armament array includes anti-tank guided missiles, twin rapid-fire autocannons, automatic grenade launchers, and a coaxial machine gun, enabling the simultaneous engagement of multiple targets across various elevations. The vehicle boasts robust protection, incorporating a combination of composite, reactive, and steel armor, further augmented by slat armor and protective shields for its weapon systems. A sophisticated fire control system, featuring independent commander's panoramic and gunner's sights, equips the vehicle with hunter-killer capabilities for effective target acquisition and engagement under diverse weather conditions, day or night, whether stationary or mobile. Additional survivability is ensured through smoke grenade launchers, specialized internal arrangements for crew protection against mines, and an automatic fire suppression system. The standard five-person crew benefits from NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) protection. A notable variant offers a modernization package for older tank chassis, streamlining the crew and integrating an enhanced fire control system. Future concepts also envision a version based on a newer universal combat platform.

The vehicle officially entered operational service around 2011 and is currently utilized by the armed forces of Russia, Kazakhstan, and Algeria. Initial evaluations by the Russian military commenced in 2005, leading to a formal procurement order in 2017. Deliveries of the first production units to the Russian forces began in early 2018, with the establishment of the first dedicated company within a tank division occurring in late 2021. Kazakhstan received its initial batch of these vehicles between 2011 and 2013, along with arrangements for potential licensed assembly. Algeria also contracted for a considerable number, with its deliveries initiating in 2018. The vehicle has experienced combat deployment, most notably during the conflict in Ukraine beginning in 2022, where it participated in engagements such as those in Sievierodonetsk and along the Svatove-Kreminna line. Its intended tactical doctrine involves close cooperation with main battle tanks, adapting its deployment ratio based on the operational environment—employing a greater concentration of these support vehicles alongside tanks in urban settings compared to open terrain. Several instances of these vehicles sustaining damage or being destroyed have been documented during their combat operations in Ukraine.

Algeria • Kazakhstan • Russia