BMP-1TS

History

The BMP-1TS is a Ukrainian modernization of the Soviet-designed BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle. The conversion replaces the original BMP-1 turret and 73 mm gun with a Ukrainian Spys combat module carrying a 30 mm autocannon, an automatic grenade launcher, a machine gun, and anti-tank guided missiles.

The modernization combines the existing BMP-1 chassis with new armament, stabilized fire control, thermal imaging equipment, and updated communications. The Spys module was developed by the Ukrainian company Tekhimpex with participation from other Ukrainian companies, while the BMP-1TS program has also been associated with the Zhytomyr Armored Plant.

BMP-1TS vehicles have entered Ukrainian service and have been documented with several formations during the Russo-Ukrainian War. By 2026, at least one vehicle operated by the 58th Motorized Infantry Brigade had also received additional hedgehog-style anti-drone armor.

Development

Tekhimpex began development of the Spys combat module in 2018 as a modernization package for the BMP-1. According to Militarnyi, the module is assembled from Ukrainian components in cooperation with several Ukrainian companies. Its principal distinguishing feature is the Synthesis fire-control system developed by Digital Technologies. This system combines a new weapon stabilizer, weapon-control equipment, and an optoelectronic module.

The Synthesis system provides automatic target acquisition and tracking. Militarnyi reported that departmental testing included firing from a stationary position, while moving, while crossing water obstacles, and firing the anti-tank guided missile while the vehicle was in motion.

The BMP-1TS was publicly displayed in Kyiv in 2021. Army Recognition described the vehicle as a joint product associated with Tekhimpex and the Zhytomyr Armored Plant and reported that approximately a dozen BMP-1TS vehicles were available in Ukraine at that time.

Service introduction

By October 2023, BMP-1TS vehicles were reported with Ukraine's 5th Assault Brigade. In July 2024, the Azov Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine publicly showed BMP-1TS vehicles during unit training. Militarnyi also reported that the newly formed 150th Mechanized Brigade had received BMP-1TS infantry fighting vehicles.

In September 2026, imagery from Ukrainian military channels showed a BMP-1TS operated by the 58th Motorized Infantry Brigade fitted with hedgehog anti-drone protection. The modification consisted of additional external structures intended to increase protection against drone attacks. The available source does not establish whether this protection was a standardized BMP-1TS configuration or a field modification.

Design

The BMP-1TS retains the tracked BMP-1 chassis but replaces the original turret with the Spys combat module, also identified in secondary reporting as the BM-5 turret. The new single-seat turret was designed with dimensions compatible with the original BMP-1 turret position. Army Recognition reported that the modular turret concept could also be adapted to several other armored vehicle types.

Turret and fire control

The turret uses a welded armored structure and carries the main gun, grenade launcher, machine gun, anti-tank missiles, observation equipment, and smoke grenade launchers. Army Recognition states that the turret provides STANAG 4569 Level 3 protection, corresponding to protection against 7.62 mm armor-piercing rifle ammunition from all directions.

The BMP-1TS uses the Synthesis fire-control system and a digital electromechanical two-plane weapon stabilizer. Its optoelectronic equipment includes the Kazhan-3K15 unit with day observation channels, an uncooled thermal imager, and a laser rangefinder. The gunner operates the weapons through a color information display. The combination of stabilized weapons and target-tracking equipment is intended to improve fire accuracy while the vehicle is moving.

Armament

The primary weapon is a 30 mm ZTM-1 autocannon, a Ukrainian development related to the 2A72 cannon. Army Recognition reports a ready ammunition supply of 300 rounds. The turret provides full horizontal traverse and a vertical weapon movement range from -5 degrees to +45 degrees.

A 30 mm KBA-117 automatic grenade launcher is installed with 116 grenades. A 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun is supplied with 2,100 cartridges. The anti-tank armament consists of the Barrier guided-missile system, with launchers positioned on the sides of the turret and capacity for four 130 mm R-2 laser-beam-guided missiles. Smoke grenade launchers provide an additional means of concealment.

Crew protection and equipment

Secondary reporting describes additional protective changes including side armor screens near the driver and commander positions, energy-absorbing seats, and hinged perforated ballistic protection. The original radio equipment was replaced by a Motorola DM-4601 mobile two-way radio.

The vehicle has a crew of three and carries seven infantry passengers according to Army Recognition. The gunner operates the new turret from inside the vehicle and has roof-hatch access and periscopes for observation.

Operational history

The BMP-1TS has been used by Ukrainian military formations during the Russo-Ukrainian War. Reported users include the 5th Assault Brigade, the 150th Mechanized Brigade, the Azov Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, and the 58th Motorized Infantry Brigade. The available material does not provide a confirmed total number of vehicles currently in service.

The Azov Brigade used BMP-1TS vehicles during organizational and assault training documented in July 2024. The training included armored vehicle assault procedures, battlefield medical aid, and casualty evacuation.

By September 2026, the type continued to appear in frontline Ukrainian service. A BMP-1TS of the 58th Motorized Infantry Brigade was photographed with additional hedgehog anti-drone armor, showing that at least some vehicles were receiving field protection measures intended to address the threat from unmanned aircraft.

Operators

• Ukraine: BMP-1TS vehicles have been documented with the 5th Assault Brigade, 150th Mechanized Brigade, 58th Motorized Infantry Brigade, and the Azov Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine.

Specifications (BMP-1TS)

General characteristics

• Type: Infantry fighting vehicle
• Combat chassis: Modernized BMP-1
• Weight without ammunition: 13.1 tonnes
• Crew: 3
• Passengers: 7 infantry
• Length: 6.735 m
• Width: 3.15 m
• Height: 2.26 m
• Ground clearance: 0.7 m

Mobility

• Maximum gradient: 30%
• Maximum side slope: 25%
• Vertical obstacle: 0.7 m
• Trench: up to 2.5 m

Armament

• Main gun: 30 mm ZTM-1 autocannon
• Main-gun ammunition: 300 rounds
• Automatic grenade launcher: 30 mm KBA-117
• Grenade-launcher ammunition: 116 grenades
• Machine gun: 7.62 mm PKT
• Machine-gun ammunition: 2,100 cartridges
• Anti-tank guided missiles: Barrier system with four 130 mm R-2 laser-beam-guided missiles
• Weapon elevation: -5 degrees to +45 degrees
• Turret traverse: 360 degrees
• Other equipment: Smoke grenade launchers

Fire control and observation

• Fire-control system: Synthesis
• Weapon stabilization: Digital electromechanical two-plane stabilizer
• Observation system: Kazhan-3K15 optoelectronic unit
• Sensors: Day channels, uncooled thermal imager, and laser rangefinder
• Targeting functions: Automatic target acquisition and tracking