Category
Latest news

Upgraded BMP-3 Infantry Fighting Vehicles With Anti-Drone “Mangal” Grills Enter Russian Service

2 min read
Authors
Upgraded BMP-3 Infantry Fighting Vehicles With Anti-Drone “Mangal” Grills Enter Russian Service
Russian engineers modified BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles by adding cage armor, known as “Mangals,” to enhance protection against drone attacks, as seen in spring 2025 photos. (Source: Russian public forums)

Russia’s defense corporation Rostec announced the delivery of a new batch of BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) to the Russian military, featuring enhanced protection against drone attacks, including factory-installed “Mangal” anti-drone grills.

According to the Rostec Telegram channel on April 9, the latest BMP-3 vehicles are equipped with additional armor, including side skirts, turret-mounted “Mangal” anti-drone grills, and “Nakidka” camouflage systems designed to reduce thermal and radar signatures.

These enhancements aim to improve crew survivability against aerial threats, particularly drones.

This delivery marks the second batch of such upgraded BMP-3s supplied to the Russian army this year, following an earlier shipment in February.

Rostec reports that since 2022, production of light armored vehicles has increased nearly threefold to meet operational demands.

The BMP-3, produced by Kurganmashzavod, has undergone several upgrades, including improved mobility, enhanced protection, and advanced weaponry.

The vehicle is armed with a 100mm gun launcher, a 30mm automatic cannon, and a 7.62mm machine gun, and is designed to transport personnel safely to the front lines while providing effective fire support.

In addition to factory modifications, Russian forces have been adding improvised “Mangal” grills to their BMP-3s to further enhance protection against drone attacks. These modifications reflect ongoing efforts to adapt to evolving battlefield threats and improve the effectiveness of Russian armored units.

See all