Russia upgrades automatic turret on "Terminator" armored vehicle

Russia's Uralvagonzavod Corporation is working on a new variant of the BMPT-72 tank support armored vehicle, also known as the "Terminator-2". The weapon configuration of the version called the "Terminator-3" will not change, but will be equipped with modern automatic control systems, according toRBTH.

The Terminator-3 is expected to still be equipped with four 9M120 Ataka anti-tank guided missiles, two 30mm 2A42 automatic cannons, two AG-17D automatic grenade launchers and a 7.62mm PKTM coaxial machine gun. Uralvagonzavod engineers are testing the integration of remote control and automatic operation technology into this armored vehicle.

The Terminator-2 armored vehicle has a crew of five, including the commander, driver, main gunner and two grenade launchers. However, the Terminator-3 variant will have a crew of only three, as many combat functions are operated by computers to turn its turret into a fully automated system.

This computer system will track the enemy and control the cannon to fire suppressive fire if necessary, the crew only needs to focus on controlling and camouflaging the vehicle.

Some engineers are considering turning the Terminator-3 into a fully autonomous combat robot, but this option is unlikely to become a reality in the short term. Testing of combat robots such as the Uran-9 in the Syrian battlefield shows that this weapon is unlikely to be put into service in the next 10-15 years.

Terminator-3 can also be equipped with several man-portable air defense missile systems to counter the threat from enemy attack helicopters and drones. This weapon allows BMPTs to shoot down aircraft from a maximum distance of 5 km, increasing the protection of the Russian Army's armored formations.