Russia's Boomerang IFV Breaks Down After Victory Day Parade

Russia's new Boomerang 8x8 amphibious combat vehicle platform reportedly caught fire after participating in the Victory Day parade at Moscow's Red Square on June 24.

On Thursday, images and video footage showing thick white plumes coming out of the vehicle were shared on social media.

Military observers have speculated that the vehicle may have been broken down after its thermal smoke equipment failed.

Several nations have reportedly shown interest in the Boomerang. “The uniqueness of the platform lies in the opportunity to build the widest range of vehicles on its base with various weapons and equipment. African, Middle East, Southeast Asian and CIS countries have already shown interest in the combat vehicle. We estimate exports of this platform in the foreseeable future at about $1 billion,” said Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport in April.

The Boomerang is the latest standardized wheeled platform for multiservice forces developed by Russia's Military Industrial Company. The platform was used as the basis for developing the K-16 armored personnel carrier and K-17 infantry fighting vehicle. 

In developing the vehicle, a new layout scheme was adopted: the driving compartment is located at the front left, with the engine compartment at the front right, the fighting compartment in the middle, and the troop compartment at the rear of the vehicle. The Boomerang can accommodate up to 11 troops. The troops enter and leave the vehicle via roof hatches and rear door or ramp.

Weapon stations mounted on the platform  can be a 30 mm automatic cannon and a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, a 30 mm automatic grenade launcher, two launchers with two ATGMs on each, as well as a 12.7 mm Kord machine gun (APC version).

To control weapons and conduct aimed fire, a modern digital fire control system includes a two-plane weapon stabilizer, a multi-channel electro-optical sighting system with a built-in laser rangefinder, and automated gunner’s and commander’s workstations  with a multi-function display and an integrated ballistic computer.

High mobility and a smooth ride of the vehicle are achieved through the use of eight-wheel-drive, independent suspension and a fuel-efficient 750 hp diesel engine. The vehicle can easily negotiate various obstacles, attain a speed of over 100kmph on the highway and has a cruising range of at least 800km.