Russian BMPT ‘Terminator’ Armored Fighting Vehicle Survives ATGM Strikes, Gets EW System

A Russian BMPT "Terminator" armored fighting vehicle (AFV) reportedly survived two direct hits from anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) during fighting near the village of Ilyinka in the Donetsk direction, according to a report from the Russian military newspaper Krasnaya  Zvezda.

The incident occurred while a unit of the Russian Armed Forces was supporting an operation to clear Ukrainian positions. The BMPT—nicknamed “Lion” by its crew—was covering the rear of an armored group when it was struck on its left side by two ATGMs fired from approximately four kilometers away.

Despite the hits, the crew managed to extract the damaged vehicle from the kill zone without external assistance. The vehicle’s survival was credited to its reactive armor, additional sandbag protection, and internal design. According to the report, scattered sand played a critical role in extinguishing flames from leaking diesel fuel.

The BMPT’s survivability was also linked to its turret layout. "The 'uninhabited' turret, which does not even contain ammunition, provides serious advantages. Therefore, the 'Terminator' can withstand many hits, but still remains in service," a crew member noted.

The Southern Group of Forces is now upgrading BMPT vehicles with additional anti-drone protection, including electronic warfare (EW) systems and physical barriers.

Armed with two 30-mm cannons, four Ataka ATGMs, a 7.62-mm coaxial machine gun, and two 30-mm grenade launchers, the BMPT is designed to support tanks by suppressing enemy infantry and light armor. It features a digital fire control system with thermal imaging, laser-guided missile control, and panoramic targeting optics.

Russian defense manufacturer Concern UralVagonZavod is continuing efforts to enhance the vehicle’s protection against modern battlefield threats, including loitering munitions and UAVs.