Russia's Combat Vehicle Upgrade To Cost $100 Million

The Russian Defense Ministry on Tuesday has announced that it has issued a tender for the modernization of BMD-1 airborne fighting vehicles which will cost approximately $100 million.

According to the state procurements agency, some 145 vehicles will be upgraded to BMD-2 this year and another 67 next year with the starting price of the upgrades estimated at 16 million rubles per vehicle.

Last year, nearly 2 billion rubles was allocated for the modernization of 135 vehicles, according to a Ria Novosti report.

Defense Ministry spokesman Col. Alexander Kucherenko, said, that the Airborne Assault Forces will receive the first 10 advanced BMD-4M vehicles by the end of 2013.

The BMD-4M is the latest modification of an armored combat vehicle that can be para-dropped to provide firepower and support for airborne troops. It features a new chassis, a digital fire control system and a set of high-precision weaponry, including a 100-mm gun.

The Russian military is expected to acquire at least 1,000 BMD-4Ms under the current rearmament program before 2020.