Posted on 12/05/2007 9:05:55 PM PST by sukhoi-30mki
Greece set to buy Russian fighting vehicles
19:12 | 05/ 12/ 2007
ATHENS, December 5 (RIA Novosti) - Greece plans to buy Russian BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles, a source close to the negotiations told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.
Greek media estimate the deal at over 1.2 billion euros ($1.76 billion). However, the Greek General Staff has refused to confirm the report.
The purchase would be one of the largest arms deals between Russia and a NATO member state. In the 1990s, Greece acquired over $1 billion worth of Russian weapons. Russian Air Defense system TOR-M1, Kornet and Fagot antitank weapons are in service with the Greek Armed Forces.
Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis is set to visit Russia on December 17-19.
A weak weapon lacking offensive capability, but deadly if the rear of the vehicle is exposed.
OK, I shouldn't have posted that. But what can you say about a BMP-3?
The BMP-3 is basically a light tank that can carry a squad of infantry. Armed with a 100mm main gun, the BMP-3 has reactive armor to help protect itself and its crew/squad and an engine that delivers the same horsepower as a Bradley, but the BMP-3 weighs only 18-tons versus the Bradley’s 33-tons, giving it improved performance. In addition, the BMP-3 is almost twenty inches shorter than the Bradley, making it harder to spot from a distance.
http://www.army-technology.com/projects/bmp-3/
It does carry a lot of firepower for an IFV,but it’s basic armor seems pretty limp like most Russian offerings,which is why it’s weight is low.But number of ‘rich’ nations (which don’t do business with Russia) like the UAE,Kuwait,South Korea & now probably Greece have opted for it.
Our people would be far safer in Iraq and Afghanistan in them than they are in Humvees, Strykers and LAVs.
W
I think Syria can tell you lots about the new Russian PVO systems they bought. They're probably just tickled pink.
Maybe they also have a few BMP-3s they can tell us about too :-)
Took this pic a few years ago. Any guesses?
And the warranty is????
I thought it was funny...;-)
Took this pic a few years ago. Any guesses? ............... Wahington DC PD?
East Germany?
You forgot to mention the thin skin and crew compartment the size of a shoebox.
That’s a PT-76 I think
Rumor is that the BMP-3’s are very uncomfortable and considered dangerous by infantry. This is going to be a light tank.
I’m not thinking of an encounter against Western equipment where that mix has worked out for them, but you can always argue that its the operators.
Their APCs have always had a reputation as tiny sweat boxes, that could leave infantry badly beat up after a little off roading. They used to also suffer from bad exhaust systems, which filled the interior with carbon-monoxide. Wonder if they’ve got that fixed. From the flank, I think the BMP-3 is susceptible to heavy machine gun penetration. Active armor is only effective against missiles and isn't to friendly to dismounted friendly troops.
Yeah, it’s a “get to where you are going fast” kinda deal. They have been proven easy to break in every encounter. A 25mm gun will turn one into a coffin.
Great guess on the location, Sampleman. I would've guessed the Balkins or somewhere else had it been me.
Does kinda look like a PT-76. Cruddy angle to really tell you though. Here is an action shot that may help you out (not mine)
Oh. Sorry, I meant to say the only reason I got off on this tangent is because it was obvious by looking at the radar that this was not a run of the mill BMP-3, so I went looking for varients.
Is that a M1974 (Gvozdika)?
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