bmd-2

The BMD-2 is a Soviet airborne infantry fighting vehicle, an upgrade of the BMD-1, designed to be air-dropped by parachute. It features an improved 30mm 2A42 autocannon and a more powerful engine compared to its predecessor.

Developed in the early 1980s, the BMD-2 was designed to address the combat deficiencies of the BMD-1 highlighted during the Soviet-Afghan War, particularly the inability of its low-elevation 73mm gun to engage targets in mountainous terrain. The vehicle officially entered service with the Soviet Airborne Forces (VDV) in 1985. It subsequently saw extensive combat deployment during the later stages of the Soviet-Afghan War, both Chechen Wars, the 2008 Russo-Georgian War, and the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War. Today, the BMD-2 remains in active service with both Russian and Ukrainian forces, with many Russian units upgraded to the modernized BMD-2M standard.