The conflict in Ukraine has forced Russia to make significant changes to its production apparatus, a fact acknowledged by both Western experts and other European countries. The restructuring of the Russian industrial complex has enabled the Russian Armed Forces to replenish equipment lost during the war, which has also led to an increase in the production of components that make up these platforms.
The most recent development was the confirmation that the High-Precision Complexes consortium has increased the production of the improved UTD-29 diesel engine, which powers several of the main infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and armored personnel carriers in service with the Russian Ground Forces.
According to a recent statement by Rostec, the consortium has increased production of UTD-29 engines by 25% since the beginning of this year compared to the previous year. This figure is significant, as this 500 HP powerplant represents an improved version of its predecessor and is found in the BMP-2, BMP-3, BTR-MDM, BREM-L, BT-3F, and BMD-4M armored vehicles, which are used by both the Ground Forces and the Airborne Forces.
“For several years, the company within the High-Precision Complexes consortium has steadily increased production of the ‘twenty-nine’. Work to improve the diesel engine and adapt it to various conditions is ongoing. The modernization potential of the UTD-29 is far from exhausted; this diesel engine will continue to be in demand for many years, both in Russia and abroad,” Rostec stated in its official release.
Prior to this announcement, it was confirmed that the Russian Ground Forces had received new batches of BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) during the months of February and April, presumably intended to replace units lost during the conflict with Ukraine. While there are no exact figures, it is estimated that a total of 7,500 armored vehicles of this type may have been lost in combat operations, of which around 700 would be BMP-3s.
Despite these figures, the Russian industrial complex continues to supply armored vehicles and increase the production of new models to equip the Ground Forces.
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