The Turkish defense company FNSS Savunma Sistemleri, specializing in armored vehicles and known for the Kaplan light tank and PARS wheeled armored vehicles, has partnered with EDGE Group from the UAE to modernize the BMP-3 for the UAE armed forces.
According to FNSS, the agreement was signed during the IDEX-2025 exhibition held in Abu Dhabi, but it is currently just a memorandum of understanding, meaning it still needs to be formalized into a solid contract. Notably, there has been no mention of Russian involvement in this program.
Interestingly, the company stated that there are about 615 BMP-3s in the UAE. Previously, it was only known that 390 units were purchased between 1992 and 1997. It is also worth adding that these vehicles were gradually phased out of the UAE ground forces and replaced with Rabdan wheeled armored vehicles from EDGE Group.
It has been noted that the modernization will focus on the mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems of the BMP-3, essentially addressing all components of the Russian armored vehicle. FNSS indeed has experience in modernizing armored vehicles, as demonstrated by their comprehensive upgrade of the M113.
0It is also evident that FNSS will assess the real-life operational experience of these vehicles during the Russian invasion. Specifically, a change in armament is quite possible, as the result of the Soviet designers' idea to place troops in a lightly armored hull with 100mm ammunition is quite predictable.
Therefore, it is expected that the BMP-3 from the UAE will be equipped with a new turret, possibly from the Teber family, which is part of FNSS's offerings and is produced in a drone version or with seating for two crew members. This turret is equipped with a 30mm or 40mm automatic cannon, an anti-tank guided missile system, an additional machine gun combat module that also serves as a commander's panoramic sight, as well as a range of sensors. The installation of an active protection system is also an optional feature. The stated weight of such a turret is less than 3 tons.
1Additional armor for the BMP-3 is also a feasible path, but it may require replacing the Russian UTD-29 engine with 500 hp with a more powerful one. However, it is important to remember that the BMP-3 has a rear engine and a relatively low profile. Therefore, it is not excluded that the Turks may propose to completely reconfigure this Soviet machine if they receive a carte blanche from the client.
2In any case, it will be quite interesting to observe the decisions made by FNSS, as typically, the modernization of weapons is executed by its developer and represents a continuation of their vision for the vehicle, rather than a rethinking. Notably, in Russia, what is known about attempts to modernize the BMP-3 currently involves the installation of various grills and anti-cumulative meshes.