BMP-23
The BMP-23 is a Bulgarian infantry fighting vehicle which was first introduced in the early 1980s. However, it was based on a design from the Bulgarian design bureau from the 1950s, being presented in 1960. Despite its name, the BMP-23 is very different from the BMP-1 and more similar in function to the BMP-2. The hull is based on that of the Soviet 2S1 self-propelled howitzer with thicker armour and a more powerful diesel engine, which is itself based on a stretched MT-LB chassis. Since the 2S1 is a larger vehicle, the troop transport compartment is not as cramped as that of the BMP-1. The armour is cast steel, capable of withstanding heavy machine gun fire. The turret is armed with a 23-mm autocannon 2A14 from the air-defence gun ZU-23-2 with 600 rounds, and initially an ATGM launcher for the 9M14 Malyutka, today with 9K111 Fagot ATGM.
The BMP-23 was first seen on a parade in 1984. It served with the Bulgarian army in Iraq along with the M1117 Armoured Security Vehicle.Operators
Variants
- BMP-23D - Upgraded variant with 9K111 Fagot ATGM and 81mm smoke grenade launchers.
- BRM-23 - Reconnaissance version, prototype.
- BMP-30 - Modified BMP-23 with the turret taken directly from the BMP-2.
