Russia's "Terminator" - The New Type of a Fighting Vehicle

Russia’s new BMPT “Terminator” is a novel type of armored vehicle that may represent the next stage in armor evolution.
Historically, tank battles involved tanks from two sides fighting each other, with infantry and artillery in supporting roles. This was the case from WWII through Desert Storm. In Ukraine, though, direct (tank vs. tank) combat has been rare.
Experience with mountain and urban warfare in Afghanistan and Chechnya led the Russians to develop a new type of armored vehicle, one able to engage multiple targets at once, in particular infantry, who might have anti-tank weapons. Most tank guns have limited elevation, so they cannot hit people on rooftops, or fire down into trenches. They also have a relatively low rate of fire. The Russians used ZSU-23-4 “Shilka” anti-aircraft vehicles in urban combat, armed with quad 23mm cannon, which were devastatingly effective but vulnerable due to their light armor.
The new vehicle would have rapid-firing weapons able to hit targets anywhere like a Shilka, but the protection and mobility of a battle tank. It would work in close conjunction with tanks and protect them.
In 2011 the first version entered service.
Initial version BMPT was based on the chassis of the T-72 tank. Newer version of the Tank Support Fighting Vehicle has a new remote-controlled turret and is built on the chassis of a T-90 main battle tank. Computerized fire control system of the BMPT uses proven components of the T-90 main battle tank. Vehicle is equipped with thermal imagers. It can engage targets under day or night conditions.
Vehicle is powered by a new V-92S2 multi-fuel diesel engine, developing one thousand horsepower. In the future the BMPT might be fitted with the V-99 diesel, developing 1200 horsepower. It is also equipped with auxiliary power unit, which powers all systems, when the main engine is turned off. Vehicle has a built-in self-entrenching blade and can be equipped with a mine plough or mine rollers.
Highway speed is 65 kilometers per hour. Maximum distance 550 kilometers. Weight: 48 tons.
This tank support vehicle has a crew of five, including commander, driver and three gunners.

Its primary armament consists of two stabilized 30mm automatic cannons, each firing 12 rounds per second.
Four anti-tank guided missile launchers are available for use against bigger targets. Some versions include a pair of 30mm automatic grenade launchers, each commanded by its gunner, but others do not. In general, the dual cannons deliver terrifying firepower.
With an effective range of 2,000 meters, the autocannon can strike aerial targets (such as drones) and terrestrial targets. The powerful “Ataka” guided missile, has a range of 6,000 meters and is available in anti-tank and thermobaric versions to demolish fortifications and structures.
The Terminator’s latest upgrade is equipped with fragmentation ammunition which is essential for targeting enemy infantry.
The BMPT is said to be protected by new Relikt explosive reactive armor designed to deflect anti-tank rounds.
Interior is fitted with Kevlar lining.
Vehicle is also equipped with automatic fire suppression systems.
Terminator can engage three targets at the same time, as each weapon is aimed separately.
The relatively small turret may make it less vulnerable.
The commander has a 360-degree panoramic sight and can share the video with the gunner to point out targets.
Perhaps not having a conventional turret or the ammunition storage system that makes Russian tanks so prone to blowing up means BMPTs are more likely to survive.
The BMPT combat vehicles can change tactics of combat actions and significantly increase efficiency of tank units.
Kazakhstan became first operator of this unusual combat vehicle. Three units of this tank support combat vehicle were delivered to Kazakhstan.
In 2017 this armored vehicle was spotted in Syria.
In 2021 the BMPT was declared operational with the Russian Army.
The BMPT was also exported to Algeria. In 2022. At least 9 Russian Army's BMPTs were used in combat in Ukraine.

“Janes” magazine noted their debut back in May, 2022 that Terminators have recently been spotted in Luhansk. And according to the Russians, they have performed well.
The BMPT is designed to overcome the vulnerability of the tank on a modern battlefield teeming with light anti-tank weapons. It may end up as the last vehicle standing, and more relevant to the outcome of the war than the tanks.