BPM-97

Russia (1999): KAMAZ-43269 "Vystrel", c150 built

The BPM-97 (Boyevaya Pogranichnaya Mashina - "Battle Vehicle of the Border Guard") is a relatively recent Russian military armoured 4x4 vehicle, known initially as the the KAMAZ 43269 Vystrel. It is presented as mine-resistant and ambush protected (MRAP) but proposed in different turrets, notabl the one from the BTR-80A. The KAMAZ-43269 was specifically designed to cover a need of Russian Border Guards which used GAZ-66 trucks in that role and BMP-40s. The final BMP-97 was standardized with bulletproof side windows, no gun turret, ordered also by Kazakhstan. Outside the National Guard it was also ordered by the Federal Prison Service and EMERCOM.

Development

Development of the KAMAZ-43269 began in 1997. This armored vehicle was designed to replace the border guards' GAZ-66. However that early, there was a lack of government the next year in 1998 for the ptoject to proceed forward. This public funding was then delayed further, until the project was stopped altogether. So to offset the development cost in the absence of government orders, the first vehicles were allowed to be sold to civilian companies (taken over notably by security companies such as Wagner PLC).

In that first guise, the few vehicles produced and sold were used for example, for the transportation of explosives, money and valuable goods. At last in 2005, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, after approval from the Russian Gvernment, were sold a few more vehicles. Production of the "Vystrel", it's marketing name ("gunshot") was ongoing at JSC "Remdizel" plant, in Naberezhnye Chelny. The armoured body and KAMAZ 4326 truck chassis are assembled there. The vehicle eventually entered service with the Russian Defense Ministry in 2009, standardized as BPM-97.

However it was not deployed yet with frontline units, but rather with antiterrorist special forces as part of divisions of the Strategic Missile Forces, as of 2013. In 2015 several BPM-97 were seen in the War in Donbas and at least 3 analyzed to have been destroyed by February. The BPM-97 also saw service with Russian invasion of Ukraine, presumably with special forces and mostly by Wagner wth two destroyed as of 2024, and three captured. As of mid-2025, same count unchanged. The BPM-97 is indeed a rare sight with so few actually produced.

Design

The BPM-97 hull, showing well sloped surfaced, is made of welded welded Aluminum alloy and/or steel, standard military grade RHA. The upper part is supposed to withstands hits 12.7×108mm rounds (0.5 inches) froom a a NSV heavy machine gun from 300 metres (1000 ft). The lower part started with a V-shaped hull bottom, and is lightly protected, only able to stop 7.62×54mmR SVD rifle bullet and small arms in general as well as artillery fragments at 30 m (100 ft). Like most wheeled armouered vehicles of past USSR, the section is clearly defined, with a lower and an upper part, only windows on the forward side doors (two types of windows spotted), and pistol ports at the rear. The general access and exit are via the rear doors, small lower hull side doors between wheels. Nine men (so a full section) can sit in the rear compartment, fire through the pistol ports or fire through the hatch on the move, standing, added to one in the central fighting post and two inthe cabin forward, which armoured glass are protected by shutters.

The BPM-97 layout is standard, with the engine compartment at the front and a separate cabin following with a seating crew behind without separation. The body has side and rear doors, with roof hatches on the roof to fire on the move and for access. The base vehicle is a KAMAZ 4326 "Mustang" 4×4 truck, the "9" suffix being a factory code for armour. There are smoke projectors only on some versions, but its not standard. There is probably an autimatic fire exitinguisher both in the combat compartment and engine however NBC protection is probably not fitted or optional. The vehicle is compact with an overall lenght of 5.3m, width of 1.9m and height of 2.3m with its weapon station, at 10.5t, giving it an excellent tactical mobility, under sling by heavy helicopter, paradropping or two in a standard tactical transport aircraft. It is amphibious to some degreed and has a self-recovery winch.

Mobility-wise, the BPM-97 is powered by a Kamaz-740.10-20, 8-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine. It is coupled to an electrically controlled gear box. Thus power unit develops 240hp, but torque is unknown. The two fuel tanks fitted outside the cabin are protected by armour plates. Top speed on road as declared is 90km/h, operational range 1,100km. There is a central infmation system by looking at the wheels spokes. The vehicle is not amphibious however, but can cross up to a meter of water still. It was tested for temperatures ranging from -45°C to +50°C, with air humidity up to 98%. It could also run at 30 kph at altitudes up to 4,500m thans to the tubocompresor. Ground clearance is 365mm and it can overcome a 0.6m obstacle and gap a trench of 1.2m.

The BPM-97 had an utility central ring, can receieve a simple hatch and pintle mount, or turret mounted 7.62 mm, but also the 12.7 mm Kord and up to the 14.5 mm KPV heavy machine gun, using either the BRDM-2 turret or the BTR-80. It was also presented with the BPPU turret featung a 30 mm 2A42 autocannon and 7.62 mm PKTM coaxial machine gun (BTR-82). Some BPM-97s received also the new BM-30-D Spitsa turret with a 30 mm AG-30 automatic grenade launcher plus a 2A42 autocannon and coaxial PKTM. However the weight of these equipments certainly adds a toll to the chassis and in performances. None seems to have been exported yet.

Variants

PM-97 Initial vehicle for the border troops.
KAMAZ-43269 "Dozor". Modification for the Army, tested but not adopted
KAMAZ-43269 "Vystrel" Upgraded: Modified armored windshield wipers, relocated air intake, air purification system. 2011 exhibition, Bronnitsy.

Sub-Versions

SBA-60K2 Bulat with remote weapons turret
KamAZ 2008 3 and 4 axle derivative for 13 and 18 men announced
2009: Identified 3/4-axle variant by vif2ne.ru (photos) as Project 69501.
JSC "Krasnodar Instrument Factory Cascade" (2010)*
JSC Zashchita SBA-60K2 "Bulat" 6×6 version

*15M107 HMG turret variant intended for remote search and clearance of minefields, with electronic sensors.

KaMAZ 432612

Users

Azerbaijan: Ministry of Internal Affairs, c10

Kazakhstan: Ministry of Internal Affairs, c10

Russia: c100, 3 destroyed in Donbass February 2015.

Syria: Ex-Wagner donated to Syrian loyalists, recaptured in 2024.

Ukraine: 3 captured, spotted under new markings October 2022.

specifications
Dimensions (L-w-h)	5.3 x 1.9 x 2.3 m (1.83 m without armament)
Total weight, battle ready	10.5 metric tonnes
Crew	2+8, 12 passengers
Propulsion	KAMAZ 740.10-20 V8 diesel 240 hp
Speed (land flat)	90 km/h
Suspensions	4×4 wheel, leaf spring
Range (on flat)	270 L fuel, 1100 km on roads
Armament	14.5mm KPVT/12.7mm Kord HMG/ 30mm AGS-17 GL
Armor	12.7–25 mm (0.5 to 1.5 inches)
Total production	c150