D
Land ForcesRussia

BMP-1KSh (BMP M1978)

Amphibious command post and staff infantry fighting vehicleFielded 1978Pending verification
Land ForcesRUS
BMP-1KSh (BMP M1978)
Photo: Vitaly V. Kuzmin · CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeAmphibious command post and staff infantry fighting vehicle
Date of introduction1978
ProliferationAt least 2 countries
ManufacturerKurganmashzavod (Soviet Union)[Med[1]
ConfigurationTrackMed[1]
Crew3Med[1]
Dimensions and weight
Length6.74 m22 ftMed[1]
Width2.94 m10 ftMed[1]
Height2.15 m7 ftMed[1]
Combat weight13 tMed[1]
Automotive performance
EngineUTD-23 (Upgraded Engine)Med[1]
Engine power360 hpMed[1]
Suspensiontorsion barMed[1]
Cruising range550 km342 mi · 297 nmiMed[1]
Max road speed65 km/h40 mph · 35 ktMed[1]
Swim speed7 km/h4 mph · 4 ktMed[1]
Cross-country speed45 km/h28 mph · 24 ktMed[1]
Fording depthAmphibiousMed[1]
Protection
Hull ArmorSteel 19 mm. The hull of the BMP-1K is made of all-welded steel, which provides the crew with protection from small-arms fire and shell splinters.Med[1]
Turret ArmorSteel 23 mmMed[1]
Applique ArmorAvailableMed[1]
Explosive reactive armorAvailableMed[1]
NBC Protection SystemGO-27 radioactive and chemical agent detectorMed[1]
Smoke EquipmentTo create a smokescreen, BMP-1 has a built in TDA thermal smoke emitter in the engine compartment that creates smoke by injecting small amount of diesel onto the engine manifold.Med[1]
Grenade LauncherYes, RPG-7 light grenade launcher with grenadesMed[1]
Armament
Secondary armament1 x PKT (Kalashnikov's Machine Gun); The 7.62mm PKT can be controlled remotely and is slaved to the main gun,Med[1]
Fire control
Thermal Vehicle CommanderYes, TKN-3B day night sight with variable magnificationMed[1]
Thermal GunnerYes, TVNE-1PA active IR night vision metascopeMed[1]
Variants
Ammunition noteThe BMP-1KSh has only two roof hatches and is operated without the launch rails for the Malyukta ATGWs.[1]
BMP-1PThe BMP-1P is an upgraded variant of the BMP-1 and weighed 13.4 tons. Protection capabilities in the BMP-1P and its sub variant BMP-1PG ('Granatomyot' - grenade launcher) were improved by fitting them with the 81 mm 902V[1]
BMP-1 Ambulance (Iraq)Evacuate wounded.[1]
BMP-1MKliver turret & drop down gate.[1]
Type 86/WZ-501 (China)Chinese BMP-1 IFV.[1]
BMP-1G ICVAT-4/AT-5 ATGM & 30-mm AGS-17 AGL.[1]
BMP-1 with Soviet modifications in AfghaApplique armor, AT-4 ATGM mount; some with AGS-17 30-mm AGL.[1]
Summary

The BMP-1KSh (BMP M1978) Russian Amphibious Command Post and Staff Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) is designed to transport a section of infantry into combat under protection, and provide fire support with its main armament, as well as a platform from which the infantry can fight.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
RussiaUkraine
Sources
  1. BMP-1KSh (BMP M1978) Russian Amphibious Command Post and Staff Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import
  • 2026-10-10 Added photo (CC BY-SA 3.0)