MOSCOW. June 26 (Interfax-AVN) - The new BREM-L repair and retrieving vehicle developed by the Kurganmashzavod enterprise on the basis of the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle is to enter service with the Russian Armed Forces soon, a source at the Russian Defense Ministry told Interfax-Military News Agency.
The source said that the corresponding order has been signed by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov on the basis of the results of the vehicle's state tests.
The source added that the vehicle would be dispatched to units operating infantry fighting vehicles and other assets derived from BMP vehicles.
"In accordance with the minister's order, design documentation, tactical and technical characteristics of the assets do not belong to classified information, with the exception of data on armor thickness," the source said.
The BREM-L tracked amphibious vehicle is used to retrieve damaged or inoperable infantry fighting vehicles and other light vehicles from battle-fields, as well as for assisting crewmembers in repairing and servicing their assets. The total weight of the vehicle mounts up to 18.7 tonnes, crew consists of three servicemen. The top road speed is 71.5 kilometers per hour; the vehicle swims at a speed of 9 kilometers per hour. It has anti- bullet armor protection and is armed with a PKT machine-gun with 1,000 rounds.
The vehicle is fitted with a 450 horsepower engine.
The BREM-L boasts cutting-edge navigation equipment. The computer is used to determine coordinates and directional angle for destination site, data on the vehicle's position indicated.