Rare BMO-T Heavy Armored Vehicle Receives Major Upgrade

Rare BMO-T Heavy Carrier Gets Major Battlefield Upgrade

06:42 06-10-2026

Russia’s rare BMO-T has been upgraded with a remote weapon station, thermal imaging, new side screens and improved tracks after proving itself in combat.

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A wide range of armored vehicles is currently being used along the line of contact in the special military operation zone. Rossiyskaya Gazeta notes that most of these machines are already familiar to the public from media reports, but some remain relatively rare sights.

One such vehicle is the BMO-T flamethrower combat vehicle, built on the chassis of the T-72B main battle tank. Despite its limited appearances in photographs and videos, the publication says the vehicle is actively used and has performed well in combat conditions.

The BMO-T is powered by an 840-horsepower engine. It can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h on roads and has a range of more than 700 kilometers. The vehicle carries 30 Shmel rocket infantry flamethrowers, while an NSVT heavy machine gun is used against ground and aerial targets.

Military specialists classify the BMO-T as a heavy armored personnel carrier. It features shell-resistant armor as well as built-in explosive reactive armor on the front and sides. The crew consists of two people, with space for another seven servicemen in the troop compartment.

Rossiyskaya Gazeta also reported that a patent published some time ago revealed details of a modernization program for the vehicle.

One of the main changes is the replacement of the manually operated machine gun with a remotely controlled weapon station stabilized in two planes. The module is equipped with television and thermal imaging channels, expanding the vehicle’s capabilities during nighttime operations.

The upgraded BMO-T has also received a new commander’s cupola, additional side screens and improved tracks.

The modernized vehicle recently took part in the Center-2026 strategic command-and-staff exercises, where it was used during a simulated breakthrough of enemy defenses.