Turkish armoured vehicle manufacturer FNSS has announced that it has been awarded the contract to upgrade the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) BMP-3, attracting significant attention with this development.  

The UAE opted to collaborate with FNSS, rather than outsourcing the upgrade to Russia, from which it originally procured the BMP-3s in the 1990s. 

In 2011, the UAE had already commissioned the Russian state company Rosoboronexport to upgrade 135 vehicles to the BMP-3M standard.  

According to FNSS, the new agreement was signed during the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) 2025, held last week in Abu Dhabi, and covers a total of 615 armoured fighting vehicles.  

The modernisation of the BMP-3 will focus on enhancing their mechanical, electrical and electronic systems. 

Potential upgrades include replacing engines, transmissions and suspension systems, as well as upgrading the electronic control system. Additionally, replacing the 2K23 turret with the more modern FNSS Teber turret is under consideration.  

One key challenge for the Turkish company will be addressing the armour of the BMP-3, which is widely regarded as the vehicle’s weak point.  

FNSS will collaborate with UAE-based EDGE, but has not disclosed the contract’s value or the exact delivery schedule.

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