BMP-23

The BMP-23 (бойна машина на пехотата) is a Bulgarian infantry fighting vehicle which was first introduced in the early 1980s. Despite its name, the BMP-23 is very different from the BMP-1 and more similar to BMP-2. The hull is based around that of the Soviet 2S1 "Gvozdika", but with thicker armour and a more powerful diesel engine. Since the "Gvozdika" is a larger vehicle, the troop transport compartment isn't as cramped as that of the BMP-1. The armour is cast steel, capable of withstanding heavy machine gun fire. The turret is armed with a 23-mm autocannon 2A14 from the air-defence gun ZU-23-2 with 600 rounds, and initially an ATGM launcher for the 9K11 Malyutka, today with 9K111 Fagot ATGM.

The BMP-23 was first seen on a parade in 1984. It served with the Bulgarian army in Iraq along with the M1117 Armoured Security Vehicle.

Operators

 * 🇧🇬 - 50 or less in service

Variants

 * BMP-23D - Upgraded variant with 9K111 Fagot ATGM and 81mm smoke grenade launchers.
 * BRM-23 - Reconnaissance version, prototype.
 * BMP-30 - Modified BMP-23 with the turret taken directly from the BMP-2.

Source

 * BMP-23 infantry fighting vehicle (Bulgaria), Armoured personnel carriers (tracked), Jane's Armour and Artillery, 20 October 2010