The BMP-23 is a Bulgarian infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) 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, and two AT-4 Spigot or AT-5 Spandrel launchers (4 in later variants). Several variants exist, including the BMP-30, with a 30mm cannon. 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.
| BMP-23 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Infantry fighting vehicle |
| Place of origin |  Bulgaria |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 15.2 tonnes |
| Length | 7.28 m |
| Width | 3.05 m |
| Height | 2.53 m |
| Crew | 3 (+7 passengers) |
| | |
| Main armament | 23 mm automatic cannon 9M14M ATGM "Malyutka" |
| Secondary armament | 7.62 mm machine gun (PKT) |
| Engine | diesel YMZ-238 315 hp |
| Power/weight | 20.7 hp/tonne |
| Suspension | torsion bar |
| Operational range | 550 - 600 km |
| Speed | 61.5 km/h (road) |
