Russia's BMD-4M airborne vehicles face heavy losses in Ukraine

In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russia's BMD-4M airborne vehicles have been deployed significantly despite earlier setbacks during the war. The BMD-4M is a modern variant of a Soviet-era infantry fighting vehicle that was first introduced in 1966 as the BMP-1, providing mechanized infantry with better combat capabilities. However, the BMD-4M has recently received subpar reviews regarding its performance in real combat conditions, with open-source reports indicating that at least 167 of these vehicles have been destroyed by the end of February 2025. This situation is particularly notable given the historical context of airborne operations. During the Soviet Union's engagement in Afghanistan, paratroopers did not utilize significant airborne drops due to terrain challenges and logistical issues. In contrast, the war in Ukraine offers a different scenario, with established frontlines that theoretically allow for effective use of airborne troops. Yet, difficulties have arisen, particularly following the Battle for the Antonov Airport, where Russian forces faced a major setback. To address these operational challenges and promote its military equipment, Russia's Rosoboronexport has begun actively marketing the BMD-4M despite its lackluster battlefield performance. The company claims the vehicle offers advantages for foreign buyers, emphasizing its design for deployment by air. They highlight the ability for up to three BMD-4M units to be deployed from a large transport aircraft like the Il-76MD-90A(E). This marketing effort may stem from a recognition within the Kremlin that the BMD-4M may not adequately meet the demands of modern warfare, prompting interest in selling it to other countries that operate large transport aircraft. The push to export the BMD-4M also reflects broader trends within the Russian military, where reliance on older, outdated systems remains prevalent. As the conflict in Ukraine continues to evolve, it remains uncertain if any foreign partners will be willing to adopt the BMD-4M, particularly given its performance issues. Additionally, the context of these sales may reveal a shift in the Kremlin's strategy as they seek to pawn off equipment that has proven ineffective in actual combat scenarios. This situation raises significant questions about the future of Russian military operations and the effectiveness of their modernized equipment on the battlefield.