The BRDM-2MS is a Russian modernization of the Soviet BRDM-2 armored scout car, retaining the 14.5 mm KPVT and 7.62 mm PKT armament while adding a diesel engine, applique armor, side access, thermal and laser-rangefinding sights, GPS-linked navigation, and multiple observation cameras. Russian BRDM-2MS vehicles have been documented in the 2014 Russia-Ukraine War through airborne-troop training for Ukraine deployment and at least one visually confirmed Russian loss.
Russian airborne forces received BRDM-2MS vehicles for mobilized troops training for possible Ukraine deployment in October 2022, and Oryx's visually documented Russian loss list later recorded one Russian BRDM-2MS destroyed.
Role detailsThe BRDM-2MS modernization is centered on keeping an older BRDM-2 reconnaissance hull useful for observation, patrol, and security work. Official Serbian descriptions emphasize a new diesel engine, side doors, a modern fire-control system, thermal and television observation aids, GPS navigation, rear-view cameras, additional armor plates, and improved floor protection.
A stabilized commander's device, gunner sight, thermal camera, laser range finder, and six television cameras improve day, night, and all-around awareness.
Additional 6 mm armor panels and floor reinforcement raise protection over the basic BRDM-2, with Serbian sources describing all-aspect 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm protection and frontal 14.5 mm protection at 300 m.
The modernization replaces the petrol engine with a 150 hp diesel and is reported with a road radius of about 1,500 km, while keeping a 90-100 km/h asphalt-road speed range.
The BRDM-2MS is one branch of the wider BRDM-2 modernization family rather than a newly designed vehicle.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
 | Base Soviet scout car | The MS modernization keeps the BRDM-2 hull concept and turret armament while changing mobility, protection, access, and sighting systems. Sources: Serbian Armed Forces Presentation |
| BRDM-2MB Bekas | Follow-on Russian modernization | Janes describes BRDM-2MB Bekas as a B-Arms upgraded BRDM-2 reconnaissance vehicle with applique armor, anti-blast seats, a mine-protected floor, a new diesel engine, and the retained KPVT/PKT protected turret armament. Sources: Janes BRDM-2MB Bekas |
The MS modernization keeps the BRDM-2 turret weapon set, pairing the vehicle with KPV/KPVT heavy machine-gun and PKT coaxial machine-gun families.
| Ammunition | Ammunition type | Firing evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | 14.5 mm heavy machine gun | Serbian official descriptions identify the BRDM-2MS main armament as a 14.5 mm KPVT machine gun paired with a 7.62 mm PKT coaxial gun. Sources: Serbian MoD BRDM-2MS Enhancement |
 | 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun | Serbian official descriptions identify the BRDM-2MS secondary turret armament as a 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun. Sources: Serbian MoD BRDM-2MS Enhancement |
Serbia reported that the first 10 of 30 donated BRDM-2MS vehicles arrived in July 2019.
Sources: Serbian MoD BRDM-2MS Enhancement
The Serbian Ministry of Defence described the BRDM-2MS package as adding a diesel engine, new fire-control and observation equipment, additional armor panels, GPS navigation, side doors, and improved crew protection.
Sources: Serbian MoD BRDM-2MS Enhancement
Army Recognition reported that Russian airborne forces had received BRDM-2MS vehicles and were training recently mobilized troops on them for possible deployment in Ukraine.
Sources: Army Recognition BRDM-2MS Ukraine Deployment
Defense Express reported Russian BRDM-2MS vehicles moving through Ulan-Ude and linked the type to Russian airborne-unit use during the full-scale invasion period.
Sources: Defense Express BRDM-2MS Supply
