The Iraqi Police (IP) are receiving refurbished BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), according to local media outlets.

Iraq still utilizes a large number of Soviet-originated armored platforms.  (source: Spc. Jeffrey Alexander, US Army)

"The IP are to receive at least 10 BMP-1 IFVs. The first batch of completely overhauled vehicles has already been delivered to the law enforcement agency," an Iraqi newspaper said. The BMP-1s will be supported by 10 T-72M1 main battle tanks (MBTs) at an early date.

According to the Military Balance 2018 analytical book published by the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the Iraqi military operates more than 168 T-72-family MBTs, some 80 BMP-1 IFVs, and 400 MT-LB light armored transporters.

The IP are reported to have received the baseline BMP-1. According to the open sources, the BMP-1 IFV entered service in 1966. The vehicle weighs 12.6 t and carries 11 servicemen (including a crew of three). The BMP-1 is powered by a 300hp UTD-20 diesel engine, producing a maximum speed of 65 km/h, a swimming speed of 7-8 km/h, a power-to-weight ratio of 23.8 hp/t, and a road range of 600 km. The basic BMP-1 is armed with a 2A28 73 mm semi-automatic rifled gun (an ammunition load of 40 rounds), a Kalashnikov PKT 7.62 mm coaxial medium machinegun (an ammunition load of 2,000 cartridges), and a 9M14M Malyutka (NATO reporting name: AT-3 Sagger) ready-use anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). The IP BMP-1s have their Malyutka launchers removed. It should be mentioned that the hulls of the IFVs have not been reinforced by bar-slat armor, applique steel plates or explosive reactive armor (ERA) tiles.

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