The Kurganets is no superweapon—but it does indicate a major Russian effort to bring its mechanized fleet up to contemporary standards and keep its soldiers alive. Its incorporation of an Active Protection System and superior antitank missiles are both capability upgrades that other IFV operators will be compelled to match.

Sébastien Roblin holds a Master’s Degree in Conflict Resolution from Georgetown University and served as a university instructor for the Peace Corps in China. He has also worked in education, editing, and refugee resettlement in France and the United States. He currently writes on security and military history for War Is Boring.

This article is being republished due to reader interest.

Image: Reuters.