On February 21, 2018, the portal armyrecognition.com reported that the Council for Military Support of Defense of India (Defense Acquisition Council of India (DAC)) approved the allocation of 9.2 billion rupees ($ 150 million) for the purchase of the Sarath infantry fighting vehicles. Thus, in the coming years the Indian army will receive another hundred and fifty infantry fighting vehicles.
The Sarath machine (licensed copy of the Soviet BMP-2) is manufactured at the Indian company Ordnance Factory Board. Today the armed forces of India have about 980 Sarath in the modification of the BMP (BMP-2) and 125 command posts on the basis of this machine (BPM-2K).
The Ministry of Defense of India indicates that the new purchase is a continuation of the program for the modernization of existing Sarath vehicles. In total, 149 units will be purchased in combat and command modifications. In the future, the volume of purchases can be increased, since the army estimates its needs for 362 cars Sarath.
BMP-2 – Soviet caterpillar infantry fighting vehicle, designed to transport personnel to the front line and joint operations with tanks. BMP-2 was adopted by the Soviet Army in 1977, in Russia it was serially produced until 2008. In the basic version, the 14-ton BMP accommodates up to 10 people (3 crew members and 7 paratroopers). Indian BMP Sarath will receive new engines with a capacity of 380 hp. (instead of 285-strong power plants), guided third-generation anti-tank missiles, new fire control systems and panoramic sights (including night vision).
Source: https://vpk.name/news/207412_indiya_dokupaet_bmp.html