Algerian Terminator BMPT-62

BMPT-62 (sometimes called Algerian Terminator in reference to the BMPT Terminator) – A fire support vehicle developed from leftover T-62 tanks and Berezhok turrets. The vehicle was presented at the 60th anniversary parade of Algeria’s independence.^[1] the BMPT-62 is a fire support fighting vehicle specific to Algeria, often nicknamed locally "Mini Terminator". This is not a standard Soviet or Russian model, but an Algerian modernization initiative, the BMPT-62, full name Boyevaya Mashina Podderzhki Tankov (Tank Support Fighting Vehicle) Model 62, is a heavy military vehicle developed in Algeria. It is the result of a program to convert old Soviet-era T-62 main battle tanks (MBTs), stored or retired from service, into modern, cost-effective fire support vehicles.^[2]

The concept of the BMPT-62 was born out of Algeria's desire to have a tank support vehicle similar to the Russian BMPT-72 "Terminator" (which Algeria also has in active service). The development was carried out by Algerian engineers from the BCL (Central Logistics Base),^[1] with a probable technical collaboration from the Russian company KBP Tula, manufacturer of the turret used.

The choice of the T-62 chassis made it possible to reuse a large fleet of obsolete vehicles,^[1] which were in good working order because they were little used before their storage. The modernization consisted of removing the 115 mm main turret from the T-62 and installing the modern combat module "Berezhok" (B05Ya01) in its place.^[3]

The T-62 Berezhok or "Mini-Terminator," made its first appearance in Algeria during the military parade rehearsals for July 5, 2022. This vehicle represents a unique adaptation of the Russian-made Berezhok upgrade kit, which integrates a remote-controlled turret, electro-optical targeting system, fire control computer, and multiple weapon systems onto older armored platforms such as the BMP-1 and BMP-2.

Algerian engineers from the BCL (Bâtiment de Construction Légère) extended the kit's application to the T-62 main battle tank, which had been largely retired and stored for over a decade. The upgraded T-62 incorporates the 30 mm 2A42 autocannon, an AGS-30 automatic grenade launcher, a PKT machine gun, and can launch four Barq anti-tank missiles produced under license in Algeria. The original 115 mm 2A20 gun and its obsolete ammunition were replaced in the modernization process.^[4]

The program drew inspiration from the successful deployment of the BMPT-72 within the Algerian People's National Army (ANP) over the previous two years. The conversion of the T-62 fleet aimed to repurpose 200 stored tanks as fire support vehicles for armored brigades. This initiative positioned Algeria as the operator of the largest fleet of Berezhok-equipped armored vehicles in the world, surpassing the Russian Army, which only recently began adopting the system in limited numbers. The project was conducted in cooperation with KBP Tula, the original manufacturer of the Berezhok kit, while the BCL executed integration domestically.

The concept of converting retired T-62 main battle tanks into fire support vehicles emerged from the Algerian Army’s logistics and upgrade experience with the Russian-made Berezhok turret system. Algerian engineers at the Base Centrale Logistique (BCL) adapted the Berezhok kit — previously used on BMP-1 and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles — for installation on surplus T-62 hulls that had been withdrawn from service and stored for years. The original 115 mm gun of the T-62, for which ammunition had become increasingly scarce and obsolete, was removed to allow the fitting of the Berezhok turret with its electro-optical fire control and modern armament suite.^[2]

The BMPT-62 conversions were first observed publicly during rehearsals for the Algerian People’s National Army’s (ANP) 60th anniversary military parade in early July 2022. Vehicles fitted with the Berezhok turret appeared in footage and images circulating online prior to the official parade date on 5 July 2022.

On 5 July 2022, a convoy of converted vehicles was displayed in Algiers during the Independence Day celebrations, marking the first formal appearance of the BMPT-62 concept. The conversion project has been described as a cost-effective domestic initiative that leverages existing armored stocks and the ANP’s longstanding experience with Berezhok-equipped vehicles.

Since this first parade appearance, additional converted units have been documented in subsequent military displays and official imagery, indicating ongoing integration of the BMPT-62 vehicles into Algerian armored units.

The BMPT-62 combines a heavy tank chassis with the advanced armament and targeting systems of a modern infantry fighting vehicle.

• Chassis: Hull and mobility of the Soviet T-62 tank. The vehicle is slightly lighter than the original T-62 due to the lower weight of the new turret.
• Crew: Reduced to three members (driver, commander, gunner), thanks to turret automation.
• Mobility: 518 horsepower V12 ChTZ V-55V diesel engine, identical to the original T-62, with a manual transmission (5 forward gears, 1 reverse).
• Armament: The BMPT-62 is designed for close support of main battle tanks (such as the Algerian T-90s) and mechanized infantry units. Its multiple armament allows it to simultaneously face various threats (foot infantry, light armored vehicles, enemy tanks, even low-flying drones) in complex environments such as urban or desert areas.

The central element of the BMPT-62 is its highly versatile "Berezhok" turret

The vehicle uses the steel armor of the T-62, which is complemented by the potential addition of explosive reactive armor (ERA), especially on the sides of the hull and rear, as well as around the turret collar to improve survivability in urban combat.

Algeria has modernized several hundred of these vehicles, presenting them publicly for the first time at a military parade in July 2022.

• BMPT Terminator
• Shipunov 2A42
• BMP-2
• T-62
• Algeria