The BMP-1 was the world's first mass-produced infantry fighting vehicle, a revolutionary design combining the properties of an armoured personnel carrier and a light tank. The Soviet military leadership saw any future wars as being conducted with nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, where unprotected infantry would soon be either killed or incapacitated by radiation or chemical and biological agents. A vehicle like the BMP would allow infantry to operate from the relative safety of its armoured, radiation shielded interior in contaminated areas and to fight alongside it in uncontaminated areas. It would increase infantry squad mobility, provide fire support to them, and also be able to fight alongside main battle tanks.

This book is an invaluable album of detailed photographs for the modeller.

About the Series
This is a classic series of highly illustrated books on the best machines of war, with several hundred photographs of each aircraft or vehicle. With close-up views of the key features of each machine, including its variations, markings and modifications, customising and creating a model has never been easier. Includes extra features such as decals and masking foil.