The BMR-3M mine clearing vehicle was developed as a private venture. It is a proposed replacement for the current Russian Army BMR-2 mine clearing vehicle, based on the T-54 medium tank. Also it is a further development of the BMR- 3, based on the T-72 main battle tank. The new mine clearing vehicle is mainly intended for road mine clearing, while escorting convoys. It seems that the BMR-3M mine clearing vehicle entered service with the Russian Army in 2000. Other sources report that it saw action during the second war in Chechnya. Some export customers expressed interest in obtaining this vehicle, however there were no export sales to date.
The BMR-3M is based on the T-90 main battle tank chassis. The turret has been removed and new all-welded superstructure has been fitted. This mine clearing vehicle is fitted with Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) blocks. The superstructure provides protection against small arms fire, artillery shell splinters and mine fragment debris. Belly armour has been improved and is of composite construction. It withstands and anti-tank mine blast anywhere under the hull. This engineering vehicle is fitted with NBC protection system.
The BMR-3M is fitted with KTM-7 mine rollers. Chains are fitted between the rollers to detonate tilt-mast fuses. A single roller clears 0.8 m wide track, allowing the following vehicles to pass. The BMR-3M is also fitted with electromagnetic countermine system, that detonates magnetically fuzed mines. It is also fitted with a radio jammer, that prevents detonation of radio-controlled explosives. This vehicle clears mines fitted with pressure activated fuses, bottom mines fitted with rod-type fuses and mines with magnetic proximity fuses. It also ploughs-out mines planted in soil. Mine clearing speed is up to 12 km/h, depending on mine density and ground conditions.
The BMR-3M is armed with a remotely-operated 12.7 mm machine gun for self defence. This machine gun is also used to destruct visible mines laying on the surface of soil.