The BMP-2 was the immediate successor in Soviet and Warsaw Pact forces to the venerable BMP-1, and was first observed in 1982.

The most notable difference between the two vehicles was the change in armament: the BMP-2 was fitted with a larger turret mounting a 30mm rapid-fire cannon that can fire either single shots, low automatic (200 to 300 rounds/minute), or high automatic (500 rounds/minute). The weapon had a dual feed system for Armor Piercing and High-Explosive ammunition, and was also fully stabilized. The effective range against ground targets was 1,000m, and 2,000m against air targets. An AT-5 SPANDREL ATGM launcher was also fitted on the top of the turret; this ATGM has a range of 4,000m, and four missiles were carried on board. Secondary armament comprised a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun.

The vehicle was powered by a 300hp diesel engine and had a suspension generally similar to that of the BMP-1. The troop compartment could carry seven infantrymen.

The BMP-2 entered service with the former East German Army in 1988, but only 26 had been fielded when that force was disbanded and incorporated into the Bundeswehr.