BTR-3U

   The BTR-3U armored personnel carrier was developed in 2000 by Ukrainian and UAE companies as a private venture. The BTR-3U is an improved variant of the Soviet BTR-80 armored personnel carrier, however it is a newly built vehicle, rather than upgrade of existing APC. It might represent a further development of the Ukrainian BTR-94. Despite similar appearance the BTR-3U has greater internal volume, more powerful and fuel efficient engine, and many more improvements. Small numbers of the BTR-3U were ordered by Azerbaijan, Ecuador, Kazakhstan and Nigeria. Other operators are Iraq, Myanmar, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. Ukraine expects to replace it's ageing APCs with the BTR-3U, however no orders from this country were made to date.

   The BTR-3U is armed with Shkval armament module. It is fitted with a 30-mm dual-fed cannon, 7.62-mm coaxial machine gun, 30-mm automatic grenade launcher and Konkurs anti-tank guided missiles. Weapons on the Shkval module can be replaced, fitting it with different anti-tank missiles and so on.

   Armor of the BTR-3U provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. It is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

   The BTR-3U has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver. Vehicle provides accommodation for 6 troops. Troops enter and leave the vehicle through the side doors or roof hatches. A number of firing ports are provided for the occupants.

   The BTR-3U is powered by the Deutz BF6M1015 diesel engine, developing 326 horsepower. Vehicle is fitted with a central tyre pressure system, that allows to adjust the tyre pressure to suit terrain conditions. The BTR-3U is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by a single waterjet engine.

Variants

   Guardian, variant for the UAE Marines, fitted with Buran-N1 turret;

   BTR-3E, export variant, fitted with new engine;

   BTR-3E1, export variant, fitted with BM-3 Shturm turret and new engine;

   BTR-3E ARV armored recovery vehicle.