BTR-4

   The BTR-4 armored personnel carrier was developed in Ukraine as a private venture. Sometimes the BTR-4 is nicknamed the Bucefal (Bucephalus). Its prototype was unveiled in 2006. It was approved for production and adoption to Ukrainian Army service in 2008. However at that time these armored personnel carriers were not ordered by the Ukrainian Army due to funding problems. The BTR-4 APC was being offered on the export market. Iraq was the first customer of this armored personnel carrier. Iraqi MoD signed a contract for 420 of these APCs. The BTR-4 was delivered to Iraq in the form of BTR-4E, where the letter "E" denotes the "Export" version. First BTR-4E vehicles were delivered to Iraqi Army in 2011. However eventually Iraqi Mod cancelled the contract due to low quality of delivered BTR-4s. Only 88 armored vehicles were delivered to Iraq when the contract was cancelled. Unshipped APCs were returned to Ukraine and delivered to Ukrainian armed forces. The BTR-4E was officially adopted by Ukrainian MoD in 2012. Only in 2014, after the Russian military agression in Ukraine, the Ukrainian Armed Forces ordered 154 of these APCs and another 40 units were ordered by Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs. In 2021 it was announced that another 70 units were ordered for Ukrainian Armed Forces. Kazakhstan was another export customer and ordered 100 of these APCs. In 2016 a total of 5 units were delivered to Indonesia. So far the BTR-4 has seen combat in Ukraine and Iraq.

   Vehicle has a different layout, comparing with the Soviet 8x8 armored personnel carriers. The main drawback of the Soviet APCs was a rear-mounted engine. Troops had to leave the vehicle through the side doors, thus being exposed to enemy fire. The BTR-4 has engine and transmission mounted in the middle of the hull. Troop compartment is located at the rear. Its layout is similar to that of Western designs.

   During 2014 Ukrainian conflict with Russia the BTR-4 APCs were extensively used. Within half of the year more than 900 improvements were made to the design of the vehicle.

   Prototype of the BTR-4 was armed with a 30 mm cannon, 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun and four Konkurs or Baryer anti-tank guided missiles, or alternatively a 30 mm automatic grenade launcher in place of two anti-tank missiles. This variant can carry 8 troops (7 in up-armored version). The BTR-4 is also proposed with a number of armament modules:

   Grom module, 1 x 30 mm cannon, 1 x 30 mm automatic grenade launcher, 1 x 7.62 mm machine gun, 4 x Konkurs or Baryer anti-tank missile launchers, capacity for 8 troops;

   Shkval module, 1 x 30 mm cannon, 1 x 30 mm automatic grenade launcher, 1 x 7.62 mm machine gun, 2 x Konkurs of Baryer anti-tank missile launchers, capacity for 8 troops;

   BAU 23 x 2 module, 2 x 23 mm cannons, 1 x 7.62 mm machine gun, capacity for 8 troops.

   The BTR-4 can also be armed according to customer requirements.

   A baseline version of the BTR-4 provides all-round protection against 7.62 mm ball rounds and artillery shell splinters. It seems that the front arc withstands 12.7 mm rounds. Vehicle also withstands 6 kg anti-tank mine blasts. Add-on armor can be fitted for a higher level of protection. The BTR-4 is equipped with automatic fire suppression and NBC protection systems.

   The BTR-4 has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver. Vehicle can carry 7 - 9 troops, depending on the armament module type. Troops enter and leave the vehicle through the rear doors or roof hatches. Commander and driver are provided with side doors, located on each side of the hull.

   The BTR-4 is powered by Ukrainian 3TD diesel engine, developing 500 hp. Alternatively vehicle can be powered by a Deutz diesel engine, developing 500-600 hp. This APC is fully amphibious and is propelled on water by two waterjets.

Variants

   BTR-4E is an export version. Iraq was the first customer of this armored personnel carrier. Iraqi MoD signed a contract for 420 of these APCs. First vehicles were delivered to Iraqi Army in 2011. However eventually Iraqi Mod cancelled the contract due to low quality of delivered BTR-4s. Only 88 armored vehicles were delivered to Iraq when the contract was cancelled. Unshipped APCs were returned to Ukraine and delivered to Ukrainian armed forces. The BTR-4E was officially adopted by Ukrainian MoD in 2012.

   BTR-4E1 another version with improved armor protection. Protection of this vehicle is enhanced by add-on armor kit. This version was revealed in 2014. Despite increased protection and weight this APC retains amphibious capability.

   BTR-4MV version with improved armor protection, developed in 2013. The baseline version provides all-round protection against 7.62 mm armor-piercing rounds and artillery shell splinters. Vehicle also withstands 8 kg anti-tank mine blasts. Protection level can be further improved by fitting add-on armor. It was accepted to service with Ukrainian Army.

   BTR-4K command vehicle.

   BTR-4Ksh command and staff vehicle.

   BRM-4K reconnaissance vehicle.

   BREM-4K repair and recovery vehicle.

   BSEM-4K armored ambulance.

   MOP-4K fire support vehicle, fitted with 120 mm gun and 12.7 mm machine gun.