Armoured Vehicle / MRAP
BTR-4 Bucephalus
The BTR-4 Bucephalus is an 8×8 wheeled armoured personnel carrier designed by the Kharkiv Morozov Design Bureau in Ukraine, adopted by the Ukrainian army in 2011. Weighing about 21 tonnes, it carries three crew and eight troops and can mount a 30 mm ZTM-1 cannon.
Ukraine|Kharkiv Morozov Design Bureau (KMDB)What Is the BTR-4 Bucephalus? Overview, History and Development
The BTR-4 grew out of a late-1990s Ukrainian effort to replace Soviet-era BTR-70 and BTR-80 carriers with a modern wheeled vehicle. The Kharkiv Morozov Design Bureau built the first prototype in 2007, and the Ukrainian armed forces adopted it in 2011. It is a 21-tonne 8×8 with a 400 hp engine, a road speed of 110 km/h and a range of about 690 km. Armament options include the 30 mm ZTM-1 cannon with Barrier anti-tank missiles, or 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm remote weapon stations.
Around 500 BTR-4 vehicles have been built, but Ukrainian army numbers stayed small. Iraq signed for 420 vehicles in 2009, though deliveries were disrupted and roughly 88 are believed to have arrived (approximate). Thailand and other prospective buyers did not complete purchases. The BTR-4 saw use in the 2014 conflict and has served again since 2022. Its main rivals are the BTR-82A, Patria AMV, Boxer, Stryker and VBCI. Ukraine and Iraq remain the confirmed operators.
BTR-4 Bucephalus Specifications: Weight, Armament, Armor and Mobility
BTR-4 Bucephalus Variants and Versions Compared
BTR-4E is the export model, offered with a Deutz 400 hp diesel and a choice of weapon stations.
BTR-4MV is the modernised version with a revised engine and improved protection and fire control.
BTR-4MV1 is a further improved production standard of the modernised BTR-4 line.
Which Countries Use the BTR-4 Bucephalus? Operators and Users
Ukraine
IraqBTR-4 Bucephalus FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How many BTR-4 does Ukraine have?
Ukraine has only a small number of BTR-4 vehicles, since the army adopted the type in 2011 in limited quantities. Exact current figures are not public, and wartime losses and deliveries make any total uncertain.
Which countries use the BTR-4?
The BTR-4 is operated by Ukraine and Iraq. Iraq contracted 420 vehicles in 2009, but deliveries were disrupted and only around 88 are reported to have arrived (approximate). Thailand and other bidders did not buy the type.
How fast is the BTR-4?
The BTR-4 reaches a road speed of 110 km/h with its 400 hp engine. The 21-tonne, 8×8 vehicle has a road range of about 690 km, which puts it in line with modern wheeled carriers.
BTR-4 vs BTR-82A: which is better?
The BTR-4 is newer in design than the BTR-82A and offers a 30 mm ZTM-1 cannon option, more power at 400 hp and a modular layout. The BTR-82A is a modernised Soviet design built in much larger numbers.
Who makes the BTR-4?
The BTR-4 Bucephalus was designed by the Kharkiv Morozov Design Bureau (KMDB) in Ukraine. Production has involved the Kharkiv Armoured Plant together with Lviv and Kyiv partners.
What is the BTR-4 armed with?
The BTR-4 can be armed with a 30 mm ZTM-1 cannon paired with Barrier anti-tank missiles, or with 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm remote weapon stations. It carries a crew of three plus eight troops.