Armoured Vehicle / MRAP
BTR-82A
The BTR-82A is a Russian 8×8 amphibious armoured personnel carrier made by the Arzamas Machine-Building Plant, in service since 2013. A modernisation of the BTR-80, it has a stabilised 30 mm cannon, and about 1,000 were delivered to Russia by 2020.
Russia|Arzamas Machine-Building PlantWhat Is the BTR-82A? Overview, History and Development
The BTR-82 appeared in 2009, and the standard BTR-82A followed in 2013 with a stabilised 30 mm 2A72 cannon with 300 rounds. A 300 hp KamAZ-74032 diesel gives a road speed of about 100 km/h and about 9 km/h afloat with a rear water jet. The welded steel hull is only 10-15 mm thick, with a spall liner, and the crew is three plus seven troops.
Russia is the main operator with several hundred vehicles, and Kazakhstan holds around 100; Belarus is listed in smaller numbers in some sources. Production continues at a lower rate. The vehicle has seen combat in Syria, in Donbas since 2014 and in Ukraine since 2022, where open-source counts show heavy losses and Ukraine has captured examples. The BTR-82AM adds a new engine and improved suspension.
BTR-82A Specifications: Weight, Armament, Armor and Mobility
BTR-82A Variants and Versions Compared
The BTR-82 is the basic 2009 version of the modernised BTR-80.
The BTR-82A is the standard version since 2013 with a stabilised 30 mm 2A72 cannon and a new engine.
The BTR-82AM is the version since 2018 with an upgraded engine and improved suspension.
Which Countries Use the BTR-82A? Operators and Users
Russia
Kazakhstan
BelarusBTR-82A FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How much does a BTR-82A cost?
The BTR-82A costs roughly US$0.7-1 million per unit, as an estimate. Russia publishes no official unit price.
How fast is the BTR-82A?
The BTR-82A has a top road speed of about 100 km/h and a range of about 600 km. Afloat it reaches about 9 km/h using a rear water jet.
Which countries use the BTR-82A?
The BTR-82A is used by Russia, Kazakhstan (around 100 delivered) and, in smaller numbers, Belarus according to some sources. Other operators may exist but should be confirmed.
BTR-82A vs BTR-80: what is the difference?
The BTR-82A differs from the BTR-80A by its stabilised turret, new KamAZ engine and better protection, including a spall liner. The BTR-82A weighs about 15.4 tonnes.
Is the BTR-82A amphibious?
Yes, the BTR-82A is amphibious. It swims at about 9 km/h using a rear water jet.
Does the BTR-82A have active protection?
No, the standard BTR-82A has no active protection system. In Ukraine, crews have fitted field-expedient slat and cope cages.