Armored Vehicles

BTR-3

The BTR-3 is a Ukrainian 8x8 armored personnel carrier family derived from the Soviet-style wheeled APC layout but built around Ukrainian production and combat modules. In Ukrainian service, BTR-3 variants provide protected infantry mobility and turret fire support with a 30 mm cannon, machine gun, automatic grenade launcher, and anti-tank missile options.

Conflict side
Ukraine
Built by
Kyiv Armored PlantUkrespectExport
Built in
Ukraine
BTR-3, 8x8 wheeled armored personnel carrier, Armored Vehicles

Profile

Type
8x8 wheeled armored personnel carrier
Conflict side
Ukraine
Origin
Ukraine
Service note
Entered service in 2001; in Ukrainian service during the Russia-Ukraine War

Service History

In service
In service from 2001
Used by
Ukrainian Armed Forces, National Guard of Ukraine
Wars
Russia-Ukraine War

Production History

Designer
Ukrainian and foreign industrial consortium
Designed
Early 2000s
Built by
Kyiv Armored PlantUkrespectExport
Built in
Ukraine
Produced
2001-present
Variants
BTR-3E, BTR-3E1, BTR-3DA, BTR-3KSh

Specifications

Crew and passengers
9 personnel total on BTR-3E configuration
Armament
CM-3M/BM-3-type combat module with 30 mm automatic cannon, 30 mm automatic grenade launcher, 7.62 mm machine gun, and anti-tank missile options on some variants
Weight
About 16-16.5 tonnes depending on variant
Mobility
8x8 wheeled amphibious chassis; road speed listed from 80 to 95 km/h by variant, with 600-850 km road range
Engine
Diesel powerplant; Ukrainian reference lists 300 hp for BTR-3E
Protection
Welded steel armor for small-arms fire and shell-splinter protection

Conflict Usage

Russia-Ukraine War
Side: Ukraine

Operated by Ukrainian forces during the full-scale Russian invasion; visually confirmed loss documentation records Ukrainian BTR-3 vehicles destroyed or captured in the conflict.

BTR-3 Images

Related Weapon Systems

Sources