Ukrainian BTR-4 8x8 armoured personnel carrier used during anti-terrorist operation in Sloviansk

According to the executive, armored personnel carriers, having been adopted by Units, which participate in anti-terrorist operation (hereinafter - ATO), came under heavy fire while fighting with terrorists in the Slaviansk area.

“The armor of BTR-4E sustained the direct hits from various weaponry types, including large caliber machine gun and self-operated gun. Counter-heat side screens protected crew against several hits made from manual anti-tank grenade launcher. Armored glass sustained direct hits of sniper rifles. It is reliable technique and constructive idea what saved crew’s and troops’ lives, having allowed ATO’s Units to perform tasks assigned,” Y. Tereshchenko underlined.
He highly appreciated the importance of the soonest technical re-equipment of all force structures participating in ATO.

“We are proud that newest Ukroboronprom’s developments are strengthening the defensive capacity of the country. I am sure that in the nearest future Units of Armed Forces of Ukraine and National Guard will be provided by us with the next batch of BTR-4E and BTR-3E1,” – Concern’s Director underlined.
The same time Oleksandr Varetennikov, General Designer of Kharkiv Morozov Machine-Building Design Bureau focused on key BTR-4E qualitative characteristics.

“The main feature of BTR-4E is a layout diagram, which fundamentally differ from basic one of Soviet wheeled armored personnel carriers. There is a control compartment in the fore-part, motor transmission compartment in the middle part, and combat and troops’ compartment in the rear part of the vehicle. Such layout diagram enhances driver’s observation, keeping protection characteristics, and ensures more safety exit of the troops out the vehicle while being under the enemy’s fire” – A. Veretennikov said.

He also emphasized that automatic transmission and regulated steering column improved handling quality of the vehicle. Diesel engine OTD with a power of 500 hp ensures the increase of maximum speed up to 110-120 km/hour. Also BTR-4E has reinforced armored protection due to increased lifting capacity of chassis. The compartments of management, combat and troops are covered with the Kevlar inside, which prevents the damage of crew and troops by shear rupture of armor.

Mr. Tereshchenko, Ukroboronprom’s Director, underlined that BTR-4Es sustained the difficult testing with dignity and have serious prospects of the promotion at international weaponry market: “We see significant increase of the interest of potential customers in Ukrainian armored vehicles.”