Defense Studies reported that Kiev Armored Plant has published photoss of the completion of the assembly of its new BTR-4 family of armored vehicles on November 5, 2021. Designated as a wheeled armored vehicle that controls The BTR-4CS-T is based on the export version of the BTR-4U 8×8 APC (Armoured Personnel Carrier) wheeled armored vehicle. The BTR-4CS-T 8×8 wheeled command vehicle that appears to be at least finished, one such vehicle was built for the Royal Thai Navy/Royal Thai Marine Corps identified as a customer. The Royal Thai Marine Corps reportedly showed interest in the BTR-4MV1 in October 2018.
The BTR-4 “Bucephalus” (Bronetransporter, ‘armoured transporter’) is an amphibious 8×8 wheeled armoured personnel carrier (APC) designed in Ukraine by the Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau (SOE KMDB). The layout of the BTR-4 represents a change compared to the older BTR-60/70/80 designed in the Soviet Union. The vehicle has a conventional layout similar to western designs like the German TPz Fuchs with the driver’s and commander’s compartment at the front part of the hull, the engine and transmission compartment in the middle, and the troop compartment at the rear. The BTR-4 is a more flexible design than the older BTR-60/70/80s as the changed layout makes it easier to adapt the vehicle to specialized roles.
The BTR-4 has a maximum speed of 110 km/h and can cross water obstacles at a speed of 10 km/h. The vehicle is powered by a 3TD diesel engine with 500 hp. It was reported to being hit by several rpg rounds and multiple small-arms fire with no consequences.[citation needed] Slat armor can be fitted for maximum protection against RPG attacks. Apart from that, the hull rear is fitted with a ramp that not only enables troopers to enter and leave the vehicle much quicker, but also enables the armoured personnel carrier to transport various large-size cargoes, including additional ammunition, spare parts, etc. Up to 500 vehicles produced for all operators.
