BTR-4E Butsefal 8x8 armored vehicle deployed by Ukrainian Joint Forces Operations

According a statement published on the Facebook account of the Ukrainian Joint Forces Operations (JFO), military forces launched to control the conflict-hit Donetsk and Lugansk regions, new BTR-4E Butsefal "Bucephalus" 8x8 wheeled armored IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle has been deployed by the JFO.

Print screen video footage from the Facebook account of the Ukrainian Joint Forces Operations showing new  BTR-4E Butsefal "Bucephalus" 8x8 wheeled armored IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle (Picture source Ukrainian Joint Forces Operations)

The new BTR-4E "Bucephalus" is developed and designed by the Ukrainian State Company Kharkiv-based Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau. The new BTR-4E was presented by the Ukrainian defense industry during a defense exhibition in Thailand.

The BTR-4E can be fitted different types of weapon station, but the standard version is fitted with a remotely operated weapon station called BM-3 Shturm which is armed with one ZTM-1 30mm automatic cannon. Second armament of the turret includes one KT or PKT 7.62mm machine gun, one AG-17 30mm automatic grenade launcher mounted to the left side of the main armament. Two launchers for the Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) Stugna is fitted to the right side of the turret.

The design of the BTR-4E is divided into three compartments with driver and commander seats at the front, engine and transmission in the middle and troops compartment at the rear. The vehicle has a crew of three and seven infantrymen can be carried at the rear of the vehicle.

The BTR-4E hull is protected against firing of small arms 7.62mm AP (Armour Piercing) caliber and artillery shell splinters, Level 2 STANAG 4569. The BTR-4E is also equipped with an anti-mine "skirt" which improves protection against mine blast and IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices).