Russian Airborne Forces boost anti-drone capabilities with upgraded BTR-MDM Rakushka armored vehicles.

On December 6, 2024, Kurganmashzavod, part of Rostec's High Precision Systems holding, announced that it has fulfilled its 2024 state defense order with the delivery of the final batch of upgraded BTR-MDM Rakushka amphibious armored personnel carriers to the Russian Airborne Forces. The final shipment follows an earlier delivery in late October, though the total number of vehicles delivered has not been disclosed. 
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The BTR-MDM entered service in 2016, replacing the older BTR-D as part of a modernization program for the Russian Airborne Forces. (Picture source: Russian social media)

The 2024 deliveries feature modifications informed by operational experiences in Ukraine. Upgrades include additional armor to enhance protection against aerial threats, the "Nakidka" system for reducing thermal and radar signatures, and an upper hemisphere protection kit referred to as "mangal." Driver stations have been fitted with night vision devices, and electronic warfare systems targeting unmanned aerial vehicles have been installed.

The BTR-MDM Rakushka is an upgraded version of the BTR-MD. It shares components with the BMD-4M and BMP-3M, including a 500-horsepower UTD-29 diesel engine, an improved transmission, and a reinforced suspension. It is capable of traversing rough terrain at speeds up to 70 km/h. The vehicle is equipped with a remotely operated weapon station, typically armed with either a 7.62 mm or a 12.7 mm machine gun.

The BTR-MDM entered service in 2016, replacing the older BTR-D as part of a modernization program for the Russian Airborne Forces. By early 2024, approximately 90 units were reported in service. However, some units have been lost during operations in Ukraine. Open-source intelligence reports indicate that, as of December 2024, at least 45 BTR-MDMs have been destroyed, damaged, abandoned, or captured. These include 32 destroyed, three damaged, two damaged and abandoned, and eight captured.

The BTR-MDM is designed for airborne operations and is based on the BMD-4 airborne infantry fighting vehicle. It weighs 13.2 tons and is powered by a UTD-29 engine, providing a range of 500 kilometers and a maximum road speed of 70 km/h. It is amphibious, with a water speed of 10 km/h achieved via two water jets. A hydropneumatic suspension with variable ground clearance allows the vehicle to be airdropped from military transport aircraft.

The vehicle has a two-person crew and can transport up to 13 troops or various cargo, including up to six stretchers. Access is provided through a rear hatch and roof hatches. Armament includes two 7.62 mm machine guns, one remotely operated and the other manually operated. The vehicle's armor is designed to withstand small arms fire and shell fragments and incorporates nuclear protection and fire suppression systems.

Specialized variants of the BTR-MDM have been developed for specific roles. The MRU-D radar vehicle, based on the same chassis, is designed to detect low- and medium-altitude targets at ranges of up to 40 kilometers, tracking up to 100 targets simultaneously and transmitting data to MANPADS operators. Another variant, the MP-D automated air defense control system, can detect targets up to 150 kilometers away and track 100 targets simultaneously. It supports four remotely operated workstations and incorporates the Barnaul-T system.

Production of the BTR-MDM continues at Kurganmashzavod, with deliveries occurring monthly under current defense contracts. New contracts are expected to commence in 2025, ensuring continued production and supply for the Russian Airborne Forces. These developments indicate sustained efforts to provide equipment tailored to the operational requirements of airborne units.