Rosoboronexport presented a new design of the BTR-22 at the World Defense Exhibition (WDS 2026) in Saudi Arabia. The BTR-22, presented in sand camouflage, has retained only its abbreviation and general shape from its predecessors (BTR-80 and BTR-82).
According to Western sources, the architecture of the new machine is much more similar to its Western counterparts in the same category: the engine is located in front on the right, and the troop compartment is located in the rear. The infantry troops board and leave the armored personnel carrier through two doors at the back. Taking into account the ground clearance (430 mm), the exit is equipped with a step, which facilitates landing and landing.
The layout of the BTR-22 according to WDS 2026
The new layout provides increased security. Landing from the stern allows you to maintain cover from the enemy, who is usually in front of the vehicle, and is kept at a distance by the main armament mounted on the armored vehicle. The APCs of earlier models had two side hatches of reduced dimensions, which left the personnel unprotected from fire from the front.
The total weight of the BTR-22 is 20 tons, the dimensions are 7560 x 3070 x 3110 mm. It is equipped with an in-line 6-cylinder multi-fuel YaMZ-53603 engine with a two-stage turbocharger with a capacity of 330 hp (243 kW). The unit provides a specific power of 16.5 hp/t. The engine is paired with a manual transmission. A 300-liter fuel tank and a specific fuel consumption of 143 grams/(hp) provide a 700 km range on the highway. To reduce fuel consumption, as well as acoustic and thermal visibility, an auxiliary power unit AD2-P28 with a capacity of more than 5 kW is installed to power all on-board systems.
BTR-22 on display at WDS 2026
The maximum speed of the BTR-22 on land is 85 km/h. It is a fully amphibious vehicle with two water-jet propulsion systems that allow it to reach speeds of up to 10 km/ h on water. The BTR-22 can overcome slopes with a slope of up to 30° (about 60%), move along a lateral slope of up to 25° (more than 45%), overcome vertical obstacles 0.5 m high and trenches wide. 2 m. The new APC is equipped with an independent torsion type suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers.
As stated at a media briefing on the second day of WDS 2026, the vehicle is protected "from bullets from heavy machine guns around the perimeter," which, according to foreign experts, corresponds to level 3-4 according to the STANAG 4569 standard. In addition to the passive spaced armor, the thickness of which, of course, varies depending on the part of the vehicle, the engine itself, located in the front, protects the transported military personnel, and not the driver, who sits to the left of the engine compartment. This is another advantage of the new design.
To protect against splinters that could injure the crew in case of impact, an anti-splinter lining is installed. The coloring of the BTR-22 reduces its visibility in the infrared, ultraviolet and radar ranges. The V-shaped bottom provides protection against mines and is effective when detonating 6 kg of TNT under the bottom or under the wheel, which corresponds to level 2a/b by Western standards. To protect against shots from a grenade launcher, it is possible to install a protective grille. Countering the threat of UAVs involves equipping the BTR-22 with a set of upper protection and a jamming device. The machine is equipped with an all-round viewing system for 360° control of the situation.
BTR-22 troop carrier
Compared to previous APCs, the conditions for landing have been significantly improved. Eight paratroopers, as well as a crew of three, sit on energy-absorbing seats, which not only increases comfort, but also ensures safety in the event of a mine explosion or an improvised explosive device. The troop compartment has become much wider, even when using a standard double turret, which is why the turret basket takes up quite a lot of space in front of the troop compartment, behind the power unit. The air conditioning system increases comfort even more.
The BTR-22 is armed with the same fighting compartment as the BTR-82A. The main weapon is the 2A72 double–feed automatic cannon. The carried ammunition includes 300 rounds of 30×165 mm caliber in two magazines. Additional armament includes a 7.62×54R twin PKT-M machine gun with 2,000 rounds of ammunition, as well as six ready-to-use 81 mm smoke grenade launchers. In addition to the daytime channel, a PNK thermal imager (combined gunner's sight) is installed.
Uninhabited Remote-controlled Ballista Tower
On display, to the right of the BTR-22, was a new remote-controlled Ballista turret armed with a 30 mm 2A42 automatic cannon with 300 rounds of ammunition, a 7.62mm PKT-M twin machine gun with 2,000 rounds of ammunition, two 9M113M Konkurs-M anti-tank guided missiles and six smoke grenade launchers.A cloud." The sighting system includes a daytime television camera, a PNK thermal imager and a laser rangefinder. The elevation angle ranges from -5° to +70°, which is a key factor in conducting combat operations in urban environments. The Ballista is proposed as an alternative to the old BTR-82A turret. The weight of the new machine without ammunition is 1,650 kg.
Sources note that the BTR-22 is currently undergoing testing. No additional details about whether they are corporate or military evaluation have been provided. Regarding the Ballista missile, Rosoboronexport said that the tests have been completed.
Source: European Defense Review
