The Soviets removed the roof chamfers of the modified BTR-70, raised the rear, and squared off the rearward-sloping engine compartment.

Standard equipment includes TNPO vision blocks, TNP-B and TKN-3 optical devices for the driver and commander, an OU-3GA2M infrared search light, six 81 mm smoke grenade launchers 902V "Tucha", a radioset (R-173 or R-163-50U), an intercom, and hydrojets for amphibious propulsion.

[citation needed] The BTR-80 can climb a slope with up to 60% gradient and climb a vertical step of 0.5 m.[8] The BTR-80's protection is similar to that of prior models, intended only to provide protection from small arms ball ammo and small bomb splinters all-around.

Its armor scheme in high-hardness steel is as follows:[citation needed] In 1984, the Soviets began production of a diesel-engined variant of the BTR-70, which they called the BTR-80.

The 30mm Cannon variants are effective against most targets apart from main battle tanks, against which they can still cause significant damage to optics, weapons, and important systems.

Nevertheless, the recognized Ukrainian involvement in the armament (ZTM-2 cannon) and the strong visual resemblance to BTR-3 hints us to state that it is (at least a derivative of) a BTR-3.