At the Partner 2025 defense exhibition in Belgrade, Serbia’s defense industry unveiled a thoroughly upgraded version of the Russian-designed BTR-80A 8×8 armored personnel carrier. The modernization package adds reinforced frontal and side armor plates, a fully stabilized 30mm 2A72 cannon, integrated electronic warfare equipment, and a counter-drone jamming suite — all while preserving the vehicle’s amphibious capability.
The new armor improves ballistic and fragmentation protection without compromising flotation. The internal layout keeps the original three-man crew configuration — driver, commander, and gunner — with a troop compartment in the rear and side entry doors rather than a Western-style rear ramp.
Firepower enhancements are significant. The stabilized 30mm cannon can destroy armored targets up to 2 km away, with HE ammunition reaching 3 km, supported by a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun. The vehicle is also wired for Kornet ATGMs, extending its strike range to 8 km.
Perhaps the most striking addition is the roof-mounted counter-drone jammer, designed to disrupt enemy UAV communications and protect advancing infantry.
Compared to NATO 8×8 vehicles like the Stryker or Patria AMV, the Serbian upgrade offers a leaner, more cost-effective solution: extra armor, stabilized firepower, amphibious mobility, and an integrated electronic counter-drone capability. This modernization reflects Serbia’s strategy of extending the service life of proven platforms rather than replacing them entirely, delivering a practical upgrade path for countries still operating legacy BTR fleets.
