The upgraded BTR-70 APC is a fully amphibious wheeled combat vehicle designated for personnel transportation, infantry fire support, and stand-alone operations.

The vehicle carries the BPU-1 turret machine gun mount used with BTR-80 APCs. The mount houses one 14.5 mm KPVT machine gun, one 7.62 mm PKT machine gun, and a smoke grenade dispersing system.

Alternative upgrade variants include installation of a BPPU turret mount with stabilized/non-stabilized 30-mm 2A72 automatic gun and 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun.

Additional screens enhance hull armour protection; hull and turret armour can withstand small arms fire and shell fragments. The vehicle is fitted with special devices that prevent flooding should the hull be breached while afloat.

Crew protection also includes firefighting equipment, NBC protection system, and life support system.

Mobility of the upgraded BTR-70 APC is increased through replacement of the two standard gasoline engines by one fireproof diesel engine; the vehicle is also fitted with BTR-80 transmission components like gearbox, transfer gear case, drive shafts, etc.