The upgraded BRDM-2 armoured reconnaissance vehicle is designated for reconnaissance and scouting missions and for combating vehicles of the same type.

The vehicle's armament consists of one 14.5 mm KPVT machine gun, one 7.62 mm PKT machine gun, and a smoke grenade launching system, all housed in the BPU-1 turret machine gun mount inherited from the BTR-80 APC.

Additional steel 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 if the hull be breeched while afloat.

Crew protection also includes fire safety equipment, an NBC protection system, and a life support system.

Mobility of the upgraded BRDM-2 reconnaissance vehicle is increased through replacement of the standard gasoline engine with a more powerful fireproof diesel engine.