The Russian special forces have fitted a number of BTR-80 (8 x 8) armoured personnel carriers with additional armour protection.

This includes the addition of 34 boxes of ERA on the hull front and sides and a further eight boxes on the turret. This ERA was taken from T-72 MBTs.

In addition, the running gear and the lower part of the hull are protected by 10 mm thick reinforced rubber skirts which are also taken from a T-72 MBT. These panels are attached to the hull by hinges with a gap between the second and third road wheels to allow the troops to enter and leave the vehicle via the side hull door.

According to Russian sources, the additional armour does not lower the speed of the BTR-80.