Russian Troops Receive Upgraded BTR-MDM Rakushka-M APCs with Drone Countermeasures

Russian troops have taken delivery of upgraded BTR-MDM Rakushka-M airborne armored personnel carriers, now equipped with electronic warfare systems designed to counter drones.

The High-Precision Systems holding company of the Rostec State Corporation sent a new batch of BTR-MDM Rakushka-M combat vehicles to the customer as part of the 2024 state defense order, the company announced on Monday. The equipment passed all types of running tests and was accepted by military acceptance representatives.

The "Rakushki" are equipped with systems for local suppression of drone control lines and upper hemisphere protection kits. In addition, the BTR-MDM received "Nakidka" thermal and radar signature reduction kits, as well as night vision devices for the driver.

The BTR-MDM airborne multipurpose armored personnel carriers are designed to transport up to 13 troops, along with ammunition, spare parts, fuel, and lubricants as part of airborne units in all combat and various climatic conditions. The vehicle crew consists of two people. The "Rakushki" can travel on the highway at a maximum speed of at least 70 km/h, while the average speed on a dry dirt road is between 45 and 50 km/h.

The BTR-MDM Rakushka is the only armored vehicle created in modern Russia that has been used to develop the technology of landing from an aircraft with a crew on board.