View source for BTR-70

{{Infobox weapon
| name               = BTR-70
| image              = 2015-05-05. Репетиция парада Победы 086.jpg
| image_size         = 310
| caption            = BTR-70 on parade in [[Donetsk]], 2015
| origin             = [[Soviet Union]]
| type               = [[Armoured personnel carrier]]
| service            = 1972–present
| used_by            = See ''[[#Operators|Operators]]''
| wars               = 
{{Plainlist|
* [[Soviet–Afghan War]]
* [[Angolan Civil War]]
* [[Afghan Civil War (1989–92)]]
* [[First Nagorno-Karabakh War]]
* [[First Chechen War]]
* [[War in Donbas (2014–2022)|War in Donbas]]
* [[2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict]]
* [[2021 Kyrgyzstan–Tajikistan conflict]]
* [[Russian Invasion of Ukraine]]
}}
| is_vehicle         = yes
| crew               = 3 (+7 passengers)
| length             = 7.535 m
| width              = 2.80 m
| height             = 2.32 m
| weight             = 11.5 tonnes
| armour             = 9 mm (front)<br/>7 mm (sides)
| primary_armament   = 14.5 mm [[KPV heavy machine gun|KPVT machine gun]] or 12.7 mm [[DShK heavy machine gun|DShK]]
| secondary_armament = 7.62 mm [[PK machine gun|PKT machine gun]]
| engine             = 2× gasoline ZMZ-4905
| engine_power       = 120 hp (88.2 kW) (×2)
| suspension         = wheeled 8×8
| speed              = 80 km/h, swim 9 km/h
| pw_ratio           = 20 hp/tonne
| vehicle_range      = 400–600 km
}}

The '''BTR-70''' is an eight-wheeled [[armored personnel carrier]] ({{langx|ru|бронетранспортёр, БТР|bronetransportyor|armored carrier}}) originally developed by the [[Soviet Union]] during the late 1960s under the manufacturing code '''GAZ-4905'''. On August 21, 1972, it was accepted into Soviet service and would later be widely exported. Large quantities were also produced under license in [[Romania]] as the ''TAB-77''.<ref name="JaneAA">{{cite book | last = Christopher F. Foss| title = Jane's Armour and Artillery| year = 2001|edition= 2002|page= 496 | publisher = Macdonald and Jane's Publishers Ltd| isbn= 978-0710623096}}</ref>

The BTR-70 was developed as a potential successor for the earlier [[BTR-60]] series of Soviet wheeled armored personnel carriers, specifically the ''BTR-60PB'', which it most closely resembled. It evolved out of an earlier, unsuccessful project known as the ''GAZ-50'' to design a new wheeled [[infantry fighting vehicle]] on the chassis and drive train of a BTR-60PB.<ref name=USMC>{{cite book|author=Institute for Defence Analyses, various|title=Soviet/Russian Armor and Artillery Design Practices: 1945-1995|date=1995|page=12|publisher=United States Marine Corps Intelligence Agency|location=Quantico|oclc=33890115}}</ref> It initially received the [[NATO reporting name]] ''BTR M1970''.<ref name="Compendium">{{cite book | last = Chant |first =Christopher | title = A Compendium of Armaments and Military Hardware | location = New York | publisher = Routledge & Kegan Paul | year = 1987 | isbn = 0-7102-0720-4 | oclc = 14965544 | page = 58 }}</ref>

==Development History==
[[File:ГАЗ-50 в Танковом музее Кубинка 01.JPG|thumb|250px|The original ''GAZ-50'' prototype.]]
In 1971, the Soviet Armed Forces began investigating the possibility of an updated BTR-60PB redesigned to make the vehicle more compatible with the [[BMP-1]] in terms of tactical training. This resulted in the development of a BTR-60PB prototype essentially converted into a wheeled infantry fighting vehicle, designated ''Obiekt 50'' or ''GAZ-50''.<ref name=USMC/> Despite retaining the original BTR-60PB chassis, the GAZ-50 incorporated several elements of the BMP's design, including similar seating arrangements in the passenger compartment.<ref name=USMC/> The revised internal layout reduced the number of passengers to nine.<ref name="O'Malley">{{cite book|last=O'Malley|first=T.J.|title=Fighting Vehicles: Armoured Personnel Carriers & Infantry Fighting Vehicles|date=1996|pages=48–50|publisher=Stackpole Books|location=Mechanicsburg|isbn=978-1853672118}}</ref> New hatches were also provided for debarking in the lower hull, between the second and third wheel stations. Other modifications included a slightly thicker hull, increased [[power-to-weight ratio]], and additional firing ports.<ref name="Recognition">{{cite book| last = Christopher F. Foss| title = Jane's Tanks and Combat Vehicles Recognition Guide| date = 16 May 2000| edition = 2000| pages = [https://archive.org/details/janestankcombatv00foss/page/410 410–414]| publisher = Harper Collins Publishers| isbn = 978-0-00-472452-2| url-access = registration| url = https://archive.org/details/janestankcombatv00foss/page/410}}</ref> Another feature retained from the BTR-60 was the twin-engine arrangement, although in the ''GAZ-50'' torque produced by the right engine powered the first and third wheel stations, while the left engine powered the second and fourth. This alteration was to allow the vehicle to continue moving even if one engine failed.<ref name=USMC/> The prototype was armed with a turret resembling that of the BMP-1, incorporating the same 73mm [[2A28 Grom]] low-pressure smoothbore cannon.<ref name=USMC/>

There was some debate as to the ''GAZ-50'''s viability in its intended role; for example, projected manufacturing costs were high due to the incorporation of the BMP-1 turret and armament.<ref name=USMC/> Furthermore, while the prototype would allow motorized units to emulate the tactics of Soviet mechanized infantry, it simply did not offer the same protection, mobility, and firepower of the BMP.<ref name=USMC/> Most of the funding earmarked for the program was thus diverted into producing larger numbers of BMPs instead, as well as ensuring their wider introduction beyond Soviet tank divisions.<ref name=USMC/> A second GAZ-50 prototype was built, designated ''Obiekt 60'' mounting a 14.5mm machine gun in exactly the same turret as that carried by the BTR-60 series; this was accepted as a generic replacement for the BTR-60PB in motorized rifle regiments.<ref name=USMC/> In Soviet service, the new BTRs received the designation ''BTR-70''.<ref name="O'Malley"/>

Compared to the earlier BTR-60PB, relatively small numbers of BTR-70s were produced.<ref name="O'Malley"/> The design was still regarded as suffering from some of the same disadvantages, such as the two flammable petrol engines and the poor means of entry and exit.<ref name="Recognition"/> These flaws became especially evident when the vehicle was tested in combat during the [[Soviet–Afghan War]].<ref name=USMC/> As a result, in 1984 the Soviet Army took delivery of a new wheeled armored personnel carrier, the [[BTR-80]], which was powered by a single 260 horsepower diesel engine and a simpler drive train.<ref name="Recognition"/> Production of the BTR-70 was terminated that year.<ref name=USMC/>

The Soviet Union only exported BTR-70s to four other states: [[Afghanistan]], the [[German Democratic Republic]] (East Germany), [[Hungary]], and [[Romania]], which also purchased a license to manufacture the design locally. However, many have since been inherited by the armies of various post-Soviet republics or re-exported.<ref name="trade">{{cite web |url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |title=Trade Registers |publisher=Armstrade.sipri.org |access-date=2013-06-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414022558/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |archive-date=2010-04-14 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Equipment==
{{more citations needed section|date=January 2013}}
The BTR-70 is powered by two petrol engines. Early production vehicles used 115&nbsp;hp GAZ-69B 6-cylinder engines, but most vehicles have now been retrofitted with the more powerful ZMZ-49-05 V-8 engines. The vehicle is fully amphibious, propelled when afloat by a single water jet mounted at the rear of the hull. To prepare the vehicle for water, the driver erects a trim vane and switches on the bilge pumps from within the vehicle.

The standard equipment includes a central tire-pressure regulation system that allows the driver to adjust the tire-pressure to suit the terrain being crossed. Also fitted is an [[R-123|R-123M]] radio set and an R-124 intercom. The driver's optical equipment consists of three TNPO-115 vision blocks and a TNP-B day vision device, which can be replaced by a TVNO-2B night vision device. The commander also has three TNPO-115s and either a TPKU-2B day sight or a TKN-1S night sight accompanied by an OU-3GA-2 infra-red search light. The turret is fitted with a PP-61AM (or 1PZ-2) periscopic sight for the gunner and the infantry group in the troop compartment is provided with TNP-B devices. The BTR-70 also has an FVU NBC filter system and a DK-3B detection device.

The armaments consist of a [[KPVT]] heavy machine gun with 500 rounds and a coaxial 7.62&nbsp;mm [[PKT machine gun]] with 2,000 rounds. Also on board are two "[[9K38 Igla|Igla]]" or "[[Strela-3]]" [[MANPADS]], and optionally two [[AGS-17]] grenade launchers at the expense of two infantry men.

==Variants==
[[Image:BTR70APCgraphic1.jpg|thumb|300px|right]]

===Soviet Union/Russian Federation===
* '''BTR-70''': Basic APC version, as described.
** '''BTR-70 obr. 1978''': Initial version, publicly displayed in 1980.
** '''BTR-70 obr. 1982''': Improved model with 120&nbsp;hp ZMZ-49-05 V-8 engines, instead of the original GAZ-49B 115&nbsp;hp 6-cylinder engines.
** '''BTR-70 obr. 1984''': Slightly modified model with an additional TNPT-1 periscope on the turret roof.
** '''BTR-70 obr. 1986''': Improved version with a periscope on the left side of the turret and four firing ports in the hull roof.
** '''BTR-70V''': Late-production model fitted with the BPU-1 turret of the BTR-80, with an 1PZ-2 sight, but without the "Tucha" smoke grenade launchers.
** '''BTR-70M''': Modernized version with turret, diesel engine and rear hull section of the BTR-80. Users include Nicaragua, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia and Syria.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/september_2018_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/syrian_army_receives_btr-70m_apcs.html |title=Syrian army receives BTR-70M APCs &#124; September 2018 Global Defense Security army news industry &#124; Defense Security global news industry army 2018 &#124; Archive News year |access-date=2018-09-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914210350/https://www.armyrecognition.com/september_2018_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/syrian_army_receives_btr-70m_apcs.html |archive-date=2018-09-14 |url-status=live }}</ref>
** '''BTR-70D''': Diesel version, developed by Muromteplovoz and powered by a YaMZ-236D 180&nbsp;hp diesel engine. Prototype only.
* '''SPR-2 "Rtut-B"''' (''stantsiya pomekh radiovzryvatelyam''): Electronic warfare variant, designed to detonate artillery shells with [[proximity fuze]] detonators.
** '''SPR-2M''': Modified version with more compact equipment.
* '''BTR-70K''' (''komandnyj''): Command vehicle with additional radios, several whip antennas, navigation device and a portable generator.
* '''BTR-70KShM''' (''komandno-shtabnaya mashina''): [[Command and Control (Military)|Command and control]] variant, designed to be used as a mobile command post.
*'''[[2S14 Zhalo-S]]''': Wheeled tank destroyer, armed with a 2A62 85&nbsp;mm gun. Prototype only.
* '''SA-22''' (''spetsapparatnaya mashina''): command vehicle.
* '''15Ya56M MBP''' (''mashina boyevogo posta''): base security vehicle for Strategic Rocket units. The original turret has been replaced by a new type with an 1PN22M1 improved sight, loudspeakers, OU-3GA-2 IR search lights, additional TNPO-170 periscopes and an NSVT 12.7&nbsp;mm machine gun.
* '''[[BTR-80]]'''

===Ukraine===
* '''BTR-70D''': Upgraded from 2001 by NRMZ and fitted with a 300&nbsp;hp diesel engine. Ukrainian army vehicles additionally have BTR-80 style two-piece escape hatches in the hull sides.
* '''BTR-70DI''' ('''[[BTR-7]]'''): With Euro II 276&nbsp;hp diesel engine from IVECO. Can be optionally fitted with "Ingul" or "Bug" modular turrets or with the "Zaslon" active protection system. The basic armament is augmented by an AGS-30 automatic grenade launcher and 2 AT rockets.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://i070.radikal.ru/1005/08/dd7f53597ee3.jpg |title=Archived copy |access-date=2011-04-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818053559/http://i070.radikal.ru/1005/08/dd7f53597ee3.jpg |archive-date=2011-08-18 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* '''BTR-70M''': Upgraded by Marozov and powered by a 300&nbsp;hp engine UTD-20. Might be fitted with a new turret, like the "Grom" or BAU-23x2.
* '''BTR-70SM''': Unarmed ambulance with a re-designed hull. Three different models have been observed.

===East-Germany===
* '''SPW 70''' (''Schützenpanzerwagen''): NVA designator for Romanian-made BTR-70. 1,316 delivered between 1980 and 1990.<ref>Gau L-R., Plate J., Siegert J. (2001) ''Deutsche Militärfahrzeuge: Bundeswehr und NVA''. Motorbuch Verlag. {{ISBN|3-613-02152-8}}</ref>
** '''SPW 70(S)''': Locally converted staff vehicle with two extra radios, two/three whip antennas and a slim telescopic mast on the right side of the hull roof.
** '''SPW 70(SL)''': Forward air control vehicle, equipped with an R-809M2 radio and fitted with four whip antennas.
** '''SPW 70(Ch)''': NBC reconnaissance vehicle with detection and marking systems. Prototype only.

===Slovakia/Belarus===
* '''Cobra-K''': Fitted with a 2A42-Cobra modular turret. Might be optionally equipped with a new KamAZ-7403 diesel engine.

===Belarus===
* '''BTR-70M-A1''': Proposed upgrade from Minotaur with a diesel engine and improved transmission. The vehicle might retain the original turret or can be fitted with a new one, for example the CM30/BM30 (2A42-Cobra) "combat module".<ref name="minotor-service1">{{Cite web |url=http://eng.minotor-service.by/catalogue/develop/?rubric=19 |title=Development: Minotor service<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2011-05-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815171912/http://eng.minotor-service.by/catalogue/develop/?rubric=19 |archive-date=2011-08-15 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* '''BTR-MK''' a.k.a. '''KM-70''': Proposed command vehicle (''komandnaya mashina'') from Minotaur with a crew of six and R-123M and R-13M radios.<ref name="minotor-service1"/>
* '''MTP-K''' a.k.a. '''MTP-70''': Technical support vehicle (''mashina tekhnicheskoj pomoshchi''), fitted with tow bars, a work platform and a light crane. This version retains the turret, but without the [[KPV]]T machine gun.<ref name="minotor-service1"/>
* '''BTR-70MB1''': Upgrade from 140 Repair plant with a diesel engine and improved transmission.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://vsr.mil.by/2015/07/21/zavod-umeyushhij-vsyo/ |title=Завод, умеющий всё — Во славу Родины |access-date=2018-08-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726005525/http://vsr.mil.by/2015/07/21/zavod-umeyushhij-vsyo/ |archive-date=2018-07-26 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It has been supplied to the Ivory Coast.<ref name="Shield">{{Cite web |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/shieldafrica_2019_news_official_show_daily/shieldafrica_2019_belarus_btr-70mb_8x8_armored_delivered_to_cote_d_ivoire_army.html |title=ShieldAfrica 2019: Belarus BTR-70MB 8x8 armored delivered to Côte d'Ivoire army &#124; ShieldAfrica 2019 News Official Show Daily &#124; Defence security military exhibition 2019 daily news category |access-date=2019-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129011119/https://www.armyrecognition.com/shieldafrica_2019_news_official_show_daily/shieldafrica_2019_belarus_btr-70mb_8x8_armored_delivered_to_cote_d_ivoire_army.html |archive-date=2019-01-29 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Azerbaijan===
[[File:BTR-70.jpg|thumbnail|Azerbaijani modernised BTR-70]]
* '''BTR-70M''': Jihazgayirma Instrument Construction Plant in Baku presented some upgraded BTR-70s for the first time in March 2011. These vehicles have a new diesel engine and improved transmission. Optionally, the original machine-gun turret might be replaced with the "Şimşek" (Lightning) one-man turret. "Şimşek" was developed in partnership with South Africa's Emerging World Technologies (EWT) and appears to be a variant of EWT's Predator II light compact turret.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/error/500|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110421062827/http://www.janes.com/products/janes/defence-security-report.aspx?id=1065929383|url-status=dead|title=Internal Server Error|archivedate=21 April 2011|website=Janes.com|accessdate=18 December 2022}}</ref>

===Romania===
{{Main|TAB (Armoured Personnel Carrier)}}
[[File:Romanian TAB-77 Armored Personnel Carriers in Afghanistan.JPEG|thumb|Romanian TAB-77 Armored Personnel Carriers in Afghanistan]]
* '''TAB-77''' (''transportorul amfibiu blindat''): Romania not only built the BTR-70 under licence (for export){{fact|date=January 2025}}, but also developed its own, improved version. While very similar, the TAB-77 has the same turret (with the LOTA aiming system) as the TAB-71. The original gasoline engines were replaced with Saviem 797-05M1 132&nbsp;hp diesel engines.
** '''TAB-77 M1983''': upgraded version with a 30&nbsp;mm gun and 9M14M "Malyutka" [[ATGM]]. Prototype.
** '''TAB-77 M1984''': upgraded version with a 23&nbsp;mm gun and 9M14M "Malyutka" ATGM. Prototype.
** '''TAB-77A PCOMA''' (''punct de commanda şi observare mobil de artilerie''): artillery command and forward observer vehicle with range finders in a big, unarmed turret. Armament consists of a single, pintle-mounted 7.62&nbsp;mm machine gun on the hull roof.
** '''TAB-77A R-1451/M''': command vehicle with R-1070 and R-1451M radios. Similar to the basic APC, but with additional whip antennas and a rear-mounted generator.
** '''TAB-77A R-1452''': signals vehicle with an R-1452 radio, low-profile "dummy turret, seven whip antennas, a telescopic mast, two generators at the rear and a pintle-mounted machine gun on the hull roof.
** '''TERA-77L''' (''tractor de evacuare şi reparat auto''): recovery vehicle with a 5t crane and a dozer blade.
**[[TABC-79]]: shorter version with only four wheels. Several variants exist.
** '''Chinese TAB-77''': Chinese license built TAB-77, with a small number entering Chinese service for evaluation purpose in the 1980s. China purchased the production license from Romania in 1984, and even retained the original Romanian designation TAB-77. The Chinese built TAB-77 is heavier, weighing more than 13 tons.

===Sudan===
* '''Shareef-3''' Revealed in March 2019, replaced both engines with single diesel engine, while adding BMP-1 turret, capacity for six dismounts.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Foss |first1=Christopher F. |title=Sudan reveals 'Shareef-3' upgrade to BTR-70 |url=https://www.janes.com/article/87227/sudan-reveals-shareef-3-upgrade-to-btr-70 |website=Jane's 360 |access-date=14 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190314205606/https://www.janes.com/article/87227/sudan-reveals-shareef-3-upgrade-to-btr-70 |archive-date=14 March 2019 |location=Abu Dhabi |date=14 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Combat history==
The BTR-70 first saw service during the [[Soviet–Afghan War]].<ref name="USMC"/> A very small quantity of BTR-70s were donated or sold to the [[People's Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola]] in the mid-1980s by an undisclosed country; these saw action during the [[Angolan Civil War]].<ref name="Africa">''[https://books.google.com/books?id=6hEyAQAAIAAJ& African Defence Journal]'': Article "Section: Africa". The Journal Publishers, 1987 volume, Collected Issues 78–88 p. 26.</ref> BTR-70s were deployed by the [[United Nations Protection Force]] (UNPROFOR) in [[Bosnia-Herzegovina]] during the [[Yugoslav Wars]].<ref name=UNPROFOR>{{cite book|last=Skaarup|first=Harold|title=Out of Darkness, Light: A History of Canadian Military Intelligence|date=November 8, 2005|page=381|publisher=iUniverse, Publishers|location=Lincoln, Nebraska|isbn=978-0595675296}}</ref>

BTR-70s were used in the [[War in Donbas]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Latest from the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine - based on information received up until 6 May 2014, 19:00 | url=http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/118379 | website=Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe | access-date=4 March 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150506190841/http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/118379 | archive-date=6 May 2015 | url-status=live }}</ref>

During [[2021 Kyrgyzstan–Tajikistan clashes]] BTR-70s were deployed by [[Kyrgyzstan]] with at least one BTR-70M lost to enemy fire.

During the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]], BTR-70s were deployed by [[Russia]] with 16 BTR-70s lost (13 destroyed, 1 damaged, 1 abandoned, one captured) and 12 BTR-70M (11 destroyed, one captured) visually confirmed by Oryx <ref>[https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-equipment.html Attack on Europe documenting]</ref> as of 17 December 2024.

==Operators==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->
[[File:BTR-70 operators.png|thumb|300px|Map of BTR-70 operators in blue with former operators in red. The United States, which uses BTR-70s for OPFOR training exercises only, is indicated in yellow.]]
[[File:BTR-70 National Guard of Ukraine.jpg|thumb|300px|BTR-70 of the [[National Guard of Ukraine|Ukrainian National Guard]], 2015.]]

===Current operators===
* {{flag|Angola}}<ref name="Africa"/>
* {{flag|Afghanistan}}: 360<ref name="trade"/>
* {{flag|Armenia}}<ref name="Recognition"/>
* {{flag|Azerbaijan}}: 150<ref name="Recognition"/>
* {{flag|Cuba}}<ref>{{cite web |title=The Oryx Handbook Of Cuban Fighting Vehicles |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2019/08/cuban-fighting-vehicles.html |website=Oryx |access-date=31 December 2023}}</ref>
* {{flag|Georgia}}: 75; some modernized to BTR-70Di/BTR-7 standard with 30mm cannon and anti-tank missiles.<ref name="trade"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Armament of the Georgian Army |url=http://geo-army.ge/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=9&lang=en |website=Geo-army |access-date=4 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309192408/http://geo-army.ge/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=9&lang=en |archive-date=9 March 2012 }}</ref>
* {{flag|Ghana}}: 20<ref>{{cite web|title=GAF receives 245 vehs from C-IN-C
 |date=26 August 2023 |url=https://www.ghanapeacejournal.com/gaf-receives-245-vehs-from-c-in-c/}}</ref>
* {{flag|Ivory Coast}}<ref name="Shield"/>
* {{flag|Kazakhstan}}<ref name="Recognition"/>
* {{flag|Kyrgyzstan}}: some; all modernized to BTR-70M standard.<ref name="trade"/>
* {{flag|Mali}}: More than 9; purchased from Bulgaria and Russia.<ref name="trade"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2021/1207/140065586/detail.shtml|title=ЦАМТО / / ВС Мали приняли на вооружение крупную партию новой бронетехники|website=armstrade.org|accessdate=18 December 2022}}</ref>
* {{flag|Moldova}}<ref name="Recognition"/>
* {{flag|Mongolia}}: 85<ref name="trade"/>
* {{MKD}}: 56 in service as of 2024.<ref name="IISS2022_p2613">[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]]: The Military Balance 2024</ref>
* {{flag|Nicaragua}}<ref name="AG">{{Cite web |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/september_2018_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/syrian_army_receives_btr-70m_apcs.html |title=Syrian army receives BTR-70M APCs &#124; September 2018 Global Defense Security army news industry &#124; Defense Security global news industry army 2018 &#124; Archive News year |date=13 September 2018 |access-date=2018-09-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914210350/https://www.armyrecognition.com/september_2018_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/syrian_army_receives_btr-70m_apcs.html |archive-date=2018-09-14 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Palestine}} [[Palestinian National Authority]]: 50<ref name="trade"/>
* {{flag|Russia}}: 95 in service with the Russian [[Naval Infantry (Russia)|Naval Infantry]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Eugene Yanko, Copyright 1997 - info@warfare.ru |url=http://warfare.be/?catid=245&linkid=2295&title=btr-70-armored-personnel-carrier |title=BTR-70 Armored Personnel Carrier; Russian Arms, Military Technology, Analysis of Russia's Military Forces |publisher=Warfare.ru |access-date=2013-09-25}}</ref>
* {{flag|Somalia}}: 3<ref name="trade"/>
* {{flag|Sudan}}: 31; 2 ''Kobra K-2'' variant.<ref name="trade"/><ref name="UN">{{cite web |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=14 July 2016 |title=United Nations Register of Conventional Arms: Report of the Secretary-General |url=https://disarmament-library.un.org/UNODA/Library.nsf/58dfc078552ad7c985257f5b006f7b34/4eec06e5e0bc75c1852580260051424a/$FILE/A%2071%20138%20UN%20Register.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161004010737/https://disarmament-library.un.org/UNODA/Library.nsf/58dfc078552ad7c985257f5b006f7b34/4eec06e5e0bc75c1852580260051424a/%24FILE/A%2071%20138%20UN%20Register.pdf |archive-date=4 October 2016 |access-date=4 October 2016 |publisher=United Nations |location=New York}}</ref>
* {{flag|Syria}}<ref name="AG"/>
* {{flag|Tajikistan}}<ref name="AG"/>
* {{flag|Turkmenistan}}<ref name="Recognition"/>
* {{flag|Ukraine}}<ref>{{cite book |title=The Military Balance. 2022 |date=2022 |publisher=International Institute for Strategic Studies |location=Abingdon, Oxfordshire |isbn=978-1032279008 |pages=212–214}}</ref>
* {{flag|Uzbekistan}}<ref name="Recognition"/>
* {{flag|Zambia}}: 20<ref name="trade"/>

===Former operators===
*{{flag|East Germany}}: 1,266<ref name="trade"/>
*{{flag|Hungary}}<ref name="Recognition" /><ref name="trade" /><ref name="IISS2022_p261">[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]]: The Military Balance 2022</ref>
*{{flag|Romania}}<ref name="Recognition" /><ref name="UNODA Register 2014">{{cite web |title=UNODA Register 2014 |url=https://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/69/124 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150819103204/http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A%2F69%2F124 |archive-date=19 August 2015 |access-date=7 July 2015}}</ref><ref name="IISS2022_p261" />
*{{flag|Slovakia}}<ref name="IISS2022_p261" />
*{{flag|Soviet Union}}: Passed on to successor states.<ref name=USMC/>
*{{flagicon|United Nations}} [[United Nations Protection Force]]: 452; donated by Germany.<ref name="trade"/>
*{{flag|United States}}: 7; used for [[Opposing force|OPFOR]] training exercises.<ref name="trade" />

== See also ==
* [[BTR-60]]
* [[BTR-80]]
* [[BTR-90]]
* [[BTR-94]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|33em}}

==References==
* Gau L-R., Plate J., Siegert J. (2001). ''Deutsche Militärfahrzeuge - Bundeswehr und NVA''. Motorbuch Verlag. {{ISBN|3-613-02152-8}}.
* A.V. Karpenko (1996). ''Obozreniye Bronetankovoj Tekhniki (1905-1995 gg.)'' Nevskij Bastion.

==External links==
{{commons}}
* [http://www.armyrecognition.com/Russe/vehicules_a_roues/BTR-70/BTR_70_russie_description.htm BTR-70 Technical data sheet and pictures BTR-70 ArmyRecognition.com]
* [http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/btr-70.htm FAS page]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090220164801/http://armoured.vif2.ru/btr-70.htm Description (in Russian) and photo gallery at armoured.vif2.ru]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071101035424/http://www.nsu.ru/vk/tp/bt/btr/70/index.htm BTR-70 in detail (in Russian)]

{{Modern IFV and APC}}
{{PostWWIISovietAFVS|APC}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:BTR-70| ]]
[[Category:Amphibious armoured personnel carriers]]
[[Category:Armoured personnel carriers of the Soviet Union]]
[[Category:Armoured personnel carriers of the Cold War]]
[[Category:Eight-wheeled vehicles]]
[[Category:GAZ Group military vehicles]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1970s]]
[[Category:Wheeled amphibious armoured fighting vehicles]]
[[Category:Wheeled armoured personnel carriers]]