The BTR-80A armored personnel carrier (APC) is a BTR-80 derivative sharing main units and components with the baseline model.

The BTR-80A features an all-new armament system. It is fitted with an externally mounted weapon station comprising the 30mm 2A72 automatic cannon and coaxial 7.62mm machine gun. The installation of the automatic cannon has resulted in a significant 2-fold increase in the combat effectiveness of the APC.

The turret mount is equipped with day and night sights and smoke grenade launchers. The cannon and machine gun are laid on the target by means of mechanical drives and 1PZ-9 daylight and TPNZ-42 night sights. Hand traversing mechanism has two positions: slow (accurate) train and quick (rough) slewing.

The cannon has a dual feed, one belt feeding HE incendiary or fragmentation tracer rounds, and the other – armor-piercing tracer rounds.

The use of externally mounted armament significantly reduces fumes content in the APC’s inhabitated compartment

The BTR-80A is fitted with means of communication, an NBC protection system, fire-fighting equipment, a bilge pump system, and a habitability support system.