The BTR-D is a Soviet airborne multi-purpose tracked armoured personnel carrier which was introduced in 1974 and first seen by the West in 1979 during the Soviet–Afghan War. BTR-D stands for Bronetransportyor Desanta (БТР-Д, Бронетранспортер Десанта, literally “armoured transporter of the Airborne”).It is based on the BMD-1 airborne IFV. NATO gave it the designation BMD M1979. This vehicle is airdployable and is continued to be used today.