The upgraded BTR-60PB APC is a wheeled amphibian combat vehicle designated for personnel transportation, infantry fire support, and stand-alone combat operations.

The vehicle's armament consists of one 14.5 mm KPVT machine gun, one 7.62 mm PKT machine gun, and a smoke grenade launching system, all housed in the BPU-1 turret machine gun mount inherited from the BTR-80 APC.

Additional screens enhance hull armour protection; hull and turret armour can withstand small arms fire and shell fragments. The vehicle is fitted with special devices that prevent flooding should the hull be breeched while afloat.

Crew protection also includes fire safety equipment, an NBC protection system, and a life support system.

Mobility of the upgraded BTR-60PB APC is increased through replacement of the two standard gasoline engines with one fireproof diesel engine; the vehicle is also fitted with BTR-80 transmission components like gearbox, transfer gear case, drive shafts, etc.