This vehicle is the BMD-1 with its turret replaced with a new one-man turret. This turret is of a new design with the gunner being seated on the left and provided with a single piece circular hatch cover that opens to the front. In front of this is the gunner's day/night sight that appears to be identical to that fitted on the BMP-2. Additional periscopes give observation to the sides and a white light searchlight is mounted on the forward part of the turret roof. On the left side of the turret is another sight that moves in elevation with the 30 mm 2A42 cannon and this is believed to be the high angle of fire sight which is used to aim the weapon when it is being used in the anti-aircraft/anti-helicopter role. A total of 300 rounds of 30 mm and 2940 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition is carried.

Main armament comprises a 30 mm 2A42 stabilized cannon with a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun mounted coaxial to the right with a launcher for an AT-4 Spigot (maximum range 2000 m) or an AT-5 Spandrel (maximum range 4000 m) ATGM mounted on the right side of the turret roof. While the BMD-1 has two bow-mounted 7.62 mm PKT machine guns, one in either side, the BMD-2 has only one 7.62 mm bow-mounted machine gun on the right side with the machine gun port in the left side being eliminated.