The BMD-2 is an airborne amphibious infantry combat vehicle (AAICV). It resembles the BMP, although it is much smaller. It is a full-tracked amphibious vehicle which can be air dropped by parachute and has a BMP-type turret. Since 1973, the BMD has consequently replaced the airborne assault gun ASU-57 in the Soviet airborne forces and led to an increase of firepower and maneuverability of the airborne divisions.

The BMD-2 is a variant of the BMD-1 with a new one-man turret. Armament consists of a 30 mm 2A42 stabilized cannon, which is used for ground engagements or in the anti-aircraft/anti-helicopter role, and a 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine. An ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missile) launcher for an AT-4 Spigot or the longer-range AT-5 Spandrel is mounted on the right side of the turret roof. Additionally, the BMD-2 has a single 7.62 mm machine gun on the right front side. The bow is shorter than that of the BMP, and the upper hull of the BMD is also shaped differently. The troop compartment has an armored roof and only one firing port on each side and one in the rear from which the soldiers sitting inside can fire their personal weapons. Periscopes give observation to the sides and a strong searchlight is mounted on the forward part of the turret roof. The vehicle is powered by a rear-mounted six-cylinder, water-cooled, diesel engine which produces 240 hp and is propelled in water by two waterjets. The turret armor (maximum 25 mm) is thicker than that of the BMP, but the hull of the BMD is thinner (maximum 15 mm). The BMD has a maximum speed of 70 km/h on land and 10 km/h in water. The BMD can be seen as the airborne equivalent of the BMP infantry combat vehicle. It is the lightest tracked combat vehicle in the Soviet Army.