The BTR-152 was developed after the end of World War II, and was basically a modified six-wheeled truck chassis with an armored body. The vehicle had a 110hp 6-cylinder gasoline engine.

The vehicle had its engine in the front, with the driver and commander sitting immediately behind. The BTR-152 had an open troop compartment that could accommodate up to 19 soldiers; the vehicle had firing ports on both sides, and twin doors in the rear.

It was normally armed with a 7.62mm machine gun, and was also equipped with infrared night driving equipment. In addition to its role as a troop carrier, it was also used as a command vehicle.