The BRDM-1 is an early Cold War era reconnaissance vehicle of Soviet origin. It was developed in the late 1950's to provide Soviet forces with an armored and amphibious reconnaissance vehicle. It was used in large numbers until it was supplemented and eventually replaced by the improved BRDM-2.

The BRDM-1 is a 4x4 vehicle with large wheels and a front mounted engine. The chassis and automotive parts are derived from the BTR-40 armored personnel carrier. The cabin is located in the middle and there is a crew compartment at the rear. Fout retractable bogey wheels are located between the axles for improved cross country mobility. Early versions had an open roof but a closed roof with large hatches is most common. Dedicated tank destroyer versions have a retractable launcher located in the crew compartment.

Most BRDM-1 were fitted with a single 7.62mm SGMB machine gun. Sometimes a 12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gun was mounted instead. Dedicated tank-destroyer versions used either three 3M6 Shmel (AT-1 Snapper), 9M11 Falanga (AT-2 Swatter) or 9M14 Malyutka (AT-3 Sagger) guided anti-tank missiles.

The steel armor provides protection against small arms fire and shell splinters. When operating the armament the crew is exposed. No NBC system was fitted, forcing the crew to rely on personal NBC equipment.

The BRDM-1 enjoys good cross country capability due to its large wheels and retractable bogey wheels. The 90 hp petrol engine allows for a maximum speed of 80 km/h on roads. It is amphibious with speeds up to 9 km/h in water.

The BRDM-1 was used in large quantities with Soviet forces. Large numbers were exported to Soviet allies in Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The BRDM-1 was supplemented and eventually replaced by the more capable BRDM-2. Small numbers remain in service in third world nations.