The BMD-1 is a mechanized infantry combat vehicle of Soviet origin. It was specifically designed for use by the Soviet air assault division and has the unique ability to be air dropped from cargo planes. BMD stands for Boevaya Mashina Desantnaya, which is Russian for airborne combat vehicle. The BMD-1 was used alongside the contemporary BMP-1, which was produced in much larger quantities.

The BMD-1 is operated by a crew of three and carries four infantry inside. The driver is seated in the front in the middle. An infantryman on each side operate the bow machine guns. The two man turret is placed in the middle. The infantry may exit the vehicle through a large hatch behind the turret. The engine is mounted at the rear. The ground clearance is adjustable due to the hydraulic suspension.

The BMD-1 is fitted with the same turret as the BMP-1. It is armed with a 73mm 2A28 low pressure cannon, 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun and AT-3 missile launcher on top of the cannon. Additionally there are two PKT bow machine guns mounted at the front of the vehicle. The mix of armament allows the BMD-1 to engage both infanty and armored vehicles. In the BMD-1P the AT-3 launch rail is removed and a pintle mounted AT-4 missile launcher is fitted. The improved BMD-2 is fitted with a 2A42 autocannon, 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun and pintle mounted AT-5 missile launcher.

The aluminium armor protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. Heavy machine gun rounds are likely to penetrate the armor. Early versions had a magnesium compound armor for reduced weight, but this was changed to aluminum as it became apparent that the armor itself was prone to catch fire. An NBC system is fitted, smoke grenade launchers are not.

Due to its light weight the BMD-1 has a very good mobility. A 240 hp diesel engine provides propulsion. The limited weight results in a very high power to weight ratio and limited ground pressure. The BMD-1 is fully amphibious and is propelled in the water by two water jets. The BMD-1 may be fitted with parachutes and can be air dropped from low flying transport aircraft.

The main user of the BMD-1 were the Soviet air assault divisions. A small amount was exported. Since the break up of the Soviet Union many nation inherited a small number of BMD's.