Jane’s is reporting that the first production BMD-4Ms have been delivered to Russian Airborne forces.  This includes both the BMD-4M ‘Sadovnitsa’ infantry fighting vehicles and BTR-MDM ‘Rakushka’ armoured personnel carriers.  The tracked BMD-4M is based on BMD-4, but incorporates a variety of improvements including a new upper hull, engine, chassis, and other subsystems. The aim behind the creation of the BMD-4M has been to improve the capabilities of the VDV’s armoured vehicles, while maintaining maximum commonality with BMP-3 IFV operated by the Russian Ground Forces.  Meanwhile the BTR-MDM is based on the existing BTR-MD APC. It has similarly been designed to have a high level of commonality with the BMP-3 and the MBD-4M. The new APC is intended for the transportation of airborne troops, marines, ammunition, spare parts, or fuel.  Full article here.