Armed Forces of Ukraine receive the first Gurkha armored vehicle
16 October, 2023 Gurkha armored vehicle for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. October 2023. Photo credits: Ministry of Health
Ukrainian military medics have received a Gurkha armored vehicle designed to evacuate the wounded from the front. On Monday morning, October 16, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine made the corresponding announcement. This is the first of 13 Light Armored Patrol Vehicles (LAPV) that were ordered for funds raised through the United24 fundraising platform.
The armored 'ambulances' are specially manufactured for the Ukrainian order in Canada.
Gurkha armored vehicle for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. October 2023. Photo credits: Ministry of Health
The armored vehicles are aimed to evacuate the wounded from the front line to the nearest medical facility.
The vehicle's level of protection meets the STANAG 4569 Level II standard.
Gurkha armored vehicle for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. October 2023. Photo credits: Ministry of Health
The total cost of all 13 armored vehicles for military medics is UAH 124 million.
The money was raised in December 2022.
Gurkha armored vehicle for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. October 2023. Photo credits: Ministry of Health
The armored vehicles were ordered by the Medical Procurement of Ukraine.
It is noted that Gurkha armored vehicles by the Canadian manufacturer Terradyne Armored Vehicles have high cross-country ability, therefore the vehicles can drive on war-torn roads. The Gurkha family of vehicles is designed for operation in military and police units. The vehicle is based on the Ford F-550 Super Duty chassis.
Gurkha armored vehicle.
Photos from open sources
The Gurkha Mine Protected Vehicle (MPV) minimizes effects from a mine explosion under the bottom. The front fenders and hood are attached to the chassis rather than directly to the hull, thereby reducing the shock wave energy transmitted to the crew seats in the case of an explosion.
Gurkha armored vehicle. Photos from open sources
The bottom of the vehicle is additionally protected by a plate that absorbs a significant fraction of the explosion energy.
The plate has its own attachment system, covering the entire crew compartment.