A new Ukrainian-made armored vehicle was presented to the Commander-in-Chief
18 April, 2024 New Ukrainian armored wheeled vehicle, April 2024. Photo credits: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine A Ukrainian-made wheeled combat vehicle was presented to the Ukrainian military for the first time.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine released footage of the new equipment models. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, was presented with the latest models of Ukrainian military equipment: a modernized BMP-1TS infantry fighting vehicle with the Ukrainian Spear-Synthesis module, an Oncilla armored vehicle, and other equipment. However, the most interesting piece of equipment on display was a previously unseen six-wheeled armored vehicle, the name of which has not yet been released.
Visually, the vehicle almost completely resembles the well-known Mbombe 6x6 vehicle developed by the South African Paramount Group company. Militarnyi has learned from its own sources that a Ukrainian company has also started licensed production of these vehicles.
South African Mbombe 6x6 wheeled combat vehicle. Photo credits: Paramount Group
Mbombe 6x6
The Mbombe is a wheeled armored fighting vehicle developed by Paramount Group in 2010. The armored vehicle can accommodate eight infantrymen, with a separate mine-resistant seat for each soldier.
In addition, the vehicle accommodates three crew members: a commander, a driver, and a gunner. Exit from the landing compartment for the crew and infantrymen in the landing compartment is realized through the aft ramp.
New Ukrainian-made armored wheeled vehicle, April 2024. Photo credits: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
The vehicle, which weighs 16 tons, is equipped with protection class 3 according to STANAG 4569.
It is designed to withstand fire from small arms of 7.62x51 caliber. In addition, the developer positions its armored vehicle as a mine-resistant combat unit capable of withstanding a charge weighing up to 10 kg of TNT equivalent. This protection is provided by the two-layer V-shaped hull bottom.
The armored vehicle captured in the video was equipped with the Ukrainian-made Spys-Synthez combat module. It is equipped with a 30-mm ZTM-1 automatic cannon, a 30-mm KBA-117 automatic grenade launcher, and a twin 7.62-mm PKT machine gun. In addition, the module is integrated with the Barrier anti-tank missile system with launchers for 2 missiles.
The module is stabilized in two planes, so the operator can fire relatively accurately while moving. For all-weather operation, the gunner's sight is equipped with a thermal imaging channel.
Ukrainian-made Spys-Synthez combat module
The original Spys-Synthez module used on Ukrainian IFVs is manned. For this purpose, a "basket" of the combat compartment is installed under the module, which houses the weapon operator, but it is not in the photo.
The module in the photo is likely to be remotely controlled and can be used via a remote control.
This is partly confirmed by the presence of a monitor on the starboard side at the end of the landing compartment.
The interior of a Ukrainian-made armored vehicle, April 2024
The vehicle has a 6x6 wheel drive and is equipped with a Cummins ISBe4 diesel engine (300 kW) with an Allison 6-speed automatic transmission.
It can reach a speed of 100 km/h and has a range of 700 km.