Ukrainian Manufacturer PRACTIKA Presents Dzhura Light Tactical Armored Vehicle

1 July, 2024 Dzhura armored vehicle produced by Practika. Photo credits: Militarnyi The Ukrainian armored vehicle manufacturer Practika has unveoiled its light tactical armored vehicle, Dzhura, for the first time.

This was reported by Militarnyi. Militarnyi's reporters attended the preliminary factory tests of the new vehicle, which included participation from representatives of Ukrainian law enforcement agencies. The Dzhura is a light utility armored vehicle built on the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 civilian SUV platform.

It is designed to perform low-risk tactical tasks and to be used by police units and Special Operations Forces. It is characterized by its relatively low weight and small dimensions, which allow it to operate as stealthily as possible. The engineers modified the original Land Cruiser 70 chassis, known for its simplicity and robust design, by strengthening the dependent suspension and installing a new braking system to match the increased weight.

The vehicle's chassis is equipped with an armor capsule with protection at the level of PZSA-4, which is similar to the NATO STANAG 4569 lvl 1 standard. It protects against 5.45 mm (7N10) caliber automatic rifle bullets and provides protection against the detonation of several grenades under the wheel or underbody.

At the same time, according to company representatives, in addition to the pickup version, a potential customer is also offered alternative versions with a two-compartment capsule that can be adapted to carry two additional infantrymen or serve as a medevac. The 5-ton vehicle is equipped with a powerful 200-horsepower diesel engine with 430 Nm of torque. According to the developers, the Land Cruiser 70 is powerful enough and very reliable, with a minimum of electronics.

At the request of the customer, it is equipped with an automatic, semi-automatic or manual transmission. The Dzhura has an open turret for a 7.62mm machine gun with a small armor plate. This design, as opposed to a fully enclosed turret found on the company's older vehicles, is chosen to keep the module lightweight.

A heavier module would raise the center of mass, increasing the risk of rollovers when cornering. For more information about the new tactical armored vehicle, its features, and a test drive at the training ground, watch Militarny's report.

Recently, Militarnyi also reported on the development of an updated version of the Ataman wheeled armored personnel carrier by Practika.