“Ukrainian Armor” – a private company that specializes in the production of weapons and military equipment. Today, the company’s portfolio includes armored vehicles, armored chassis for various missile and artillery systems, mortars, mines, and artillery rounds.
The company has been operating in the arms and military equipment market since 2015. Our first development was the “VARTA” armored vehicle. In 2017, we started producing Novator armored vehicles and diversified our business by producing mortars and ammunition for them. In 2019-2020, we took part in the development of the “Neptune” missile system, and in 2020-2021 – the “Vilkha” MLRS system. Since 2022, we have been involved in the production of the Bohdana artillery system, – said Vladislav Belbas, CEO of Ukrainian Armor LLC.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, despite the loss of some production sites, Ukrainian Armor has been able to significantly scale up its existing production, master new competencies, including the launch of artillery rounds, and introduce a number of new developments.
In 2023, the company introduced a new model of the popular “Novator” armored vehicle, “Novator 2”, which is designed to carry 10 crew members. Already in 2024, “Novator 2” began to be mass-produced and supplied to the Ukrainian Defense Forces after all the necessary tests.
In 2024, the company presented two developments – the “Varta 2” armored combat vehicle and the Protector UGV ground remote-controlled robot.
SBA Novator
SBA “Novator” is a versatile light tactical armored five-seater pickup truck. It is designed on the Ford chassis. The vehicle weighs 8,845 kg. The maximum speed is 140 km per hour. The level of ballistic protection is STANAG-Level 1.
Since 2017, the “Novator” has been actively used by various law enforcement agencies, and it has gained extensive combat experience. It is with this experience and the needs of the military in mind that the “Novator 2” was launched in 2023 as a continuation of the vehicle line. This is a ten-seater model of the “Novator”. It has STANAG-Level 1 ballistic protection and 2a-2c mine protection. Despite its slightly higher weight of 11,000 kg, “Novator 2” can reach a speed of 130 km per hour.
Due to their speed and mobility, armored vehicles were actively used during the liberation of Kharkiv and Kherson regions, during the Kursk operation, and during defense operations in the east and south.
During the years of active hostilities, they repeatedly came under enemy fire – mortar or MLRS. The armor capsule withstood shrapnel damage, anti-tank mine explosions, and saved the lives of the crew.
From the beginning, the “Novator” vehicle was designed as a universal basic platform for a variety of applications, which provides ample opportunities for vehicle modernization. The vehicles can be equipped with a turret for various machine guns or a remote-controlled combat module. In fact, “Novator” can already be used as a carrier for attack drones, counter-unmanned aerial vehicles to counter reconnaissance systems, and as a vehicle for transporting anti-tank guided missiles. We are working on a number of ideas and directions for the development of the vehicle, – added Vladislav Belbas.
The company has experience in successfully integrating electronic warfare equipment into a vehicle. In 2024, two more versions of the “Novator” appeared: the evacuation (medical) “Novator” and the command and staff vehicle based on the “Novator”.
VARTA 2
The “VARTA 2” armored combat vehicle was developed based on the company’s ten-year experience and the needs of the military in modern warfare. The vehicle can carry 10 crew members. The armored vehicle is equipped with the “Sich” combat module with a 30 mm automatic cannon, which gives it the powerful firepower necessary to support infantry and destroy enemy armored vehicles.
The ballistic protection class of the armored vehicle fully complies with NATO STANAG 3, ballistic and mine protection 3a/3b. The vehicle is also equipped with mine-resistant seats and modern safety systems that provide the maximum level of protection for the crew. In particular, the vehicle is equipped with a suspended floor system that protects the crew from overloads during a blast. Thanks to its independent suspension and CTIS system, “VARTA 2” is able to reach high speeds and overcome obstacles.
The key criteria for the development of the “VARTA 2” armored wheeled combat vehicle were speed and firepower. This vehicle was designed with a significant weight reserve for the combat module. We installed a 30 mm “Sich” combat module on the prototype. The company also emphasized the elements of protection in the vehicle, including electronic intelligence, electronic warfare, and protection against FPV-drones, – explained Vladislav Belbas.
Mortars and ammunition
“Ukrainian Armor” produces mortars of various calibers: 60 mm, 82 mm and 120 mm.
The 120 mm mortar is the most popular. Today it is the only mortar that has passed a full cycle of testing and is now in service. Its range is up to 7 kilometers.
The company also produces mines of various calibers and, together with partners from NATO countries, 122 mm artillery rounds.
Since 2023, Ukrainian Armor, together with its European partners, has established systematic mass production of 122 mm high-explosive artillery rounds. Shots of this caliber are essential for the Ukrainian army – they are used daily for D-30 and 2C1 guns.
The role of artillery in the current war is hard to overestimate. Therefore, the ability to manufacture and supply artillery ammunition is a priority for us. Our company is working to increase monthly production volumes of artillery ammunition. In the near future, we plan to increase the number of 122-mm rounds many times over, – said Vladislav Belbas.
In October 2024, Ukrainian Armor signed an agreement with the Czech holding Czechoslovak Group (CSG) to launch the production of 155-mm artillery rounds in Ukraine.
We plan to produce and supply about 100,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition next year, and more than 300,000 in 2026, – said Vladyslav Belbas.
We are talking about the production of 155-mm NE M107 artillery rounds, as well as their long-range ER-BT VMK/MKM modifications. In addition, it is planned to produce other artillery rounds, as well as tank rounds of the NATO caliber.
UGV “Protector”
It is a versatile multi-purpose ground drone that can be used in logistics – delivering ammunition and various cargoes to the contact line, and can be used to evacuate the wounded. It can also be used as a reconnaissance robot, as a platform that transports and launches drones from a dangerous location. Likewise, it is also possible to use Protector as a combat robot by installing weapons on it to destroy enemy armor or manpower.
The platform weighs up to 4,000 kilograms and has a 190 horsepower engine. It can reach a speed of 60 kilometers per hour. Ballistic protection: “Stanag” 4569 level 1. UGV Protector can keep in touch with the operator at a distance of more than 15 kilometers. The platform is integrated into the ICoMWare situational awareness system, which allows it to be widely used on the battlefield.
The main task of the UGV “Protector” is to replace humans during dangerous missions, thereby saving lives. The advantages of such a drone are mobility, speed, low price, and quick production.
Natalia Mikhoduy
