Ukrainian Armed Forces are planning to move to a new tactical wheeled platform that meets all the requirements of NATO member countries through more indigenous production in Ukraine.
As reported by the Ukrainian Military Pages, Oleksandr Myronyuk, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine, announced the development. During the firing tests of the new MBRL system “Storm” based on the Tatra T815-7T3RC1 8 × 8 chassis, Myronyuk said:
“Currently, a large proportion of such systems in the Armed Forces are still deployed on obsolete Soviet machines that are already running out of resources. Given the fact that despite the large number of orders for the Ukrainian army KrAZ is now in bankruptcy, we have to find an alternative. In the event that Bureviy passes all the tests, the issue of transition of the Armed Forces to new wheeled platforms will be considered., which meet all the requirements of NATO member countries, with the further localization of their production in Ukraine.”
KrAZ, which is referred as bankrupt in the statement of the deputy minister, is a Ukrainian-based truck manufacturer. KrAZ, established in the USSR on 31 August 1945, produces especially heavy-duty off-road model trucks and special vehicles.
As reported by Ukrainian sources, the carrier platform solutions offered by the Czech Republic-based Tatra company are also considered for different systems. It was also reported some vehicles on the Tatra chassis for Alder MBRL, Neptune missile system and some other special equipment can be ordered. Additionally, in 2016, Tatra T815-7L0R59 19257 4 × 4 multi-purpose vehicle was tested in the field by the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service.
While emphasizing the NATO standard, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine stated the modernization process of the army was developing in this context. Ukraine develops bilateral and multilateral relations with NATO in the face of Russia’s regional aggression. NATO recognizes Ukraine as an Advanced Opportunities Partner.
Ukraine is currently one of six Enhanced Opportunities Partners alongside Australia, Finland, Georgia, Jordan and Sweden. Each of the partners has a special relationship with NATO based on their mutual interests.
Ukraine’s status as an Enhanced Opportunities Partner does not prejudice any decision on NATO membership. NATO allies continue to encourage and support Ukraine in its efforts to reform civilian control and democratic oversight, including the security and defense sector, and its fight against corruption.
