Ukrainian Armor (Ukarmor) has revealed it will double the production of the Novator 4×4 armored personnel carriers this year.
The announcement followed the Kyiv-based company’s delivery of the systems to the Ukrainian Armed Forces in October 2024 amidst the Russian invasion.
Ukarmor General Director Vladyslav Belbas, who verified the firm’s strategy, said that the framework is a result of “positive changes” to previous Novator contracts that have been concluded but “have not been financed.”
“As of today, we have already contracted more than one and a half times more than last year’s volume,” Belbas explained.
“We set ourselves the goal of increasing the production of Novator armored vehicles by two times. And we are somewhere on the way to this.”
Increasing Dependence on Local Vehicles
Ukarmor assured that the increase in production of domestically-made systems such as the Novator will independently cover the Ukrainian military’s requirements on the frontline while retaining quality on par with foreign capabilities.
Ukraine has been partially relying on military assistance from partner nations since Moscow launched its invasion in 2022.
“Our strength is that we work very hard in the service field, – service support, post-warranty support, – and this bears fruit,” Belbas said.
“We also refine our equipment immediately after identifying any shortcomings. We are constantly working on improvements.”
About the Novator System
Ukarmor’s Novator is based on the Ford F-550 chassis and is fitted with bulletproof glass, compartment, and floor; an electric shock and waterproof winch; modern rubber run-flat tires; and a night and camouflage interior illumination system.
It measures 6 meters (20 feet) long, weighs 8,845 kilograms (19,499 pounds), can transport up to 10 personnel, and has a payload capacity of 1,845 kilograms (4,068 pounds).
The vehicle is powered by a 300-horsepower Ford diesel engine and a six-gear automatic transmission for a maximum speed of 140 kilometers (87 miles) per hour and a range of 500 kilometers (311 miles).
