Solutions to win: Ukrainian-made Inguar-3 armored vehicle successfully passes combat testing and secures initial orders
Inguar-3 armored vehicle. Photo: Inguar
The Ukrainian armored vehicle Inguar-3 has already passed combat tests and received the first orders.
CEO and co-founder of Inguar Defence Artem Yushchuk reported that in an interview with Ukrinform.
As Artem Yushchuk noted, 2024 became a year of testing equipment for their company.
"We approached this issue quite responsibly, and in general the car passed about 10 thousand km of tough tests.
In particular, combat tests with fighters of the Azov brigade in the Serebriansky Forest, now on the Sumy front," he said.
As a result, the company received its first state orders from two organizations (which, according to contract terms, Yushchuk is not yet able to disclose) and will deliver them to the front within the next six months.
"After receiving positive feedback from the initial Azov combat tests, we finally secured our first contract. The first batch of vehicles will be deployed on the front line in the second quarter of 2025," the co-founder of the manufacturing company said.
At present, Inguar Defence's received orders do not match its production capabilities, making it imperative for the company to secure more orders. The company's long-term orders are crucial for its survival.
"We are able to produce much more. If we do not receive contracts at least once every two months, we simply will not survive as a company," Yushchuk noted.
The armored vehicle is produced in Ukraine completely from scratch, without the use of any civilian chassis. The production process of this Ukrainian manufacturer is much more intricate compared to other manufacturers, resulting in a significantly higher level of localization and providing more job opportunities for Ukrainians.
"We hope that the state understands this and will support precisely such production – focused on localization in Ukraine and on a product created in accordance with the most current requirements. The competition is strong, one might say – even aggressive. But we have no choice but to break through," Yushchuk added.
According to him, the company has many other, much more complex developments in the process.
In August 2024, soldiers of the 12th Special Forces Brigade "Azov" of the National Guard of Ukraine tested the new Ukrainian armored vehicle Inguar-3 during the fighting in the Serebriansky Forest in the Luhansk region.
Inguar-3 armored vehicle. Photo: Inguar
The unique Ukrainian armored vehicle Inguar-3 is a representative of a new generation of modular tactical armored vehicles, a Ukrainian light multi-purpose armored vehicle of the MRAP class, specially designed for:
- protection of the crew from small arms,
- detonation of improvised explosive devices and mines.
This vehicle has a separate front and rear armored capsule, thanks to which its configuration can be quickly changed – into a variant of an assault vehicle, a pickup truck, a heavy weapons carrier.
Using aluminum has greatly decreased the overall weight of the vehicle. This metal has a high viscosity, allowing it to absorb a majority of the bullet's energy. Steel armor plating offers initial protection and ultimately halts any incoming projectiles.
The manufacturer claims that the vehicle has a protection level of 3a/3b according to the STANAG 4569 classification. That is, the vehicle must withstand hits from 7.62×51 caliber armor-piercing bullets, as well as fragments of 155-mm shells from 60 meters.
Mine protection according to this classification involves withstanding the detonation of an anti-tank high-explosive mine with 8 kg of explosives (analogous to the Soviet TM-62). The manufacturer emphasizes increased protection of the under-engine compartment from fragments.
Inguar-3 armored vehicle. Photo: Inguar
For the driver, the vehicle is equipped with front, rear and side view cameras that replace mirrors, as well as a night vision camera.
Also the package included the following:
- EW module with the ability to configure frequencies
- automatic fire extinguishing system with optical sensors
- air filtration system from chemical contamination.
- autonomous cabin heater
- air conditioning system
- 12-ton winch
Inguar-3 received a frame structure and independent suspension with planetary gearboxes. Thanks to the center axle lock, differential lock of the front and rear gearbox, as well as a high ground clearance of 450 mm, the machine provides high off-road capability.
The vehicle features a Deutz engine boasting a powerful 356 horsepower (1500 Newton meters), paired with an Allison automatic transmission.
In addition, it has a centralized automatic tire inflation system, and the wheels are equipped with RunFlat inserts, which allow movement in case of puncture.
A group of young engineers, with an average age of 22–23 years, who had graduated from the National Technical University of Ukraine "Ihor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute", designed and developed the car. It was officially unveiled in the spring.
For reference:
It was also reported that the fleet of the 12th Special Purpose Brigade "Azov" of the National Guard of Ukraine was replenished with domestic armored vehicles "Novator-2".
In 2024, the defense department officially approved the use of 175 types of vehicles for the Defense Forces, 76 of which were produced domestically.
