According to information published on the Russian Social Network "VK" on July 8, 2022, Ukraine has purchased MLS SHIELD 4x4 wheeled tactical armored vehicles produced by the Italian company Tekne.
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Italian MLS SHIELD 4x4 armored vehicle manufactured by the company TEKNE. (Picture source Russian Social Network VK)
TEKNE is an Italian company that designs and manufactures electronic systems and electrical systems, focusing, from the very beginning, on special vehicles and agricultural machinery. According to the official website of the Italian manufacturer, the armored vehicles delivered to Ukraine would be of the MLS SHIELD model.
According to the "Italian Defense Technologies" website, the purchase of the Italian armored vehicles has been made via private funds and under negotiations with Italian officials, the Ukrainian embassy in Italy, and the Italian military attaché in Ukraine.
The MLS SHIELD is a 4x4 armored vehicle fully designed and developed by the Italian Company Tekne based on a Ford chassis. The layout of the vehicle is standard for a 4x4 light tactical armored vehicle with the engine at the front, crew in the middle, and troops compartment at the rear. Each side of the vehicle is fitted with a single door and two doors are available on the rear side. The vehicle is able to accommodate up to 10 military personnel including one driver, commander, and gunner. The vehicle has a combat weight of 15,000 kg with a maximum payload of 3,500 kg.
The hull of the MLS SHIELD provides protection FB7 level according to EN1063 against the firing of small arms 5.56x45 armor-piercing rounds as well as 7.62x51 FMJ lead core threats. The armor of the vehicle also provides protection against mine or IED (Improvised Explosive Device) blast explosion.
The roof of the MLS SHIELD vehicle can be fitted with a wide range of weapon systems including ring-mount, one-man open-top turret or remotely operated weapon station that can be armed with one 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine gun as well as a 40mm automatic grenade launcher.
The MLS SHIELD is powered by a Cummins 6.7L I6 Turbo Diesel engine developing 360 hp coupled to a 6-speed Allison 3200SP automatic transmission. It can run at a maximum road speed of 110 km/h.
