Ukraine Deploys New Djura Light Tactical Armored Vehicle to Enhance Combat Mobility.

On October 7, 2024, a video published on the Russian social network Telegram announced that the Ukrainian Armed Forces had received the first batch of Jura armored vehicles, locally developed by NPO Praktika and based on the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 chassis. The 40th Separate Artillery Brigade is the first unit to deploy these new vehicles, which were approved for military use in August.
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Ukrainian Djura Light Tactical Armored Vehicle for Battelfield Mobility (Picture source: Russian Social Media)

The Jura is designed to enhance soldier protection during frontline missions, featuring lightweight armor and a reinforced design that offers a balance between mobility and defense against light munitions and shrapnel. The arrival of these vehicles marks an important step in strengthening Ukraine's tactical transport capabilities with locally produced equipment.

The Jura is a five-ton tactical vehicle equipped with a powerful diesel engine and reinforced armor to protect personnel in hostile environments. Designed to stop shrapnel and small-arms fire, the vehicle provides increased security for troops in forward areas. Soldiers from the 40th Brigade have begun training with the Jura, testing its capabilities on various terrains. Initial reports indicate favorable performance on sandy terrain, and further evaluations are planned for challenging conditions, such as flooded roads during Ukraine's rainy season.

One of the Jura's advantages is its versatility for transporting small groups of soldiers and essential supplies to strategic positions. The rear compartment can carry ammunition or equipment, providing practical support for tactical operations. According to Army TV reporters, the Jura moves smoothly on off-road surfaces despite its weight and maintains a low noise level inside the cabin, enhancing operational discretion. This combination of mobility and stealth makes it particularly suitable for missions requiring a compact and resilient vehicle.

The Jura's design is based on the robust Land Cruiser 70, adapted with an armored capsule offering PSZA-4 level protection, equivalent to STANAG 4569 level 1 standards. This capsule allows the vehicle to withstand 5.45 mm rifle rounds and multiple grenade explosions under the wheels or body. To manage its increased weight, which reaches approximately 5.7 tons, the Jura's suspension and braking systems have been reinforced. Powered by a 200-horsepower diesel engine with 430 Nm of torque, the vehicle combines power and reliability, and customers can choose between automatic, semi-automatic, or manual transmission according to operational needs.

Although the Jura’s open turret, equipped with a 7.62 mm machine gun, lacks heavy armor, this design strikes a balance between protection and maneuverability, which is crucial for rapid deployment. Its lightweight and minimal electronic features make it an ideal choice for low to medium-risk tactical missions, as well as for law enforcement and special operations. The Jura thus represents a strategic advancement for Ukraine, combining locally sourced defense solutions with proven engineering to effectively support frontline operations with reliable and adaptable tactical transport.

The Djura project, undertaken by the Ukrainian company NPO Praktika, was launched in direct response to the operational requirements of the Ukrainian military, which needed a light, reliable armored vehicle suitable for tactical missions in hostile environments.

Since the beginning of the conflict, NPO Praktika has developed several critical vehicle models tailored to Ukraine's defense needs. For instance, the Kozak armored vehicle series, including the Kozak-2M1, has been widely adopted by the Ukrainian military for troop transport and reconnaissance missions, featuring modular armor for enhanced crew protection. Another example is the Varta armored personnel carrier, designed with advanced mine-resistant capabilities and a reinforced hull to protect against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and roadside attacks. Additionally, Praktika has produced specialized vehicles for medical evacuation, such as the BMM-4S, ensuring the safe transport of wounded soldiers under combat conditions. These examples highlight Praktika's responsiveness to the evolving demands of modern warfare, as they quickly transitioned to develop and supply models like the Djura, which balances mobility and protection for frontline operations. Each vehicle developed by Praktika reinforces Ukraine’s self-reliance in defense production and has proven essential for maintaining operational resilience across various combat scenarios.