Ukraine receives first Canadian Terradyne Gurkha 4x4 armored ambulance

As reported by Ukraine's Ministry of Health on October 16, 2023, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have taken delivery of the first Gurkha 4x4 armored ambulance out of a planned thirteen. These ambulances are intended for the safe evacuation of wounded individuals from the front lines to the nearest medical facilities. The acquisition of these armored ambulances cost a total of 124 million hryvnias (€3.24 million), with funding support from the UNITED24 initiative amounting to 9,532,000 hryvnias (€248,759).
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This armored ambulance is based on a Canadian Terradyne Gurkha MPV 4x4 multi-purpose vehicle (Picture source: Ukrainian Ministry of Health)

To cater to the specific needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, these armored ambulances were custom-made in Canada. They are built upon the Gurkha MPV, a 4x4 multi-purpose armored vehicle manufactured by Terradyne Armored Vehicles and based on a Ford F-550 Super Duty chassis. These vehicles adhere to B7/STANAG 2 standards, indicating a high level of ballistic protection capable of withstanding various threats, including small arms fire, 7.62mm ammunition, explosives weighing up to 6 kg, and 155mm high explosive (HE) artillery shells.

The Gurkha MPV is equipped with a 6.7-liter V8 turbo diesel engine, producing 330 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque. It features a 6-speed automatic transmission, allowing for a top speed of 130 km/h. The vehicle's 4x4 drivetrain comes with a shift-on-the-fly capability, enabling the driver to switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes as required. A notable aspect of these vehicles is their self-sealing tires, designed to continue functioning even after a loss of tire pressure, reducing the risk of immobilization due to tire damage in combat zones.

The Gurkha MPV's base weight is approximately 7,484 kg, but this can vary depending on optional equipment and armoring configurations. To enhance the vehicle's control during emergency braking situations, it is equipped with 4-wheel vented disc brakes and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The Gurkha MPV measures 6.4 meters in length, 2.5 meters in width, and 2.6 meters in height.