Ukraine’s Locally Made Oncilla 4x4 Armored Vehicle Enters Operational Service with Ukrainian Army.

On November 27, 2024, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense formally approved the Oncilla-Shturm 4x4 armored personnel carrier (APC) for operational use, as the overall shortage of APCs remains a significant concern, affecting the mobility and protection of Ukrainian troops. This new vehicle is a domestically produced variant of the Oncilla APC, which was developed under a Polish license based on the Ukrainian Dozor-B. The Oncilla-Shturm is equipped with a remotely controlled combat module, likely armed with a KPVT 14.5 mm heavy machine gun, supplemented by a 7.62 mm machine gun mounted above the primary weapon system.
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The Oncilla-Shturm is equipped with a remotely controlled combat module, likely armed with a KPVT 14.5 mm heavy machine gun, supplemented by a 7.62 mm machine gun mounted above the primary weapon system. (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)

Ukraine's armed forces are confronting a notable shortage of armored personnel carriers (APCs) on the frontline, a challenge that has persisted since the escalation of the conflict with Russia. This deficit has been intensified by the destruction of existing vehicles and the increasing demands of ongoing military operations.In response, Ukraine has sought international assistance and increased domestic production. By December 2023, Ukrainian factories had amplified APC production fivefold compared to spring 2023 levels. Despite these measures, the demand continues to surpass supply, leading Ukraine to acquire older models from international partners. For example, Sweden has supplied Pbv 302 APCs, originally manufactured in the 1960s, to support Ukraine's operational needs. Additionally, the United States has delivered Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, which have been utilized in combat operations.

The Oncilla-Shturm accommodates three crew members and six additional troops. It is powered by a turbo-diesel engine paired with an automatic transmission, enabling strong mobility and speed performance. Its fuel range exceeds 700 kilometers. The vehicle's armor and structural design provide protection against small-arms fire, shrapnel, and mines, although the Ministry has not disclosed specific protection classifications or details about its resistance to explosions.

Standard equipment on the Oncilla-Shturm includes automatic tire inflation, hydraulic power steering, air conditioning with additional heating capabilities, an automatic fire suppression system, a filter-ventilation unit, and a winch for self-recovery and towing. The vehicle is also designed to support modular configurations, allowing production in multiple specialized versions tailored to specific missions.

The Oncilla-Shturm is the latest development in a series of armored vehicles originating from the Dozor-B. First unveiled as a prototype by the Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau in 2004, the Dozor-B was officially presented in 2007. Production began in 2014, driven by the need for operational armored vehicles during the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Early models of the Dozor-B faced issues such as high noise levels, turret ergonomics, and suboptimal weight distribution. These vehicles underwent state tests and operational trials, which highlighted areas for improvement. Due to delays caused by engine supply issues, only 10 units were delivered to the Ukrainian military in 2016, and domestic production was subsequently halted.

In 2013, the Polish company Mista, in collaboration with Lacenaire Limited, acquired a license to produce the Dozor-B. This resulted in the Oncilla, which incorporated modifications to meet NATO standards. These changes included enhanced ballistic protection, redesigned hatches, improved mine resistance, and the replacement of the Deutz engine with an IVECO engine, offering improved dynamic performance. The Oncilla accommodates a crew of three and six passengers, can reach a maximum speed of 120 km/h, and has a range of 750 km. It is equipped with a 12.7 mm NSV machine gun and offers ballistic protection compliant with STANAG 4569 Level 2, with optional upgrades to Level 3. Variants include command, reconnaissance, patrol, medical, and riot control vehicles. On the other hand, the Dozor-B includes versions such as an armored personnel carrier, command vehicle, ambulance, Special Forces vehicle, and NBC reconnaissance vehicle. The Oncilla is in use by Senegal and Ukraine, with Ukraine receiving at least 30 units by March 2023, and the 100th unit delivered by February 2024.