Ukrainian forces receive 20 ATV battle buggies manufactured by volunteers

On December 9, 2023, the Operational Command "South" of the Ukrainian Armed Forces received a new shipment of 20 light tactical vehicles, commonly referred to as "battle buggies," which were entirely crafted through the initiative of a volunteer movement with support from major industrial enterprises.
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The fourth delivery brings the total number of such battle buggies received by the Ukrainian armed forces to 57, courtesy of these dedicated volunteers (Picture source: Ukraine Operational Command "South")

The new additions to their fleet represent the fourth delivery of such vehicles to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This delivery follows the initial batch of 10 vehicles in March, a second batch of 12 in the summer, and an additional 15 in August, highlighting the ongoing efforts of these volunteers to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities.

One notable contributor to this volunteer effort is a 13-year-old named Maxim, who raised funds, acquired a used car, and donated it as a donor vehicle for the creation of these buggies. Major General Andriy Kovalchuk, the commander of the military forces in the Operational Command "South," commended the young contributors for their dedication to supporting the Ukrainian army.

These newly manufactured light tactical vehicles offer the Ukrainian military improved mobility across challenging off-road terrains. They are primarily intended for use in reconnaissance missions and for facilitating rapid responses against adversaries. These vehicles are designed to navigate off-road terrain effectively and support military personnel in their operations.

As reported by Army Recognition on July 14, 2023, Russian volunteers are also actively involved in the production of lightweight all-terrain tactical vehicles for their military personnel, as a new shipment of these vehicles, referred to as "Erofey," is being sent to fighters in one of the BARS units currently engaged in combat operations within the Zaporizhia region, Ukraine.

According to Mikhail Degtyarev, the governor of the Khabarovsk Region, these vehicles are currently undergoing combat testing. It's worth noting that this isn't the first batch of Erofey buggies sent to the front lines; similar equipment has been previously delivered and is already in use by the Russian military. Servicemen have found these all-terrain vehicles to be efficient in terms of repairability, speed, and maneuverability.

Governor Degtyarev further explained that all produced Erofey buggies are currently being deployed to the front lines, although there are also orders from other security agencies. To meet the increasing demand, the manufacturer is scaling up its production capacity, with the buggies primarily assembled using Russian materials. Additionally, a domestic alternative has been introduced in the engine lineup, alongside power units from friendly countries.

Aside from military use, the Erofey buggy, designed for deployment in military zones, is also intended to be utilized by rescue teams, forest protection agencies, hunting supervisors, and law enforcement agencies, including the military. These vehicles are expected to prove useful in various operational scenarios.

Small, unarmored All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) could play a significant role in combat operations by both Russian and Ukrainian Armed Forces in Ukraine from a military standpoint. Their primary advantage lies in mobility and flexibility, essential in varied terrains such as forests and urban areas. The lightweight and compact nature of ATVs facilitates easy maneuvering, which is useful for avoiding enemy detection and engagement.

In terms of logistics, ATVs enable the quick transportation of small units, equipment, or supplies to the front lines, thus supporting the efficiency of military operations. Their smaller size also aids in concealment, making them less visible to enemy forces. However, the lack of armor on these vehicles limits their direct combat utility, although some of these vehicles were seen armed with anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). They are primarily used for reconnaissance, fast troop movements, and expedited withdrawals when necessary.

This shipment included a total of 20 ATVs, which are primarily intended for use in reconnaissance missions by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. (Picture source: Ukraine Operational Command "South")