Ukrainian National Guard receives Novator-2 armored vehicles with Kvertus electronic warfare systems.

On July 2, 2024, the Ukrainian company Ukrainian Armor delivered the first batch of Novator-2 armored vehicles equipped with an electronic warfare system to the National Guard of Ukraine. The Novator-2 received a version of the AD Kraken Counter FPV F3 system, as seen in the photos. The system, made by the Ukrainian company Kvertus, comes in two varieties, the M30 and the M50, with respective power outputs of 30 and 50 W on each channel.
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This delivery aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the Ukrainian National Guard, which plans to equip each combat brigade with these new Novator-2 armored vehicles. (Picture source: Ukrainian Armor)

This delivery aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the Ukrainian National Guard, which plans to equip each combat brigade with these new vehicles. Vladyslav Belbas, the CEO of Ukrainian Armor, highlighted that the Novator-2 was developed in response to the National Guard's specifications. The testing phase for this new vehicle, which lasted almost a year before serial production commenced, ensured compliance with necessary standards. Ukrainian Armor is noted as the first manufacturer to deliver armored vehicles with integrated electronic warfare capabilities.

Deputy Commander of the National Guard, Oleksandr Bilous, indicated that the Novator-2 was specifically ordered to fulfill the National Guard's requirement for a combat group vehicle. He stated that every combat brigade of the National Guard would be equipped with these vehicles.

Vladislav Belbas, CEO of Ukrainian Armored Technology LLC, mentioned that the Ukrainian market for weapons and military equipment has changed significantly in recent years, with many companies producing quality products. He believes that cooperation within the market, joint projects, and partnerships not only provide the Defense Forces of Ukraine with quality weapons and equipment but also localize production, reducing the use of imported components, which can positively impact the Ukrainian economy. The Novator-2 received a version of the AD Kraken Counter FPV F3 system made by Kvertus, a company with a growing and improving product line that has received positive feedback from the Ukrainian military.

The Novator-2 received a version of the AD Kraken Counter FPV F3 system made by Kvertus, a company with a growing and improving product line that has received positive feedback from the Ukrainian military. (Picture source: Ukrainian Armor)

The AD Kraken Counter FPV F3 electronic warfare system comes in two varieties, the M30 and the M50, with respective power outputs of 30 and 50 W on each channel. The AD Kraken Counter FPV F3 M30 is a modern electronic warfare device designed to counter FPV drones across three radio bands. It features six jamming channels, each with a power output of 30 watts, providing coverage over frequencies commonly used by FPV drones. The system offers both omnidirectional and directional jamming capabilities, enabling it to create a protective "dome" against drone incursions. The device is equipped with a non-volatile field indicator, IP-1, to quickly assess the presence of radio interference in any condition. It operates with a maximum power consumption of 1500 watts and can function continuously for up to 12 hours with periodic breaks.

The AD Kraken Counter FPV F3 M50 is a more powerful variant, maintaining the same design, weight, and number of jamming channels as the M30. However, it delivers 50 watts of jamming power per channel, offering enhanced protection against FPV drones, especially in scenarios where enemy operators use repeater control or are in close proximity. Like the M30, it includes a remote control and the IP-1 field indicator. The M50's increased power allows for an effective blocking range starting from 200 meters, with a maximum power consumption of 1800 watts. Both models are equipped with active cooling systems and can be powered by mains electricity or a 24-28V DC source.

The Novator-2, first introduced in September 2023 at the MSPO exhibition in Poland, is an evolution of the previous Novator model, designed to address the demands of the Ukrainian military forces. (Picture source: Big Test)

The 10-seat armored vehicle Novator-2 was first introduced in September 2023 at the MSPO exhibition in Poland. It is an evolution of the previous Novator model, designed to address the demands of the Ukrainian military forces. Despite the additional seating, the Novator-2 is only slightly larger than its five-seat predecessor, with its length increased by just 10 cm. Significant changes include converting the former pickup truck bed into an armored compartment, adding 5 cm thick windows, extra seating, and a rear hatch for evacuation and additional firing positions.

These adjustments were driven by feedback from military personnel who required a vehicle with greater capacity for transporting troops. Despite the increased capacity, the vehicle's overall dimensions remain compact, with its length now measuring 6.5 meters compared to the previous 6.4 meters. The vehicle's rear section, previously an open pickup bed, is now fully armored, featuring 5 cm thick windows. Additional anti-mine seats have been installed, along with a rear hatch for both evacuation and firing purposes.

The Novator-2's weight has increased from 7945 kg to 9660 kg, and its payload capacity has also risen from 1845 kg to 3340 kg. To accommodate these changes, significant work was done on the vehicle's suspension system, including strengthening the rear and front axles, installing springs, and adding pairs of shock absorbers and airbags on each side. These modifications aim to improve crew comfort and allow the suspension and ground clearance to be adjusted according to the vehicle's load.

Significant changes include converting the former pickup truck bed into an armored compartment, adding 5 cm thick windows, extra seating, and a rear hatch for evacuation and additional firing positions. (Picture source: Big Test)

The Novator-2 maintains the same level of protection as its predecessor, capable of withstanding 7.62 mm bullets and the simultaneous detonation of two RGD-5 grenades under its V-shaped hull. The armored glass has demonstrated resilience against hits from 12.7 mm machine guns in past incidents.

The roof of the vehicle can accommodate a rotating platform with a combat module equipped with any 12.7 mm machine gun, and there is also the possibility of mounting an automatic grenade launcher. Additionally, Ukrainian Armor plans to protect its vehicles from FPV drones by equipping them with dome-shaped electronic warfare systems.

Internally, the vehicle's cabin has seen minimal changes, with the addition of a compressor control unit for adjusting the rear suspension air pressure, located to the right of the driver. There is also a space at the rear for a remote-control unit for the combat module.

The Novator-2 has proven to be more comfortable for road use, though its increased weight requires careful handling in off-road conditions. The additional weight impacts the rear wheels significantly, necessitating cautious navigation through difficult terrains such as mud and sand, and requiring prior preparation for such operations.

The roof of the vehicle can accommodate a rotating platform with a combat module equipped with any 12.7 mm machine gun, and there is also the possibility of mounting an automatic grenade launcher. (Picture source: Big Test)