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Canadian Roshel Senator Armored Vehicle Proves Its Effectiveness Against FPV Drones in Ukraine.
The Canadian-manufactured Roshel Senator armored vehicle has emerged as an essential asset for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGS). A recently released video by the Hart Brigade highlights the resilience and utility of this vehicle, affectionately nicknamed "Roshelka" by Ukrainian soldiers, which continues to play a crucial role in combat operations, particularly in the Vovchansk sector. The Senator is particularly effective against the Russian FPVs used extensively in the conflict.
The Roshel Senator is designed with ballistic protection to protect personnel from various hazards, in particular FPV drones. (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)
The Roshel Senator has proven indispensable for the Hart Brigade’s missions, which include transporting soldiers to forward positions and evacuating the wounded. The vehicle’s robust design allows it to navigate challenging terrain where standard civilian vehicles, such as pickup trucks, would struggle. Its versatility makes it an essential tool for maintaining the mobility and safety of Ukrainian troops on the ground.
The soldiers operating the Roshel Senator come from diverse backgrounds, with some having no prior military experience. One of the drivers, a former freight delivery worker, and another, a practical skills teacher before the war, quickly adapted to driving the armored vehicle despite its weight and size. The ease of driving the Roshel Senator, particularly for those experienced with larger vehicles, was highlighted by the crew, who noted the vehicle’s rapid acceleration and maneuverability on rough terrain.
A key aspect of the Roshel Senator’s battlefield performance is its ability to withstand direct attacks. In one incident, the vehicle's windshield survived a direct hit from an enemy First-Person View (FPV) drone, as recounted by a soldier with the call sign "Sensei." This episode underscores the vehicle’s protective capabilities, offering a level of security that standard vehicles cannot match.
The Roshel Senator armored vehicle has proven particularly effective against the emerging threat posed by First-Person View (FPV) drones, which have become a significant danger on modern battlefields. FPV drones, equipped with cameras and often carrying explosive payloads, allow operators to guide them directly toward targets with precision, making them a formidable weapon for striking personnel, vehicles, and fortified positions. The Senator’s robust ballistic protection, including its reinforced windshield, has demonstrated an ability to withstand direct impacts from these drones, providing a critical layer of defense against this new form of aerial threat. As FPV drone attacks become more frequent and sophisticated, the need for armored vehicles capable of withstanding such assaults has grown, positioning the Roshel Senator as a key asset in countering drone threats and ensuring the safety of troops in contested areas.
The Roshel Senator is designed with ballistic protection to safeguard personnel from small arms fire and shell fragments, while its shock absorbers, though sometimes damaged by the rugged terrain, are easily replaceable. This ease of maintenance is crucial for keeping the vehicles operational during prolonged engagements.
Since the beginning of the large-scale invasion, Ukraine has received approximately 1,400 Roshel Senator armored vehicles, reflecting the critical need for mobile, protected platforms in modern combat environments. These vehicles have significantly improved the mobility and survivability of Ukrainian forces, particularly in frontline roles where exposure to artillery, small arms fire, and drone threats is frequent.
In addition to the Senator, Roshel has announced the addition of a new vehicle to its lineup: the Captain, a light tactical armored vehicle based on the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 chassis. The Captain is designed to offer a balance between mobility and protection, featuring ballistic protection at STANAG 4569 Level 1 and explosion protection at STANAG 4569 Level 2, making it suitable for a variety of tactical operations. This new model aims to complement the capabilities of the Senator by providing a more agile solution for rapid response scenarios.
The Roshel Senator armored vehicle has demonstrated its value on the battlefield, providing crucial protection and enhanced mobility for Ukrainian forces. Its ability to withstand direct attacks and navigate difficult environments makes it a reliable asset for combat operations.