Ukraine Ministry of Interior to order AutoKrAZ Spartan 4x4 APC to replace old combat vehicles 020114.

The vehicle has been transferred at the company’s proving ground by General Director Mr. Roman Chernyak who gave keys and certificate to Deputy Head Forensic Science Research Centre of the Ministry of Interior Mr. Konstantin Dubonos. In true tradition, a bottle of champagne was broken over the hull of Spartan.

Forensic examiners have tested the vehicle on the proving ground after transfer in solemn atmosphere. After obstacle courses, Mr. Dubonos emotionally praised high mobility of the vehicle in spite of eight tonnes of weight and speed. He also said that they had placed an order for the KrAZ-Shrek vehicle scheduled for production in the beginning of the next year.

These armored vehicles will replace foreign vehicles, off road performance of which makes it impossible for them to get to sites where IEDs are planted. “When choosing vehicle for use in missions we were studying the market very carefully. We opted for KrAZ-Spartan because there is no equal vehicle in Ukraine. The vehicle will be provided with various equipment and used for explosive device disposal in the territories freed from militants.”

The Spartan is a 4x4 LAV (Light Armoured Vehicle) designed and manufactured by the Company Streit Group. The vehicle is based on the FORD F550 with fully re-designed and chassis-mounted body by Streit design and development.

The hull of the Spartan is of all-welded steel armour construction that provides a protection for the crew against 5.56 x 45 assault rifle, sniper rifle 7.62 x 51 and shell splinters. To increase the safety, the roof provides the same level of protection as the sidewall to protect in urban environments.