Partner 2023: Discover Zastava NTV created for Serbia Special Forces.

At the Partner 2023 exhibition, the Serbian automotive and defense company Zastava Tervo unveils a new variant of its Zastava NTV SUV. The Zastava NTV Special Forces vehicle has been designed to cater to the needs of special units within the Republic of Serbia. It is intended for use in controlling demonstrations, special operations, and organized escorts and is based on the Zastava NTV 40.13H Extended Cab version.
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The Zastava NTV Special Forces is designed to fulfill the needs of the Serbian Special Forces (Picture source: Army Recognition)

A notable feature of this vehicle is its extended autonomy, with a range of 600 kilometers, allowing for versatile operational capabilities. The vehicle's independent suspension system enhances its performance, offering optimal traction and dynamic characteristics during off-road operations while ensuring a comfortable ride on well-paved roads. The dimensions and mass of the Zastava NTV Special Forces vehicle allow for customization, making it adaptable for various missions. It can be equipped with additional cargo such as ballistic protection, weaponry turrets, mortars, rocket launchers, and optoelectronic devices.

In terms of technical specifications, the Zastava NTV Special Forces vehicle measures 5.2 meters in length, 2.1 m in width, and stands at a height of 2.3 m. It has a maximum speed of 116 km/h and a maximum permissible mass of 2.2 tonnes, with the capacity to accommodate a crew of up to nine members, including the driver.

Originating from the Zastava NTV line, this Serbian 4x4 multipurpose infantry mobility vehicle is the result of collaboration between the Military Technical Institute, Zastava Trucks, and Zastava TERVO. While its primary users are the Serbian Armed Forces, there is also potential for export to international markets.

The development of the first prototype of this vehicle commenced in 2011, involving cooperation between the Military Technical Institute, the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Kragujevac, and Zastava Trucks. Its modular chassis design allows for efficient troop and equipment transport on both road and off-road terrain. After rigorous testing, including 25,000 km of trials in challenging conditions, the vehicle was adopted by the Serbian Armed Forces and considered for export.

The Zastava NTV's versatility is evident in its performance across diverse terrains and climates, including mountains, valleys, forests, and snow-covered landscapes. It can operate in extreme conditions, with temperatures ranging from -25°C to 40°C. The vehicle's approach and departure angles of 35° each, coupled with its ability to negotiate longitudinal slopes of 60% and transverse slopes of 35%, and ford water up to 0.7 meters deep, further enhance its adaptability.

The vehicle's cargo capacity is noteworthy, as it can transport 1.4 tonnes of cargo and tow a trailer weighing up to 1.7 tonnes. For example, it can transport 32 wooden boxes containing 64 120mm mortar mines, totaling 1,408 kg, while simultaneously towing a 120mm mortar.

The Zastava NTV is powered by a Cummins 2.8 turbocharged diesel engine featuring an intake air cooler and a 5-gear ZF 5S 400 synchronous mechanical gearbox. Safety features include ABS, EBD, and ABD for braking, ensuring reliable performance in various conditions. Its configuration as a 4x4 with permanent all-wheel drive, along with electric blockade commands for the separator drive and separate electric differential commands for the front and rear bridge, enhances its off-road capabilities. It comes fitted with 255/100 R16 radial tubeless tires with the option for run-flat technology.

Thanks to its modular design, the Zastava NTV can be adapted for various roles, including ambulance, workshop, command and control, military communications, military police, transport, reconnaissance, ground and air radar, sound surveillance, and an armed version. This adaptability positions it as a versatile asset for the Republic of Serbia and potentially for other nations seeking modern, adaptable, and robust vehicles for their special forces and military units.