Partner 2023: Zastava M20 MRAP 6x6 equipped with mortar transport option.

The Zastava M20 MRAP 6x6 is an armored vehicle designed for the safe transport of military units. The vehicle has modular capabilities, allowing it to be adapted for various roles including the transport of heavy cargo, weapons, and wounded soldiers. Currently on display at the Partner 2023 exhibition, the vehicle is produced by Zastava Tervo. It is built with a focus on ballistic and anti-mine protection and features a low silhouette. The vehicle is equipped with a dependent bridge suspension system.
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Zasatava M20 MRAP 6x6 is an armored vehicle designed for the safe transport of military units. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The M-20 MRAP is based on the 6x6 chassis of the new Serbian 8-ton military truck FAP 2228 LA which, in turn, is based on Mercedes-Benz components. The joint development of the M-20 armored vehicle was carried out by Zastava Tervo, the FAP (Surf) plant and the Belgrade Military Technical Institute.

In terms of dimensions, the Zastava M20 MRAP 6x6 has a length of 8,5 meters, a width of 2,5 meters, and a height of 2,6 meters. It has a maximum speed of 100 km/h. Additional equipment includes visualization systems, smoke boxes, and an 8ST 22000 winch.

For protection, the vehicle is resistant to incendiary bullets of up to 14.5 mm caliber, in accordance with STANAG MV standards. It also offers anti-mine protection at level 2a/26, capable of withstanding up to 6 kg of explosives. Additional modular armor can be added depending on the vehicle's mission requirements.

Mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles have gained significance in the context of the war in Ukraine, where asymmetric threats like land mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and ambushes are common. These vehicles are designed to mitigate risks to crews from such threats while providing ballistic protection. Their use in Ukraine underscores the growing need for versatile vehicles capable of safeguarding troops in complex and unpredictable combat environments.

The vehicle has modular capabilities, allowing it to be adapted for various roles including the transport of heavy cargo, weapons, and wounded soldiers. It can accommodate different types of weapons and has a crew capacity of up to 15 members, with three in the front and twelve in the rear.

Mortar role

As shown in the photo at the end of this article, the ZASTAVA-M20 MRAP 6x6 has the capability to transport four mortars. These mortars are produced by the Serbian company Valir and have a caliber of 82 mm, a tube length of 1.3 meters, and a weight of 45 kg in combat position. They offer an angle of fire between 45 and 85 degrees, and a horizontal field of action that can extend up to 360 degrees with rack displacement. The mortars have a rate of fire between 20 and 25 rounds per minute and a maximum range of 6 km with the HE M74 shell. The maximum pressure in the tube is less than 650 bar, and the gunpoint devices are of the NSB-3 type.

Zastava M20 MRAP 6x6 has the capability to transport four mortars (Picture source: Army Recognition)