DSEI 2025: Discover Senator Armoured Vehicle Range from Canadian Roshel with Modular Design Approach.

Army Recognition interviewed Roman Shimonov, Chief Executive Officer of Roshel, during DSEI 2025 in London on 11 September 2025. The Canadian executive outlined the company’s strategy and the developments of the Senator family, which form the core of Roshel’s armored vehicle portfolio. The discussion also shed light on the company’s industrial and operational approach, shaped by lessons learned on operational theaters, including Ukraine.
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With the Senator family, MRAP, Pickup, APC, ERV, and EOD, as well as the Captain APC, Roshel offers a range of armored vehicles certified to NATO standards (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Roshel, headquartered in Brampton, Ontario, is expanding its production capacity in North America and Europe. According to Roman Shimonov, the company’s goal is not limited to delivering vehicles but also to establishing long-term cooperation with customers. The approach aims to ensure sustained technical support, minimize downtime, and simplify maintenance, supported by a global supply chain and, when possible, local assembly in the customer’s country.

The main model showcased at DSEI is the Senator Pickup, a variant of the MRAP designed to combine modularity, protection, and affordability. Already deployed in several combat zones, including Ukraine, it is characterized by rapid production timelines and low acquisition and operational costs. Built on a widely available Ford F-series chassis, it benefits from global spare parts availability and simplified logistics. Measuring six meters in length and 2.4 meters in width, the Pickup is powered by a 6.7L V8 diesel engine producing 330 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque, coupled to a ten-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. Payload capacity reaches 3.5 tons.

The vehicle has been certified to NATO STANAG 4569 AEP 55 Level 2a/2b, providing protection against 7.62×39 mm API BZ rounds, mine blasts equivalent to 6 kg of TNT under the wheel or center, and side blasts of up to 25 kg. Tests conducted by Oregon Ballistic Laboratories validated its ballistic and blast resistance, while the National Research Council Canada confirmed its slope stability, reaching a 39° side slope threshold.

Roshel has also equipped the Senator Pickup with Counter-UAS measures designed to detect, track, and neutralize uncrewed aerial systems. Integrated on the combat-proven MRAP platform, these systems include sensors and effectors capable of countering drone swarms, long-range reconnaissance platforms, and armed UAS. The vehicle maintains STANAG Level 2 ballistic and Level 3 blast certification and features a bolted armored capsule that facilitates maintenance as well as mine-protected seating. Fully interoperable with NATO command-and-control networks, it supports joint missions through advanced sensor fusion and mesh-networked autonomy. Its open architecture allows rapid integration of additional sensors or effectors, ensuring adaptability to evolving threats.

According to Roman Shimonov, the war in Ukraine has highlighted the need for modular vehicles that can be quickly adjusted to new threats, particularly the growing use of drones. Each component of the Senator can be modified or upgraded while maintaining an optimal balance between weight and protection. This design approach places adaptability at the center of Roshel’s development philosophy.

Alongside the Pickup, Roshel also presented the Senator ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle), already in service with British forces. Designed for rescue and special intervention missions, it combines mobility with protection. The ERV can carry up to twelve passengers and includes insulation materials for heat and noise reduction, a full air-conditioning system, and connected solutions such as telematics, smart access control, and remote monitoring. These features allow operators to manage missions in real time under secure conditions.

Roshel also displayed the captain APC, based on the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 series chassis. Intended for police, border security, and internal security units, it provides a cost-efficient and robust option. Available with gasoline or diesel engines, in left- or right-hand drive, and with manual or automatic transmission, it offers flexibility for different operational contexts. The captain APC can transport up to eight passengers and has been certified to STANAG Level 2 following ballistic and blast tests. Short production lead times make it suitable for agencies requiring rapid deployment.

With the Senator family, MRAP, Pickup, APC, ERV, and EOD, as well as the Captain APC, Roshel offers a range of armored vehicles certified to NATO standards. The company, with a production capacity of up to 140 vehicles per month, is pursuing a strategy focused on modularity and supportability. Its growth relies on facilities in North America and partnerships with local industries in customer countries.

Through this approach, Roshel seeks to address the evolving character of contemporary conflict, marked by instability and the increasing use of aerial threats. As Roman Shimonov emphasized, the company’s priority remains to provide solutions that combine protection, modular design, and long-term support.