Ukraine unveils new armored vehicle in UAE, capable of carrying additional 18-ton load. Serhiy Zgurets' column

IDEX 2025 arms exhibition

The United Arab Emirates is hosting one of the largest arms exhibitions, IDEX 2025, which takes place twice a year. The largest companies from different countries come there. The event is attended by 1,100 companies from different continents and countries, including the United States, Germany, France, Turkey, and China. The event takes into account the needs of different countries, taking into account Ukraine's experience and military operations. Ukraine is represented by about 20 companies, including the stands of Spetstechnoexport, Ukrspetsexport, NAUDI and other private companies. For the first time at this exhibition, the Ukrainian company UkrArmoTech, which manufactures armored vehicles, is demonstrating its products.

The company manufactures armored vehicles that are already used by Ukraine's Security and Defense Forces, including the Armed Forces, the National Guard and border guards. In particular, the GYURZA-1 armored vehicle has proven itself well in terms of the requirements and needs of the military, and at IDEX the company is demonstrating the GYURZA-02 for the first time.

The armored vehicle is built on a special military suspension, which allows it to carry a larger payload and provides increased mine and anti-tank protection. The vehicle can carry 10 paratroopers and a driver. It is able to meet the needs of the Special Operations Forces, the Armed Forces and other units that rely on the potential of Ukraine's defense companies in the field of light armored vehicles.

The problem of mechanization of military brigades is extremely urgent for Ukraine, so expanding the range of armored combat vehicles is an urgent need. The potential used on the battlefield based on new technologies is extremely important.

Foreign companies are trying to enter the Ukrainian market with their light armored wheeled vehicles. However, the potential of Ukrainian manufacturers with combat experience is much higher than that of foreign suppliers. It is important that the state supports the producers and looks for opportunities not only to supply the Ukrainian Armed Forces but also to export.

Participation in exhibitions demonstrates the potential of Ukraine's defense industry. New partners are found there and new cooperation is ensured, which can be more efficient and rational. This creates preconditions for export opportunities for Ukrainian products.

Ukrainian manufacturers note that their potential is much greater than the orders of the Security and Defense Forces, the Armed Forces, the National Guard, etc. Expanding exports allows them to ensure the stable operation of production facilities and revenues to the country, which is an important source of strengthening Ukraine's capabilities. UkrArmoTech's products are competitive and will increase the capacity of Ukrainian manufacturers to meet the needs of the Security and Defense Forces.

Hennadiy Khirhiy, Director of UkrArmoTech, spoke about the armored vehicle the company was demonstrating at the exhibition.

"We demonstrated two of our products, two machines. Our flagship is the GYURZA vehicle. GYURZA-1 is already being supplied to the defense forces and is serving in our army and helping soldiers in this war. Our new development and more advanced version is GYURZA-02. In this machine, we have taken into account all the feedback we received during the production of the first model. It made a splash at the exhibition, and many visitors noted that it was a real combat vehicle, not just an exhibition piece," he said.

Comparing the two armored vehicles, the UkrArmoTech director noted that the first version was made on a civilian Dodge 5500 chassis.

"Although we reinforced it, it was a special design with a military chassis, which gave it a new level of cross-country ability and endurance. At a minimum, the vehicle must hold 2 tons of additional load, but during the execution of tasks it can be 3 to 4 tons. We have taken this into account in the new model. The main difference is the chassis of our own production with independent suspension, designed to allow the vehicle to weigh up to 18 tons. Although the machine itself weighs 14 tons, it has the potential for an additional load of up to 18 tons," he said.

The company has equipped the vehicle with new models of electronic warfare systems, navigation systems, and weapons systems, which was possible thanks to cooperation with partners. For example, the vehicle has good anti-drone protection, and the electronic warfare system of the partners allows to block up to 10 frequencies. An electronic module has also been installed that allows control from the vehicle's interior.

During the exhibition, UkrArmoTech received various offers from potential foreign buyers, some of whom even offered to sign contracts and sell the vehicles after the event. However, Khirhiy says the company's main goal is to set up production in Ukraine and supply vehicles to the Ukrainian army and defense units, and only then consider new export opportunities.

According to him, there were a lot of machines and companies presenting their products at the exhibition. The competition is really tough. However, the main advantage of the Ukrainian product is its reliability in real combat conditions, due to the constant improvement of products to meet the needs of the military.

"There were a lot of similar machines at the exhibition, which have a much higher price. But our GYURZA is superior to other machines in terms of harvesting quality. First and foremost, Ukraine needs to pay attention to its own producers, give them certain preferences, and help them develop their own production. At the same time, healthy competition is also needed. If there is an urgent need to supply something to the defense forces, then equipment and weapons are supplied from abroad. Many supplies are financed by foreign funds from Europe, the United States and other countries that have their own requirements for the manufacturer. But, of course, I would like to see more attention paid to domestic producers," says UkrArmoTech director.

Russia's attack on Ukraine's gas infrastructure

On the night of July 20, Russia launched a massive missile and drone strike on Ukraine's gas infrastructure in order to stop the production of gas needed for domestic needs and heating. This was reported by Ukraine's Minister of Energy, noting that there was damage, but without specifying the affected locations.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, 161 kamikaze drones and decoy drones were used in the attack. Russia also fired 14 cruise and ballistic missiles. Eighty shaheds were destroyed, and 78 drones were lost locally, meaning that only two drones reached their targets.

A significant number of new Russian drones were affected by electronic warfare. Shahed drones were discovered on the ice of the Kyiv Reservoir, showing no visible signs of destruction from strikes. One man found an intact Shahed on the ice of the Kyiv Sea. These new Russian drones, featuring improvements to counter electronic warfare, were produced at the Kupol plant in Izhevsk, Russia. The drones recovered from the reservoir were sent to the Kyiv Institute for analysis.

Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate reported that Russia may soon use long-range drones with jet engines. They have not been spotted during recent attacks. However, we should prepare for any risks that pose certain challenges for the Ukrainian defense industry.