Ukraine approves the self-made armored personnel carrier “Oncilla-Shturm” for military use

The Ukrainian-made Oncilla-Shturm infantry fighting vehicle has been approved for military use, the Defense Ministry announced on November 27.

“The domestic Oncilla-Shturm armored vehicle demonstrates Ukraine’s progress in developing equipment that meets modern battlefield requirements,” said Deputy Defense Minister Dmytro Klimenkov.

The vehicle can carry three crew members and six gunners. According to the ministry, Oncilla Shturm armor protects soldiers from small arms fire, debris and explosive devices.

“Its reliability and functionality allow our military to conduct combat operations in highly complex conditions, ensuring the protection of personnel and the effectiveness of operations,” Klimenkov said.

Equipped with a remote-controlled combat module with a large-caliber machine gun, the vehicle can cover a distance of more than 700 kilometers (434 miles).

The Oncilla shturm can be produced in several modifications, the ministry said.

Kiev began actively developing its defense production, which includes long-range missiles and drones, after Russia’s large-scale invasion in February 2022.

Ukraine’s 2025 budget allocates Hr55 billion ($1.3 billion) for weapons production, Strategic Industry Minister Herman Smetanin said on November 12.

Ukraine introduces the “new” Khorunzhyi infantry fighting vehicle

Ukraine’s Defense Ministry announced on September 2 that it has approved a new armored personnel carrier (APC) for use by its armed forces. The Khorunzhyi – which means “standard bearer” and was a military rank in the Cossack armies – has been in development for some time, and a single experimental model has been…