Solutions to win: Ukraine's defense ministry codifies "Sova," armored vehicle resistant to 10 kg TNT explosions
According to the defense ministry, the unique vehicle is capable of withstanding an explosion equivalent to up to 10 kg of TNT (STANAG 4569 standard), features the thickest side armor, and is adapted for mounting a dome-shaped electronic warfare system (EW) against FPV drones, giving the crew maximum chances of survival in modern warfare.
The Sova armored vehicle was developed and manufactured at a Ukrainian enterprise. The engineers based the project concept on the South African armored vehicle Mbombe.
During development, designers worked together with military personnel, incorporating 30 years of experience from local conflicts, including lessons from Russia's war against Ukraine. The result is an armored vehicle with the highest level of crew protection.
Depending on the configuration, the MAC OWL "Sova" armored vehicle weighs between 14.2 and 15 tonnes. It is equipped with a turbo diesel engine with a displacement of 8.9 litres and a power output of 450 hp — the most powerful among all Ukrainian special armored vehicles.
The armored vehicle has a ground clearance of 45 cm, comparable to that of heavy military trucks. At the same time, the total height of the vehicle does not exceed 2.8 metres. The cabin accommodates a crew of 2 and 6 or 8 infantry personnel. It is designed to mount up to 10 electronic warfare (EW) modules, providing a comprehensive dome-shaped protection against FPV kamikaze drones from the air.
Unique advantages of the "Sova" armored vehicle
The MAC OWL "Sova" is an MRAP-class armored vehicle, meaning it is specifically designed to protect against mines and ambushes. It features a load-bearing armored body with a V-shaped hull, special shock-absorbing seats for the crew, and inertial units and components designed to improve survivability.
The vehicle is capable of protecting its crew during a blast equivalent to up to 10 kg of TNT. This corresponds to the STANAG 4569 standard — the highest level for wheeled military vehicles. At the same time, it has 16 mm side armor — the thickest among domestic and foreign analogues.
The "Sova" armored vehicle offers several advantages over other Ukrainian and foreign specialised armored vehicles:
These features give both the crew and dismounts maximum survivability and operational advantage on the battlefield.
The Ministry of Defense notes that in 2025 the Armed Forces of Ukraine received 25% more specialised armored vehicles compared to 2024. Most of these vehicles are MRAP-type designs with enhanced protection against mines and ambushes. They feature a V-shaped hull to dissipate blast energy, shock-absorbing seats, and a monocoque armored capsule with external blast-resistant components such as wheels, chassis, and engine modules.
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9 of June 2026
