Ukraine modifies a Toyota Land Cruiser into a 200-horsepower light armored vehicle.

On October 7th, a video appeared on the Russian social media platform Telegram announcing that the Ukrainian Armed Forces had officially received the first batch of Jura armored vehicles, a new tactical product developed by NPO Praktika based on the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 chassis. The first unit to be equipped with this model is the 40th Separate Artillery Brigade, after the vehicle was approved for military use in August 2024.

Designed to enhance soldier protection during frontline missions, the Jura combines lightweight armor with a reinforced structure, balancing mobility with defense against light fire and shrapnel. This is a significant step forward, marking a major development in Ukraine's military equipment manufacturing capabilities. This armored vehicle provides the Ukrainian army with a reliable domestic option, reducing its dependence on foreign supplies.

Ukraine's Djura light tactical armored vehicle for Battelfield Mobility (Image source: Russian Social Media)

Weighing approximately 5 tons and equipped with a powerful diesel engine, the Jura not only provides safe protection for soldiers but can also withstand the impact of rifle fire and grenade explosions under the wheels. The suspension and brakes have been upgraded to better control the vehicle's 5.7-ton weight. The 200 horsepower engine combined with 430 Nm of torque allows the Jura to operate effectively on challenging terrain. The choice between automatic, semi-automatic, and manual transmissions also makes this model more versatile in various situations.

From the very beginning, soldiers of the 40th Brigade began testing the Jura on various terrains, from sandy roads to flooded areas, and initial results showed that the vehicle performed well. In the upcoming rainy season, more in-depth tests will be conducted to assess the vehicle's performance under harsher conditions. Another highlight is its ability to quickly and efficiently transport small groups of soldiers and essential supplies, while maintaining safety and discretion thanks to the low noise level inside the cabin.

The Jura's design, although based on the Land Cruiser 70, has been refined to meet modern military requirements. With PSZA-4 armor, equivalent to STANAG 4569 Level 1, the vehicle's cockpit can protect soldiers from 5.45 mm rounds and grenade explosions. However, the Jura's open turret, equipped with a 7.62 mm machine gun, is not heavily armored to maximize flexibility and maneuverability in combat missions.

NPO Praktika, the company that manufactures this vehicle, has continuously improved military technology to meet the needs of modern warfare in Ukraine. The Jura project was created to address the shortage of light tactical armored vehicles, meeting the requirements of combat missions in hostile environments. Previously, Praktika had produced several important vehicle lines such as the Kozak-2M1 and Varta, both armored vehicles widely used by the Ukrainian army, offering mine resistance and optimal crew protection in dangerous situations.

In addition, Praktika has developed specialized vehicles such as the BMM-4S, a medical evacuation vehicle, to safely transport wounded soldiers in combat conditions. Each Praktika product demonstrates Ukraine's self-reliant defense production capabilities, making a significant contribution to maintaining the country's flexible and sustainable combat readiness in complex conflicts. The Jura model is not simply a tactical vehicle but also a symbol of Ukraine's domestic military technology development, offering a balance between protection and mobility for frontline missions.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/ukraine-do-chien-than-toyota-land-cruiser-thanh-xe-boc-thep-hang-nhe-200-ma-luc-351679.html