Ukraine has approved the new "Sova" armored vehicle for the Armed Forces
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has officially certified and authorized the use of the new domestically produced MAC OWL "Sova" armored vehicle within the Armed Forces. The vehicle is positioned as one of the most heavily armored Ukrainian MRAPs, featuring enhanced protection against mines and modern battlefield threats. It is a vehicle designed with lessons learned from the war against Russia in mind.
The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that the new “Sova” armored vehicle was created entirely within the country by Ukrainian engineers, and its design is based on the concept of the South African Mbombe armored vehicle, adapted to the realities of modern warfare.
As noted in the Ministry of Defense’s statement, the vehicle is capable of withstanding an explosion of up to 10 kilograms in TNT equivalent according to the STANAG 4569 standard, features reinforced side armor, and is adapted for the installation of electronic warfare systems against FPV drones, which significantly increases the crew’s chances of survival during combat operations. “This 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 the installation of a dome-mounted electronic warfare system against FPV drones, giving the crew the best possible chance of survival in modern warfare,” the Ministry of Defense stated.
Depending on the configuration, the armored vehicle weighs between 14.2 and 15 tons and is equipped with a powerful 8.9-liter turbo-diesel engine producing 450 horsepower, making it the most powerful among Ukrainian special armored vehicles of this class.
The “Sova” design features a high ground clearance of 45 centimeters, a low profile to reduce visibility, as well as an armored cabin designed for a two-person crew and a troop load of up to eight soldiers, allowing the vehicle to be used as a versatile transport on the front lines.
Separately, the developers emphasize MRAP-class protection, which includes a V-shaped bottom to disperse blast waves, shock-absorbing seats, and a reinforced structure capable of withstanding mine explosions and ambushes.
The Ministry of Defense also notes that in 2025, the Ukrainian army received 25 percent more specialized armored vehicles than the previous year, and most of them already meet MRAP standards, which are considered among the most effective in modern combat conditions. This was reported by the Ministry of Defense.
In the southern sector, Russian troops have sharply intensified their assault operations, deploying new and better-trained units to the Huliaipole area. Despite the failure of previous plans to seize territory, the occupiers are setting new deadlines and attempting to increase pressure on Ukrainian positions.
The occupiers attacked Kostiantynivka with incendiary munitions and unleashed a rain of phosphorus.
Russia attacked Kharkiv and the surrounding region overnight; there are casualties.
