The South Korean defense company Hyundai Rotem considers the Ukrainian military as a promising user of the new N-WAV wheeled armored vehicles.

This was announced in the company’s presentation, photos of which were published by Bartłomiej Kucharski on Twitter.

During the presentation, representatives of the Korean defense giant discussed the plans to set up a plant in Poland to produce new N-WAV 8×8 armored vehicles.

The new enterprise is expected to become a production center that will supply armored vehicles to other Eastern European countries. The prospective users include the Ukrainian military, which is likely to need large volumes of armored vehicles after the war.

Hyundai Rotem sees Eastern European countries as the main users of the promising N-WAV armored vehicle. Photo credits: Bartłomiej Kucharski

The Polish army, which needs 1,500 units to arm two newly created divisions, along with Bulgaria, Slovenia, and Hungary, which plan to replace their Soviet-era armored vehicles with more modern models, are also considered promising customers.

In addition to the production of new equipment, the future Polish industrial center of Hyundai is also expected to become a repair hub for the above-mentioned countries.

N-WAV

The promising N-WAV 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle is based on the Korean K808 armored fighting vehicle manufactured by Hyundai Rotem.

The vehicle is designed to deliver infantry and provide direct support in combat. In its normal configuration, it can accommodate eight infantrymen and three crew members in the landing compartment.

The main advantage of the new vehicle should be its modularity, which, in particular, is reflected in the ability to easily integrate most of the combat modules on the market. The Koreans offer their own module with the Northrop Grumman Mk30 Bushmaster II automatic gun. However, it is reported that the Polish version of the armored vehicle will be equipped with the domestic ZSSW-30 module.

The promising N-WAV 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle was developed by the South Korean company Hyundai Rotem.

According to the information disclosed at the presentation, the ballistic protection of the vehicle will allow withstanding attacks of levels 4-6, according to STANAG 4569. This can be interpreted as protection against fire from a 14.5 mm machine gun in a circular pattern and from a 30 mm automatic gun in the frontal projection. At the same time, the mine protection is designed to withstand the detonation of 10 kilograms of TNT.

The armored vehicle has a classic layout with the engine and driver’s compartment in the front, the combat compartment in the center, and the landing compartment in the rear.

Landing compartment of South Korean K808 armored fighting vehicle. Photo from open sources.

The gross weight of the armored vehicle is 35 tons, and its power plant provides 700 hp, which ensures an energy efficiency of 20 hp/ton. With this weight, the N-WAV remains buoyant and is able to cross water at speeds of up to 10 km/h.

As a standard, the vehicle is equipped with a diesel engine combined with an automatic transmission. However, the manufacturer is also developing an alternative power plant that will run on hydrogen.

Denmark has transferred SeaBat T51-R unmanned surface vehicles for the needs of the Ukrainian Navy.

The ArmyInform reported on this.

According to Roman Honcharenko, Chief of the Hydrographic Service of the Ukrainian Navy, this vehicle is equipped with a multibeam echosounder designed to survey the bottom topography for situational awareness of the underwater space.

Its capabilities allow for the detection of underwater objects, which is of great importance for Ukrainian sailors today.

SeaBat T51-R drone. Photo credits: ArmyInform.

“The main task of a multibeam echosounder is to collect accurate data about the seabed and marine environment. This can then be processed and used to create and update nautical charts and charts to support safe navigation in the area. The resulting bathymetric information allows us to know the depths of the seabed with density through every centimeter. Accordingly, we can learn about the existing underwater obstacles, choose the right places to anchor our boats, and identify passage options and routes for vessels to cross,” the officer explains.

The unmanned surface vehicle is reportedly used primarily in port and closed water areas. The multibeam echosounder provides information from 1024 beams.

This technology allows sailors to receive a detailed map of the bottom topography.

This resolution makes it possible to check the waters for explosive devices, reconnaissance systems, debris, and other objects dangerous to navigation.

Scanning the bottom with the SeaBat T51-R. Photo credits: ArmyInform.

SeaBat T51-R will help ensure the safety of both military and civilian ships.

Recently, Militarnyi reported that Germany, within the framework of support, has transferred Sonobot 5 unmanned surface vehicles to Ukraine.

SeaBat T51-R

The SeaBat T51-R is based on the SeaBat T50, with the main difference being the quadruple resolution.

Its 800 kHz technology allows for a high level of detail while maintaining amazing wide-area capture efficiency. The system also has a flexible lower frequency range of 350-430 kHz.

The echosounder provides unprecedented information about the topography of the seabed and thus takes bathymetric data acquisition to a whole new level.

The organization SOS palīdzība Ukrainai, with the support of the Latvian community in Chicago, has donated Bandvagn all-terrain vehicles to Ukraine.

The Delfi reported on this.

The all-terrain vehicles were purchased from the Norwegian army’s decommissioned equipment warehouse, where the organization managed to buy four Bandvagn all-terrain vehicles.

Four vehicles were transferred to the 115th Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The total cost of the project is EUR 76 thousand.

Bandvagn 202 all-terrain vehicles purchased by the Latvian organization SOS palidzība Ukrainai. Photo credits: SOS palīdzība Ukrainai

The Bandvagn 202 is an amphibious oversnow tracked articulated all-terrain vehicle developed in Sweden by Volvo for the transportation of personnel. The vehicle has a payload of one ton and can accommodate 10 people.

Another feature of this vehicle is its amphibious capabilities. It can move through water at speeds of up to 6 km/h, which provides unsurpassed off-road capabilities in difficult conditions.

In addition to vehicles, SOS palīdzība Ukrainai has announced other major projects to purchase high-tech equipment (drones, communication, and night vision devices) and support in energy supply (generators, batteries).

Such donations are always in need. Every month, Ukraine loses several thousand drones that need to be replaced, the organization’s representatives noted.

In 2022, Ukrainian volunteer Marian Zablotskyi also purchased three Bandvagn 202 all-terrain vehicles.

Before being handed over to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, these vehicles were modernized to transport the wounded. Specialists from one of the companies volunteered their time to modernize the vehicles after hours.

Bandvagn 202 all-terrain vehicle of the Ukrainian military. December 2022, Ukraine. Photo from social networks

The special vehicle was delivered to the soldiers of the 118th Territorial Defense Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from the Cherkasy region.

Militarnyi previously reported that the German government announced a new military aid package for Ukraine on Tuesday, November 13.

Aside from various equipment and vehicles, it included 14 Bandvagn 206 tracked all-terrain vehicles, which are a more advanced model of the Bandvagn tracked articulated all-terrain vehicle line.

The Come Back Alive Foundation has disclosed the content of the Black Box initiative for the needs of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.

The Come Back Alive Foundation reports this on its social media accounts.

One of the elements of the Black Box was a Bober long-range kamikaze drone, whose attacks Militarnyi has repeatedly reported.

For example, on May 30, 2023, the Bober drones attacked Moscow and the Moscow region. Later, the Bober drones attacked Moscow on July 24, August 1, and possibly August 18 and September 17.

“This loitering munition is capable of destroying important enemy military targets at operational, tactical and strategic depths at a distance of up to 800 kilometers. Thanks to this and other means from the Black Box, we have been reducing the enemy’s offensive potential,” a member of one of the Defence Intelligence special forces units with the call sign ‘Kolibri’ said about the Bober UAV.

On November 15, 2022, the Come Back Alive Foundation and Ukrainian blogger Ihor Lachenkov launched fundraising for the Black Box project, which aims to reduce the enemy’s offensive potential. Without disclosing any details, they managed to accumulate UAH 230 million.

“What’s in the Black Box?” We have been hearing this question since the project started, and today, exactly one year after the initiative began, we are ready to answer it. Together with Ihor Lachenkov, we are raising 15,000,000 hryvnias for the soldiers of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine who work directly with the ‘box’. As soon as the amount is accumulated, we will partially disclose the contents of the Black Box,” the Foundation’s press service said on the morning of November 15, 2023.

Ukrainians raised the entire amount needed for the DIU soldiers in just over a day. With this 15 million hryvnias, the Foundation will buy cars with components for a soldier with the callsign “Kolibri” and other soldiers who work with the ‘box’.

The transport will increase the mobility of the special forces and allow them to fight the invaders more efficiently.

In the first 8 months of 2023, Black Box caused more than $900 million in damage to the enemy, according to the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.

A long-range drone, probably a Bober drone, over Moscow. 30.05.2023. Russia. Frame from a social media video.

The Bober drone successfully performed missions in Crimea, in other temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, and at military facilities on enemy territory.

Read more about Black Box in the article on Militarnyi

For example, it hit an important enterprise of the enemy’s military-industrial complex—a plant that produces electronics for missiles such as Kh-31, Kh-35, and Kh-59, which are launched from tactical aircraft.

It also hit a storage facility where Russians stored missile parts for Iskander ballistic missile systems.

“In fact, the Black Box is the Foundation’s first major investment in Ukrainian long-range kamikaze drones,” says Taras Chmut, Head of the Come Back Alive Foundation. “Last summer, we purchased 10 UAVs from the manufacturer for UAH 40 million, which were donated by benefactors to our general accounts. When we saw that they were giving good results, we decided to scale the project, launch production, and do public fundraising. Thanks to the trust in Come Back Alive, we raised UAH 230 million in less than a month. Another UAH 10 million was added from general accounts. The Foundation’s team is very happy with the result because, in total, 280 million hryvnias have already caused more than $900 million in damage to the enemy. This is a tremendous result in reducing the offensive potential of the invasion forces!”

On July 30, Militarnyi reported that volunteer Serhiy Prytula demonstrated the Ukrainian-made Bober kamikaze drones.

The drone is built under the “duck” aerodynamic scheme, which provides effective pitch control (up and down) without losing lifting power for balancing.

Bober long-range drone. May 2023. Ukraine. Photo credits Lachen.

Such a layout can help the drone effectively change its altitude to pass air defense zones or to change the target.

As previously reported, the Russians were preparing to counter drones during a naval parade in St. Petersburg, which is located 860 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.

Ukrainian Defense Forces gained several footholds on the left bank of the Dnipro River in the Kherson region.

The Ukrainian Navy reported about this on Friday, November 17.

As a result of pre-planned measures to repel the Russian invasion, the Ukrainian military conducted a series of successful actions on the left bank of the Dnipro River in the Kherson sector.

The activities of the Ukrainian marines, in collaboration with other units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, enabled them to secure a footing in multiple footholds. Throughout the fights, “the Russian invaders suffered heavy losses in manpower and equipment.”

In particular, since the beginning of these measures, the enemy has lost: personnel – 1216 killed and 2217 wounded, 24 tanks, 89 artillery systems and mortars, 135 units of various vehicles, 48 armored combat vehicles, including APCs and IFVs. Nine MLRS, 14 watercraft, 15 units of special equipment, 4 command posts, and 29 ammunition depots, both field and stationary, were destroyed.

Russian soldiers eliminated in Krynky. November 2023. Ukraine. Frame from the video t.me/combat_hemp

“In addition, a consolidated electronic warfare unit of the Marines neutralized 135 FPV drones and five operational and tactical UAVs,” the statement said.

Ukrainian marines are currently firing on Russian invasion troops on the left bank of the Kherson region.

As previously reported, the Russian forward base in the village of Brylivka on the left bank of the Kherson region was hit with HIMARS. The Shark drone, manufactured in Ukraine, was selected for deep reconnaissance and HIMARS adjustment.

The drone initially recorded the Russian military coming to the houses and then locating there.

Then, GMLRS missiles were launched from the US M142 HIMARS missile system and hit the buildings with precision.

Previously in November, on the left bank of the Kherson region, Ukrainian troops struck a convoy of Russian invaders in the village of Hladkivka.

The convoy was detected by a reconnaissance drone. Then a HIMARS rocket launcher was used to target the invaders.

The UK government will support British defense companies that provide assistance to Ukraine.

British Defense Minister Grant Shapps reported about this on X (former Twitter).

According to him, British defense companies keep the country safe, help nations like Ukraine defend their freedom, and act as global champions for the UK.

“We’ll back them all the way against those who want to defund the industry due to so-called ethical investing rules that are not only immoral but dangerous,” the minister said.

British Defense Minister Grant Shapps

Previously, Grant Shapps assured that the UK would continue to work with its allies to provide Ukraine with “what it needs to win.”

In September 2023, it became known that the British defense contractor BAE Systems was ready to help Ukraine build spare parts for 105-mm L119 lightweight towed howitzers.

Charles Woodburn, Group Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, said that it is possible to set up production at Ukrainian facilities in a few months.

The production of light howitzer parts at existing facilities in Ukraine is seen as a potential precursor for other, more complex weapons.

L119 towed howitzer. Photo from open sources

At the end of August, the UK BAE Systems international defense, aerospace, and security company and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine signed a framework agreement on cooperation in the repair, supply of spare parts, and production of new L119 lightweight howitzers.

Signing of the framework agreement on the production of L119 howitzers in Ukraine, August 31, 2013. Photo credits: Office of the President of Ukraine

Oleksandr Kamyshyn, Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine, and Charles Woodburn also signed a cooperation agreement on the localization of BAE Systems’ weapons production in Ukraine.

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, Ukraine has received about 50 L119 howitzers from its allies.

L119 105mm howitzer of the Ukrainian troops. September 2022. Ukraine. Photo: Army Inform

These howitzers are now being actively used by the Defense Forces on the front lines. The transfer of artillery systems is carried out as part of military assistance.

Ukroboronprom will supply several hundred drones to the Defense Forces of Ukraine by the end of this year.

The Ukrainian drones were ordered by the State Special Communications Service of Ukraine.

These drones are being purchased as part of the Army of Drones project.

The head of the State Special Communications Service of Ukraine, Brigadier General Yuriy Shchyhol, stated this in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

According to him, JSC Ukrainian Defense Industry (previously Ukroboronprom State Concern) is increasing its share of the total volume of purchase for military purposes under the Drone Army project.

More than 900 drones transferred to the Ukrainian military within the Army of Drones project, November 8, 2023. Photo credits: Mykhailo Fedorov

“It has grown from zero to what we buy from them today. And it was zero back in August. From August, when we signed the first contract, to today, Ukrainian Defense Industry’s share has increased from one to several hundred drones that have already been contracted. We plan to receive them by the end of the year,” Shchyhol said.

He also added that Ukroboronprom is now working and producing something it has never produced before “for decades.”

“They started producing FPV drones, long-range drones. We buy these products from them and supply them to the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” the Head of the State Special Communications Service of Ukraine said.

Herman Smetanin, Director General of JSC Ukrainian Defense Industry (Ukroboronprom), stated in November that a new Ukrainian kamikaze drone with a range of 1,000 kilometers had entered mass production.

Bober and UJ-22 drones of Ukrainian production, July 2023

Domestic long-range drones are already being ordered by the Defense Forces of Ukraine for their combat operations against the Russian invaders.

Illustrative photo of Ukrainian Bober kamikaze drone

Subsequently, Minister of Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin said that the Ukrainian defense industry has started mass production of drones similar to Iran’s Shahed-136.

According to the Minister, the Ukrainian defense industry has now launched mass production of dozens of kamikaze drones per month. He noted that these are new drones that have not been publicly presented before.

Five Italian arms and military equipment companies have joined the Alliance of Ukrainian Defense Industries.

The Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine reported on this.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Strategic Industries met with an Italian delegation led by Italian Deputy Defense Minister Lieutenant-General Luciano Portolano on November 16, 2023.

The delegation included representatives of major Italian companies producing a wide range of weapons, military equipment, and defense systems.

On the Ukrainian side, Minister for Strategic Industries of Ukraine Oleksandr Kamyshin and Director General of JSC Ukrainian Defense Industry Herman Smetanin attended the conference.

Meeting of the Ukrainian and Italian sides on cooperation in the defense industry, November 16, 2023. Photo credits: Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine

The parties discussed cooperation in various sectors of the defense industry to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

Italian companies offered their projects for implementation. They also discussed cooperation between Italian and Ukrainian manufacturers of military products.

During the meeting, the Italian side expressed interest in cooperation in the aviation industry, the production of armored vehicles, airspace protection, the demining of Ukrainian territory, and the sharing of technological innovations.

“The Italian government is allocating separate funds, part of which will be used to develop military innovations in Ukraine. In addition, Italian scientific institutes will be involved in the development of our technologies,” the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine emphasized.

Five companies whose representatives participated in the meeting joined the Alliance of Defense Industries: Leonardo S.p.A., Fincantieri, Elettronica, Iveco Defense Vehicles, and FAE Group S.p.A.

Currently, the Alliance of Defense Industries already includes 74 companies from more than 20 countries that are ready to contribute to the development of the Ukrainian defense industry.

Participants of the International Defense Industries Forum (DFNC1) in Kyiv, September 29, 2023. Photo credits: Office of the President

As previously reported, in September 2023, Kyiv hosted the first International Defense Industries Forum (DFNC1), which brought together 252 companies from more than 30 countries that produce weapons and military equipment.

French authorities are negotiating with their Swiss counterparts to re-export Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated this, according to Ukrinform news agency.

He made this statement during a visit to Switzerland.

Macron noted that he respects Switzerland’s neutral status and, at the same time, its clear diplomatic position in support of Ukraine.

“As for the ongoing negotiations, we are not talking about exports, but rather re-exports, and France is open to such cooperation,” the French President said.

French President Emmanuel Macron. Photo credits: French media

This was his answer to questions from journalists at a joint press conference with Swiss President Alain Berset in Bern.

Macron voiced an optimistic outlook for the talks. According to the French President, they will allow for a combination of Switzerland’s neutrality and its ability to re-export weapons.

“It (support for Ukraine – Ed.) should not weaken, despite other conflicts, particularly in the Middle East. As we have long recognized, Russia must not win this war,” the French President emphasized.

It is worth recalling that, despite requests from Kyiv and its allies, Switzerland has so far refused to allow countries that own Swiss-made weapons to re-export them to Ukraine.

In particular, in June 2023, Swiss lawmakers rejected a bill that would have allowed third countries to transfer Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine. Thus, the majority of deputies in the Lower Chamber, the National Council, voted against the parliamentary initiative.

Leopard 1A5 tank. Photo from the open sources

That same month, the Federal Council rejected a request from Ruag AG to export 96 Leopard 1 A5 tanks as it was inconsistent with applicable law. The tanks are currently in storage in Italy and are in a state of disrepair. The tanks were planned to be transported to Germany for refurbishment and then transferred to Ukraine as military aid.

Switzerland bans the re-export of its weapons to countries at war, but the issue of the country’s long-standing tradition of neutrality has been discussed since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine are implementing an automated defense resource management system based on System Analysis Program Development (SAP).

The press service of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported on this.

Such innovations will result in paperless logistical operations.

The new approach has reduced the time it takes the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense to handle supply requests from brigades from several weeks to 2-3 days. This process might have previously taken up to a month.

The system allows military personnel from different units, as well as operational commanders, storage facilities, and logistics commands, to order and monitor stockpiles.

Protective helmets for soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

Currently, this system is in pilot use, but is being scaled up among all military units, the Ministry of Defense said.

None of the program’s clients have access to information on other military personnel or units. Each user gets access to only the information required to do their particular work.

“Automation began with inventory and spare parts verification, and in September a new area was added – automation of equipment verification. Thanks to this, we have completely updated the processes and equipment of several supply warehouses,” the ministry said.

Basic operations in these warehouses are carried out using scanners, data collection terminals, and other tools of the SAP-based management system. To ensure that the system works everywhere, warehouse workers have already been trained.

The Ministry of Defense is now working to continue modernizing all warehouses, implementing SAP, and connecting them to the general system.

The agency added that SAP products are used in the defense sector by 44 countries, including 28 of the 31 NATO member states that use the system. The largest users are: the USA, Germany, Netherlands, Canada, Poland, and Australia.

Photo from open sources on the topic “Nutrition”

As previously reported, the State Rear Operator is responsible for procuring food for the military.