Ukrainian Armor Varta 2

History

The Ukrainian Armor Varta 2 is a Ukrainian 4x4 specialized armored vehicle developed for protected military and security-force transport. It is a new design rather than a direct modernization of the original Varta and uses a load-bearing armored hull with a modular BASE chassis.

The vehicle combines STANAG 4569 Level 3 ballistic protection with Level 3a/3b mine protection, independent suspension, and a 360 hp turbocharged diesel engine. Depending on configuration, it can operate without mounted weapons or carry weapon stations ranging from machine guns to a 30 mm automatic cannon.

After prototype presentation and testing, the Varta 2 completed codification procedures in 2025. In August 2026, Ukrainian Armor delivered the first announced batch of two vehicles to units of the National Guard of Ukraine.

Development

Ukrainian Armor announced in November 2023 that it was developing a new vehicle to replace the earlier Varta. The new design incorporated lessons from the company's previous armored vehicles and feedback from Ukrainian military personnel gained during combat operations. Unlike the original Varta, which was based on a Belarusian MAZ truck chassis, the Varta 2 uses a BASE 4x4 chassis manufactured in Türkiye. The change also removed dependence on the earlier Belarusian platform. Defense Express reported the development background and specifications when the vehicle was unveiled.

A Varta 2 vehicle was photographed in August 2024, and Ukrainian Armor publicly presented the prototype in September 2024 at the MSPO 2024 defense exhibition in Kielce, Poland. The company described it as an entirely new vehicle developed with consideration of combat experience and contemporary battlefield requirements.

Testing and codification

The Varta 2 subsequently underwent trials, including field and combat evaluation with National Guard units. Vehicles were reported with the 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov, while the type was also observed with the 2nd Corps Khartiia. In November 2024, footage showed a Varta 2 firing a 30 mm cannon from the Sich remote weapon station.

In May 2025, Ukrainian Armor announced that testing and codification had been completed and that the vehicle had been cleared for delivery to Ukrainian defense forces and was ready for serial production. Defense Express reported a combat weight of 14 tonnes, a maximum speed of 110 km/h, capacity for up to 10 personnel, and the possibility of integrating reconnaissance drones and the ICoMWare situational-awareness system. Reports in June 2025 stated that the vehicle had been approved for deployment by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. UNITED24 Media also described the approved configurations and protection systems.

First announced deliveries

In August 2026, Ukrainian Armor delivered the first announced batch of two Varta 2 vehicles to the National Guard of Ukraine. One was assigned to the 2nd Corps Khartiia and the other to an unnamed National Guard unit. Drivers received instruction in vehicle operation and familiarization with the principal components and assemblies during the handover. Ukrainian Armor stated that another batch would follow. Defense Express and UNN reported the delivery.

Design

Hull and protection

The Varta 2 differs structurally from the original Varta. Instead of a conventional truck frame carrying an armored body, it uses a load-bearing armored hull to which the modular BASE chassis components are attached. Ukrainian reporting states that the use of spaced armor reduced vehicle mass by several tonnes while increasing protection compared with the earlier Varta.

The armored hull is rated to STANAG 4569 Level 3 ballistic protection. The Ukrainian source describes protection against 7.62 × 51 mm armor-piercing ammunition, while later reports describe resistance to 7.62 × 54 mm B32 armor-piercing incendiary ammunition from 10 m. Mine protection is rated to STANAG 4569 Level 3a/3b, corresponding to an explosive charge of up to 8 kg TNT equivalent beneath a wheel or beneath the central part of the hull.

A V-shaped underside, suspended floor, energy-absorbing elements, and shock-absorbing mine-resistant seats are used to reduce the effects of explosions on occupants. The seats are equipped with five-point safety belts.

Mobility

The vehicle uses a BASE 4x4 chassis, independent suspension, and a 6.7-liter turbocharged diesel engine producing 360 hp. The prototype presented in 2024 was identified as using a Cummins ISB 6.7 engine and an Allison 3200SP automatic transmission. Maximum road speed is stated as 110 km/h and ground clearance as 400 mm.

Off-road equipment includes front and rear differential locks and a central tire inflation system. These features allow tire pressure to be adjusted for different surfaces and complement the independent suspension when operating away from prepared roads.

Equipment

Reported equipment includes GPS navigation, a firefighting system, air filtration, and systems intended to protect personnel against chemical and biological hazards. Electronic warfare equipment for counter-drone protection can also be fitted. A reconnaissance-drone set with a reported operating range of up to 30 km can be integrated with the ICoMWare system to provide situational-awareness information to the commander.

Armament

The Varta 2 is designed to accept different weapon installations according to customer requirements. Ukrainian Armor has demonstrated the vehicle with the Sich remote weapon station carrying a 30 mm automatic cannon. The platform can also accept machine-gun installations and other combat modules with weapons between 7.62 mm and 30 mm.

The two vehicles delivered to the National Guard in August 2026 were reported without mounted weapons or an armored machine-gun turret. Their design nevertheless retained provision for later installation of combat modules.

Operational history

Before the first announced batch delivery, Varta 2 vehicles underwent field and combat evaluation with National Guard formations. Reports identified the 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov and the 2nd Corps Khartiia among units that had previously operated or tested the vehicle. Some of these earlier vehicles may have been prototypes or pre-production examples.

The August 2026 delivery marked the first publicly announced batch of Varta 2 vehicles for the National Guard. One vehicle went to the 2nd Corps Khartiia and the second to another National Guard unit. Ukrainian Armor stated that further vehicles would be supplied. The delivered vehicles were expected to continue evaluation under operational and combat conditions.

Variants

• Standard Varta 2: Protected transport configuration without a permanently installed heavy weapon station. The first announced National Guard delivery in August 2026 consisted of unarmed vehicles.
• 12.7 mm turret configuration: A configuration reported as an intended option using an armored turret for a 12.7 mm machine gun.
• Remote weapon station configuration: A configuration intended for remotely operated armament. Ukrainian Armor publicly demonstrated the Varta 2 with the Sich weapon station and a 30 mm automatic cannon.

Operators

• Ukraine — National Guard of Ukraine: Varta 2 vehicles underwent evaluation with National Guard formations including the 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov and the 2nd Corps Khartiia. Ukrainian Armor delivered the first announced batch of two vehicles in August 2026, with additional deliveries planned.

Specifications (Varta 2)

General characteristics

• Configuration: 4x4 wheeled specialized armored vehicle
• Combat weight: 14 tonnes
• Capacity: Up to 10 personnel
• Chassis: Modular BASE 4x4 chassis
• Ground clearance: 400 mm
• Engine: Cummins ISB 6.7, 6.7-liter turbocharged diesel
• Engine output: 360 hp
• Transmission: Allison 3200SP automatic
• Suspension: Independent
• Ballistic protection: STANAG 4569 Level 3
• Mine protection: STANAG 4569 Level 3a/3b, including resistance to a blast equivalent to up to 8 kg of TNT beneath a wheel or the central hull

Performance

• Maximum speed: 110 km/h

Armament

• Weapon options: Combat modules with weapons from 7.62 mm to 30 mm
• Demonstrated weapon station: Sich remote weapon station with 30 mm automatic cannon