Ukrainian Armor Novator-2

History

The Ukrainian Armor Novator-2 is a Ukrainian specialized armored vehicle developed from the original Novator using experience gained during combat operations. It is based on the Ford F-550 chassis and was redesigned to carry a larger combat group while improving suspension, steering and mine protection.

The vehicle accommodates ten personnel, consisting of a driver and nine dismounts. Compared with the earlier Novator, the Novator-2 has a larger armored compartment, reinforced front and rear suspension, an updated steering system and improved protection against mines.

The first Novator-2 prototype was presented in September 2023 at the MSPO international defense exhibition in Poland. Public testing was shown in January 2024, and the National Guard of Ukraine received the first production batch in early July 2024.

Development and production

The second-generation vehicle was developed in response to experience with the first Novator during the Russia-Ukraine war and requests from frontline units for greater personnel capacity. According to Militarnyi, the Novator-2 became about 10 cm longer than its predecessor, allowing an enlarged armored rear section and additional seating.

By 2025, Ukrainian Armor had expanded the Novator family with the Novator-2, the Novator-2S medical evacuation vehicle, a command-and-staff model, an EOD vehicle and other specialized versions. UNITED24 Media reported in September 2025 that more than 1,000 Novator-family armored vehicles had been delivered to Ukrainian forces since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, although this figure covered the broader Novator family rather than Novator-2 alone.

In 2026, Ukrainian Armor began producing additional suspension components for the Novator-2 in-house. These included control arms, rods, bump stops and bushings. The company also reinforces the Ford F-550 frame and axles and installs strengthened shock absorbers and stabilizers.

Design

Chassis and suspension

The Novator-2 uses a Ford F-550 chassis. Its increased weight and personnel capacity required changes to the running gear. The vehicle has reinforced front and rear suspension and an updated steering system. Ukrainian Armor strengthens the chassis frame and axles and fits reinforced shock absorbers and stabilizers.

Additional information reported in 2025 described rear leaf springs, dual shock absorbers and pneumatic cylinders on each side. These pneumatic components allow the crew to adjust the suspension and ground clearance according to vehicle load.

Crew compartment

The vehicle has seating for ten personnel. Its enlarged armored section provides space for the driver and nine additional soldiers. The design includes additional armored windows and a rear hatch that can be used for evacuation and as an additional firing position.

The Novator-2 uses mine-protection seats with five-point safety harnesses. Run-flat wheel technology allows the vehicle to continue moving after tire damage.

Powerplant

The Novator-2 is powered by a 6.7-liter eight-cylinder diesel engine rated at 300 hp. The engine is paired with an automatic transmission.

Protection

The armored hull is reported to provide STANAG 4569 Level 1 ballistic protection, including protection against 7.62×51 mm NATO Ball M80 ammunition fired from a distance of 30 m.

Mine protection is reported at STANAG 4569 Level 2a/2b. The stated requirement covers an explosive charge equivalent to up to 6 kg of TNT under either a wheel or the hull. Mine-resistant seats with five-point harnesses are intended to reduce the effects of an explosion on occupants.

Some later reporting describes 5 cm-thick armored windows and a fully armored rear section. These changes were introduced as part of the enlarged ten-seat configuration.

Armament and electronic equipment

The Novator-2 retains the ability to carry a remotely controlled weapon station with a machine gun. Other reporting states that the vehicle can be equipped with a rotating mount for heavier weapons, including a 12.7 mm machine gun or an automatic grenade launcher.

Ukrainian Armor has also announced plans to integrate dome-shaped electronic warfare equipment intended to counter FPV drones. This capability was described as planned and should not be considered standard equipment on every Novator-2.

Operational history

The National Guard of Ukraine received the first production batch of Novator-2 vehicles in early July 2024. The vehicle subsequently became part of the wider Novator family delivered to Ukrainian defense formations.

The Novator-2S medical evacuation version was developed to National Guard requirements. Before mass production, its prototype underwent two months of testing in combat areas. It was subsequently codified and introduced for service. According to Defense Express, Novator-2S vehicles were being delivered to Ukrainian Defense Forces alongside standard Novator-2 vehicles.

Variants

• Novator-2: Ten-seat armored personnel transport version based on the Ford F-550 chassis.
• Novator-2S: Medical evacuation version capable of carrying six wounded personnel seated or four on stretchers. It incorporates medical fittings and has been supplied with electronic warfare equipment.
• Novator command-and-staff vehicle: Specialized command configuration developed on the Novator-2 platform.
• Novator-2 Krechet: Command-and-staff variant intended to coordinate air-defense units and systems. It was publicly presented at MSPO in Poland in September 2025.

Operators

• Ukraine: The National Guard of Ukraine received the first production Novator-2 batch in July 2024, and subsequent vehicles have been delivered to Ukrainian defense formations.

Specifications (Novator-2)

General characteristics

• Chassis: Ford F-550
• Capacity: 10 personnel, including the driver
• Curb weight: approximately 9,660 kg
• Payload: up to 3,340 kg
• Engine: 6.7-liter V8 diesel
• Power: 300 hp
• Transmission: automatic
• Wheels: Run-flat equipped

Protection

• Ballistic protection: STANAG 4569 Level 1
• Mine protection: STANAG 4569 Level 2a/2b
• Stated mine resistance: up to 6 kg TNT equivalent under a wheel or beneath the hull
• Occupant protection: mine-resistant seats with five-point safety harnesses

Armament

• Weapon installation: provision for a remotely controlled weapon station with a machine gun; heavier rotating mounts have also been reported as optional equipment

Related equipment

The Novator-2 is an enlarged and upgraded development of Ukrainian Armor's original Novator armored vehicle. Ukrainian Armor's Novator product information identifies the Ford F-550 chassis, 6.7-liter diesel engine and strengthened suspension as core features of the wider Novator platform.