Ukraine Gets Massive Armored Vehicle Boost From NATO Ally

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to get a massive boost from his NATO ally Canada after a firm supplying the war-torn country with battle-ready armored vehicles announced that is setting up a plant in Ukraine.

Canada-based Roshel describes itself as one of the largest manufacturers of smart armored vehicles for commercial and government organizations in North America. The company will pour in tens of millions of dollars to establish operations in Ukraine, local publication Ukrainska Pravda reported on Thursday.

The firm's customers also include the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. Department of State, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection), among others.

Roshel announced in December that it had delivered its 1,000th Senator armored vehicle to Ukraine's military since Russia's full-scale invasion of the country began in February 2022. It sends half of the armored vehicles it produces to Ukraine for use by its military or other law enforcement agencies.

Its Senator MRAP armored personnel carriers—an upgraded version of its base model Senator armored personnel carrier—can seat up to 10 people, and are equipped with mine-protection seats. The Senator models have been used extensively by Ukraine's military throughout the war.

It provides "increased vehicle and crew survivability by reducing the effects of mine blast and offering unmatched level of protection and durability," Roshel says on its website. The firm adds that the vehicle has proven its effectiveness in conflict zones, and offers a high level of protection against explosive devices and ambushes, ensuring the safety of the occupants in hostile environments.

The vehicle's V-shaped body design "serves as a deflective armor structure, dispersing the force of an explosion away from the vehicle's cabin," Roshel says.

Its shape "helps to minimize the impact of a blast by redirecting the blast wave and shrapnel to the sides, reducing the chances of severe injury or death to the occupants."

"The design also helps to absorb and dissipate the explosive energy, further enhancing the vehicle's resistance to blasts," a description of the vehicle reads.

Roshel founder and CEO Roman Shimonov said in an interview with Defense Archives last month that his firm already has several workshops across Ukraine that provide repair and maintenance for its vehicles.

"In addition to these services, we are in the final stages of planning to localize some of our production in Ukraine. Roshel employs over 200 refugees from Ukraine here in Canada, who have gained unique expertise while working with us," Shimonov said.

"Many of them are eager to return to Ukraine and continue the production of our products in their home country, contributing to the local economy and strengthening our operational presence there."

Do you have a tip on a world news story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about the Russia-Ukraine war? Let us know via worldnews@newsweek.com.

Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.