Ukraine's new Nowator-2 armoured vehicles: Enhanced and ready

The Ukrainian National Guard has received another batch of Nowator-2 armoured vehicles. We explore their capabilities and the enhancements made compared to earlier versions.

The delivery of the vehicles was confirmed in an official statement by the Ukrainian company responsible for their preparation. This was published on Facebook, along with photos and a video dedicated to the Nowator-2 armoured vehicles. It was emphasized that the most important information is that these versions are equipped with electronic warfare systems and feature better mine protection and improved suspension.

"The National Guard Command tasked us with quickly and effectively equipping our armoured vehicles with electronic devices intended to detect and neutralize radio-controlled explosive devices, such as FPV drones, small ground drones, etc. With another domestic creator, we found the best option in terms of cost, quality, and delivery conditions, and then implemented it in our machines," explains the deputy general director of the company Ukrainian Armor, as quoted in the official statement.

FPV drones (first person view) have become one of the symbols of the war in Ukraine. These are usually small, commercial devices with a built-in camera, to which explosive charges weighing a few kilograms are attached. They provide a real-time live view until the moment of impact.

As for Nowator-2 armoured vehicles, it is worth noting that at the beginning of July this year, the Ukrainian National Guard received the first batch of such equipment designed to transport 10 soldiers (including the driver).

Nowator-2 is equipped with a turret that can accommodate a 12.7 mm machine gun. Compared to the first generation used by the Ukrainian army since 2018, it features better armour, making it as much as 2,000 kilograms heavier. The Nowator-2 weighs approximately 9,700 kilograms. Now, thanks to the improved suspension, it should provide better manoeuvrability and comfort in rough terrain.

"The Novator-2 was developed during the war, taking into account the experience from using the Novator armoured vehicle by various army units. The updated version also has improved mine protection and suspension," explain the designers describing the innovations apart from electronic warfare systems that they introduced in their equipment.