Ukrainian forces turn Stryker into ram in Kursk skirmish
During the battles in the Kursk Oblast, an unusual incident took place. The Stryker armoured vehicle, provided to Ukraine by the USA, was used uniquely after it ran out of ammunition; it was not withdrawn from the fight. The Ukrainian crew decided to use it as a battering ram, pursuing scattered Russian soldiers. What exactly is the Stryker, and what capabilities does this equipment have?
The United States has supplied Ukraine with approximately 200 Stryker wheeled armoured vehicles in various versions. These vehicles have been deployed, among others, to the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade from Lviv, which is fighting on Russian territory in the Kursk Oblast.
During one of the clashes, a remarkable incident was recorded. The Ukrainian Stryker remained in battle, likely after exhausting its ammunition. Its crew started ramming Russian forces, leveraging the vehicle's resistance to small-arms fire and the opponent's lack of anti-tank measures.
Stryker designed for air transport
Stryker vehicles are modifications of the Canadian wheeled armoured vehicle LAV III adapted for the US Army's needs. They were developed in the early 21st century to create light brigades whose primary strength would be exceptional mobility and air transport capability.
See also: Is it NATO or Russian equipment?
This requirement limited the Strykers' size and weight. The eight-wheeled vehicle is just under 23 feet long, and its most popular variant, the M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicle, weighs approximately 36,000 pounds.
Ceramic armour and armament of the Stryker
Steel armour, on which MEXAS ceramic modules are mounted, ensures the crew's safety. These modules provide resistance to fire from weapons up to 0.57 inches in calibre. The front of the vehicle is further reinforced, offering protection against anti-tank projectiles up to 1.18 inches in calibre, ensuring a higher level of protection than that of Russian armoured vehicles.
The armament of most variants of the Stryker includes the remotely operated M151 Protector module with an Mk19 grenade launcher and an M240 machine gun or – as in the case of most vehicles provided to Ukraine – an M2 heavy machine gun of 0.50 inches calibre. A fire support version of the M1128 Mobile Gun System was also developed, equipped with a 105 mm cannon.
