Ukraine’s armed forces are facing a pressing need for armored vehicles capable of withstanding battlefield threats, with Ukrainian defense outlet Defense Express reporting that at least 20,000 units with STANAG 4569 Level 2 protection and around 3,000 units with Level 3 protection are required.
According to the report, Level 2 armor under the NATO STANAG 4569 standard is designed to shield crews from 7.62×39 mm ammunition fired from a distance of 30 meters. Level 3 protection can withstand 7.62×51 mm rounds, including armor-piercing incendiary B-32 projectiles fired from weapons such as the SVD sniper rifle.
The need reflects growing concern over survivability in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia. The country continues to engage in intense mechanized warfare along multiple fronts, where the ability to rapidly deploy and protect infantry is essential. The shortfall in armored mobility platforms comes as Ukrainian forces face a heavily mined and contested battlefield.
Defense Express said that Ukraine currently fields several families of domestically developed armored vehicles that meet these ballistic protection standards. Among them are the “Varta-2,” the UAT-GYURZA-02, the Inguar-3, and the “Kozak-2M1.” These vehicles were primarily developed as military platforms using reinforced chassis and are widely used across various brigades.
In addition to domestic production, foreign-supplied systems are playing an increasingly vital role. Turkey’s Kirpi, the U.S.-made MaxxPro, and Canada’s Senator MRAPs are among the international armored vehicles now supporting Ukrainian formations on the ground.
The scale of the demand underscores the sustained wear and tear on Ukraine’s existing armored fleet. Many vehicles have been damaged or destroyed during prolonged fighting. Ukrainian military planners are seeking ways to increase production and secure additional deliveries from partners abroad.
Ukrainian analysts note that the Level 2 requirement alone — over 20,000 platforms — reflects not just the need to replace losses, but to expand mobility and protection for new units being stood up. The 3,000 Level 3 platforms are considered critical for operations near frontline positions where heavier threats, such as armor-piercing rounds and IEDs, are more prevalent.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has not publicly confirmed the exact figures, but the reported numbers align with estimates from defense officials in Kyiv and Western observers who have tracked Ukrainian military needs.
Defense Express also highlighted the cooperation between Ukrainian manufacturers and international defense companies. Platforms like the Kozak-2M1 and Inguar-3 are being produced with modular designs that can accommodate various configurations, including remote weapon stations, anti-mine floors, and advanced communications systems.