Canadian armored vehicle manufacturer Roshel has begun production operations in Ukraine.
Roshel CEO Roman Shimonov confirmed the move during the “Defending Ukraine’s Future” security and reconstruction conference, according to Ukraine’s state news agency Ukrinform.
“The facility was opened two months ago and is now actively operating,” Shimonov said, noting that the exact location remains undisclosed due to security concerns, as the site is considered a likely target for Russian attacks.
In his remarks, Shimonov emphasized the value of Ukraine’s labor force. “We have incredible people here—with abilities, knowledge, and experience that can be applied to real solutions. You won’t find this anywhere else,” he said.
Roshel’s expansion into Ukraine follows a February 2025 agreement with Ukraine’s state defense conglomerate, Ukrainian Defense Industry JSC, to establish joint production of armored vehicles. Under the deal, the local enterprise is receiving technical documentation and components needed to manufacture the vehicles domestically.
Ukrainian Minister for Strategic Industries Herman Smetanin described the collaboration as a strategic step.
“Roshel’s armored vehicles are already in service with Ukrainian forces. Producing them in Ukraine will accelerate delivery to combat units and boost the national economy,” he said. “It also provides Ukrainian manufacturers access to advanced technologies and supports the gradual integration of Ukraine’s defense industry into the broader industrial base of the free world.”
The Roshel Senator, based on the Ford F-550 chassis, is the company’s flagship model. It features CEN B7 armor protection against small arms fire and explosions and can transport up to ten personnel. Since 2022, Canada has supplied Ukraine with over 1,800 Roshel armored vehicles, which are widely used by the Armed Forces and Border Guard Service.
The new production capability inside Ukraine aims to reduce logistical delays, strengthen domestic industry, and provide timely support to frontline units.