Ukraine to Manufacture Roshel Armored Vehicles, Gaining Access to Cutting-Edge Tech

Ukraine’s state-owned defense concern “Ukroboronprom” has reached an agreement with Canadian company Roshel to co-produce armored vehicles, a move that will significantly accelerate their delivery to the front, the concern announced on February 24.

Roshel armored vehicles are already widely used by Ukrainian forces, but localizing production will not only speed up deliveries but also strengthen Ukraine’s economy and provide access to advanced Western defense technologies.

As part of the agreement, a Ukrainian defense enterprise will receive technical documentation and key components for local production.

“The Ukrainian defense industry is expanding its international partnerships. The armored vehicles of this Canadian company are already in service with our troops, and producing them in Ukraine will significantly accelerate their supply to combat units,” said Herman Smetanin, Ukraine’s Minister for Strategic Industries.

“At the same time, this step will strengthen Ukraine’s economy and provide our defense industry with access to advanced technologies, further integrating Ukraine into the defense-industrial base of the free world,” he added.

According to Oleh Huliak, CEO of Ukrainian Defense Industry JSC, Ukraine is not only localizing Western armored vehicle production but also continuing to develop its own battle tanks and armored combat vehicles.

“This collaboration between Western and Ukrainian armor will become a strong foundation for our Defense Forces,” Huliak stated.

The Roshel Senator, a Canadian armored personnel carrier based on the Ford F-550, is equipped with CEN B7-rated armor, which provides protection against small arms fire and explosions and can transport up to 10 troops. The vehicle’s armor can withstand shrapnel from nearby 122mm artillery shell detonations, and it features a tire pressure regulation system for enhanced mobility in combat zones.

Earlier, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a new aid package for Ukraine during a visit to Kyiv.

The package includes 25 LAV II infantry fighting vehicles, two armored combat support vehicles, on which Ukrainian personnel will train in Germany, a landing system for F-16 fighter jets, and four flight simulators for F-16s. Canada will also send millions of rounds of ammunition, military equipment, and first aid kits.