Inguar-3: Ukrainian armoured vehicle for AFU engineers with protection against mines and drones

Ukraine's defence industry continues to develop its own technologies, allowing it to replenish the arsenal of the Armed Forces with effective solutions. One such development is the Inguar-3 armoured vehicle by Inguar Defence. The vehicle was created based on real combat experience and the specific requirements of the modern battlefield, where engineering units must operate under constant threat.

International aid and domestic developments

In parallel with receiving specialised equipment from international partners under the Mine Action Capability Coalition, Ukraine is ramping up the production of its own armoured vehicles. Major General Dmytro Hereha, Commander of the AFU Support Forces, highlighted the importance of consistent support from allies. He emphasised that engineering units carry out both combat and humanitarian demining tasks, so they require equipment capable of withstanding simultaneous threats from mines, shrapnel, small arms fire, and drone attacks.

Protection and platform modularity

The key advantage of the Inguar-3 is the level of crew safety it provides. According to the manufacturer, the armoured vehicle meets the STANAG 4569 Level 3 standard for ballistic protection and has Level 3a/3b mine protection. This hull protects personnel from armour-piercing ammunition and shrapnel, while the structure is designed to minimise the effects of mine blasts. For sappers working in areas with a high level of mine contamination, this parameter is critically important.

The platform features a modular architecture, allowing it to be flexibly adapted for various tasks. The Inguar-3 can be used for transporting troops and cargo, installing communications systems, electronic warfare systems, reconnaissance, or armaments. Some configurations are intended for medical evacuation. The official Inguar Defence website presents the basic and combat tactical vehicles, a special version, a fire support vehicle, and a medical evacuation vehicle.

Mobility and electronics

The armoured vehicle combines protective characteristics with high off-road capability. The car is equipped with a powerful diesel engine, an automatic transmission, and independent suspension. The ground clearance is 450 mm, which enables it to traverse difficult terrain and operate off-road. A central tyre inflation system helps adapt to different soil types, while RunFlat inserts allow movement to continue even after wheel damage.

To enhance crew situational awareness, the vehicle can be equipped with front, rear, and side video cameras, a night vision system, electronic warfare tools, automatic fire suppression, and air filtration. It also features an independent heater, air conditioning, and a powerful winch, which is important for operations in difficult terrain.

Project origins

The history of Inguar Defence is directly linked to practical experience working with military equipment. Co-founder and CEO of the company, engineer Artem Yushchuk, started with engineering projects at the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute. After the start of the full-scale war, his team was involved in repairing and modernising armoured vehicles for the defence forces. It was the experience of working with various types of armoured vehicles and communication with military personnel that became the foundation for creating their own vehicle, adapted to the requirements of high-intensity warfare involving mine hazards, drones, and difficult off-road conditions.

The strengthening of AFU Support Forces with international equipment, combined with the development of domestic Ukrainian armoured platforms, creates additional opportunities for engineering troops. The safety and mobility of sappers directly determine not only the execution of combat tasks but also the speed of clearing Ukrainian territory of explosive hazards. Domestic technologies like the Inguar-3 demonstrate the ability of Ukraine's defence industry to create complex platforms, focusing directly on frontline experience and military needs.