At the end of last week, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense authorized the integration of the MRAP Buffalo vehicles transferred by the United States into the Ukrainian Ground Forces. As the final step in the evaluation process by the defense ministry, the armored vehicles have been selected to withstand landmine explosions and improvised explosive devices encountered by Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia.
The incorporation of the MRAP Buffalo, considered among the safest in the world, is part of a modernization process of the country’s military capabilities, facilitated by Ukraine’s allies. This allows the vehicles to be integrated into the operational inventory of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, purchased with state funds.
It’s worth noting that since the beginning of the conflict with Russia in February 2022, the U.S. has supplied Ukraine with multiple batches of MRAPs, including MaxxPro and Cougar models, while Canada has provided over 1,000 MRAP Senator. Although a recent U.S. aid package of $625 million included the shipment of 200 MaxxPro MRAPs, the delivery of the Buffalo vehicles represents the continued efforts of Ukraine’s allies to support its military operations.
Details of the MRAP Buffalo
The MRAP Buffalo, known as a significant upgrade from the CASSPIR used in South Africa, Iraq, and Afghanistan, is a U.S. Army engineering vehicle designed primarily to protect military personnel from improvised explosive devices and landmines.
The Buffalo is built on a chassis derived from the Mack ASET AI-400 truck platform, featuring 6×6 wheels with a diesel engine and automatic transmission for operating in rough terrain and carrying heavy loads. The Buffalo measures approximately 8.2 meters in length, 2.6 meters in width, and 4 meters in height, with an empty weight of over 18,140 kg. It can reach speeds of up to 105 km/h and has a range of about 480 kilometers.
It is equipped with technology that provides enhanced ballistic protection, capable of withstanding a mine blast equivalent to 20 kg of TNT. Its windows are protected by 15 cm thick bulletproof glass and it has a composite armor capsule, further shielded by bulletproof grilles. Additionally, it features a 9-meter-long manipulator arm with an integrated camera and sensors for disarming explosives. Its V-shaped hull is designed to dissipate explosion energy, and it has specialized seats that absorb impact.
Developed by the American company Force Protection Inc, which was later acquired by General Dynamics, the MRAP Buffalo is currently in service with the armies of Canada, France, Italy, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom. It has been deployed in various conflict zones since its introduction in 2003, with the U.S. Army being one of the first users, deploying it in Afghanistan.
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