Ukraine’s defense manufacturer Ukrainian Armor has announced that its next-generation armored vehicle, Varta 2, has completed all state trials and the codification process, officially clearing it for serial production and frontline deployment.

The announcement was made via the company’s official Facebook page on 22 May. According to Ukrainian Armor CEO Vladyslav Belbas, the vehicle has passed all required tests and is now approved for supply to Ukraine’s Defense Forces.

“From the initial prototype presentation until today, we’ve received numerous requests from soldiers regarding the Varta 2, which confirms the strong frontline demand for this class of armored vehicle,” Belbas stated.

Varta 2’s state trials started last November.

Belbas emphasized that in addition to its speed and mobility — both essential in today’s warfare — the Varta 2 offers a high level of protection. Its load capacity also allows for integration of combat modules, granting it “unprecedented firepower in its class” for infantry support and enemy armor destruction.

Combat integration and firepower

Ukrainian Armor says it has codified multiple Varta 2 variants, including those fitted with a turret and a combat module. According to Belbas, this capacity expands the vehicle’s battlefield flexibility.

Defense Express noted that the Varta 2’s design includes strong mobility, survivability, and the ability to carry a 30 mm automatic cannon — a first for a domestically developed armored car of this class in Ukraine.

“The Varta 2’s load-bearing capacity enables integration of powerful combat modules, giving it unprecedented firepower for an armored vehicle of this type,” Defense Express reported.

The publication also highlighted that “with the capability to mount a 30 mm automatic cannon combat module, is essentially the first armored vehicle of its class developed entirely by Ukraine’s domestic defense industry,” and such capabilities had not previously been provided via direct Western military aid.

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Modular combat capability

Militarnyi notes that it is Varta’s SICH combat module that includes a 30 mm ZTM-1 automatic cannon, an AG-30 automatic grenade launcher, and a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun. It is remotely operated from inside the vehicle and features thermal and day vision targeting systems, enabling accurate fire even on the move and at any time of day.

The first prototype of the Varta 2 was publicly unveiled at the MSPO 2024 international defense exhibition in Poland. Unlike the original Varta, the new model uses a load-bearing hull with a modular chassis from the company Base, instead of the MAZ truck frame.