INGUAR Develops Vehicle in HMMWV Niche

Ukrainian company Inguar Defence has started developing the Inguar-2 light tactical armored vehicle to complement heavier MRAP-class vehicles.

Artem Yushchuk, the company’s co-founder and CEO, announced this in Militarnyi’s podcast.

Inguar has launched design work on a 7-ton armored vehicle with a frame structure, based on a chassis of its own design.

“Now there is a need for a new class of vehicles: faster, more maneuverable, possibly with a lower level of protection. Our border guards still need heavy MRAPs because they face frequent explosions, and about half of the hits come from anti-tank mines. However, logistics, ammunition delivery, and unmanned systems crews require different equipment. We want to expand our lineup so customers can choose the solution they need,” Artem Yushchuk shared.

The new vehicle will be almost twice as light as the Inguar-3 and will feature Level 2 armor protection under the STANAG 4569 standard, meaning it can stop a 7.62×39 mm armor-piercing bullet.

It will have a modular design, allowing it to be configured either as a four-seat vehicle or as a transporter, with a cargo compartment converted into an assault compartment without major redesign.

The company has not disclosed the engine and transmission, but says the concept previews the installation of higher-capacity components to ensure high mobility. A proprietary suspension system will support this performance.

“The high off-road capability of the HMMWV comes primarily from its hub reduction gearboxes. Both portal and planetary gearboxes exist, and it is the latter that significantly increases ground clearance. Planetary gearboxes are used on the HMMWV, and we will use them as well.

Ground clearance is one of the most important vehicle parameters. We are not interested in building military vehicles with ground clearance below 450 mm. Ours will exceed that of the HMMWV,” Artem Yushchuk added.

Inguar-2 will become the company’s first vehicle to use gearboxes of its own design. The chassis will be manufactured entirely in Ukraine.

“It will be fully our chassis, including central gearboxes. All cast suspension components are ours. This will allow for a very high level of localization. We aim to exceed the localization level of the Inguar-3 and make this vehicle as cost-effective and localized as possible, with full control over key production and assembly stages,” Artem Yushchuk said.

The company expects the new vehicle to cost from $250,000, making it cheaper than heavy mine-resistant vehicles, which start at around $400,000 in Ukraine.