Pozhmashina has presented a new domestically produced armored firefighting vehicle

Ukrainian company Pozhmashina has presented a new light firefighting vehicle (PM-L).

Militarnyi reports on this after attending the demonstration of the new product at the Defense Technologies / Pozhtech 2025 exhibition.

The PM-L is built on an Isuzu 4WD all-wheel drive chassis assembled in Ukraine. Initially, it is a bonnetless chassis, which is reformatted into a bonneted configuration during production.

This design provides the crew with a so-called “one and a half meters of life”: in the event of an explosion, the unprotected hood is the first to be hit, absorbing the energy of the explosion and debris, often separating from the main structure, which significantly increases the crew’s chances of survival.

The vehicle’s diesel engine is additionally protected from debris. The chassis is equipped with a cab, service, and cargo compartments of our own design.

The rear of the body is equipped with a folding ramp with steps and a retractable tray for transporting explosive objects; a hydraulic drive operates both elements.

A crane with a lifting capacity of up to 150 kg is located in the rear. Hatches for service compartments are provided on the sides, where protective equipment and tools are stored.

The cabin is designed as an armored capsule with mine protection that complies with the PZSA-4 class and protects against debris and small arms of 5.45 mm and 7.62 mm caliber.

The cargo compartment is designed to transport explosive objects weighing up to 250 kg. It is also protected according to class PZSA-4, and the partition between the crew cabin and the cargo compartment has an increased level of protection — PZSA-6.

A distinctive feature of the design is the unarmored roof of the cargo compartment: in the event of an explosion, it instantly tears off, directing the energy of the explosion upward.

The seats are located at a safe distance from the wheels, improving comfort while driving and increasing protection in the event of an explosion.

The vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, a heating system, a rear-view camera, and a control panel for the onboard systems located above the windshield for the crew’s convenience.

The vehicle’s power plant allows for connecting additional equipment, including electronic warfare (EW) systems.

Even when sappers perform tasks in rear or frontline areas, EW equipment remains a critically important protection element. It suppresses signals that can activate explosive devices, thereby preventing remote transmission of detonation commands.

The equipped weight of the armored vehicle is 9,700 kg, the total weight is 10,500 kg, and the maximum load capacity of the chassis is 12,200 kg. Dimensions: 7,370 × 2,360 × 2,955 mm. Wheelbase: 4,450 mm, ground clearance: 315 mm.

The PM-L is equipped with a 7.8-liter 6-cylinder turbo diesel engine with 240 hp, which works in tandem with a 6-speed manual transmission. The fuel tank capacity is 200 liters. The maximum speed is up to 90 km/h.

Development took two years. The vehicle is currently undergoing codification and approval for operation. The first prototype was built to order for the State Special Transport Service.