Russian military debuts upgraded "Wagner vehicle" in conflict zones
Russia has unveiled a modernized version of the armoured vehicle known as the "Chekan," more widely referred to as the "Wagner vehicle." The vehicle is based on the Ural-4320 chassis and was initially developed for the Wagner Group. Russian regular and paramilitary forces in Ukraine and other conflict zones currently use it.
As explained by Defence Blog, the "Chekan" vehicle features a V-shaped hull designed to reduce the effects of landmine and improvised explosive device blasts. Its armour meets the BR5 standard and allows for the transport of cargo weighing up to 5,900 kilograms, making it suitable for transporting both various goods and personnel.
New version of the "Wagner vehicle"
LLC AVD in St. Petersburg manufactures the "Chekan." The vehicle comes in various configurations, including a military transporter and logistics carrier. The latest version is equipped with an electronic warfare suite. This suite aims to disrupt enemy drones, responding to the growing threat posed by UAVs.
The Chekan and its upgrades are not mass-produced vehicles. They are most often deployed to special units of the Rosgvardia, convoy protection units, or private paramilitary formations. These groups use it as a lightweight, fast transport vehicle in conflict zones. This vehicle has been seen in places like Donbas and during operations in Syria, serving both combat and reconnaissance roles.
The "Chekan" is armed with a heavy KPVT machine gun of 14.5 mm calibre mounted in the turret from a BTR-80, as well as a coaxial PKT machine gun of 7.62 mm calibre, as noted by Defence Blog. It also mentions that footage and battlefield reports suggest its use in various roles on the front in Ukraine, particularly by Russian airborne and irregular units cooperating with elements associated with Wagner.
Russian media emphasize the domestic production and combat adaptability of the "Chekan." However, its associations with the Wagner Group, recognized as a terrorist organization by many governments, including the United States, indicate the blurring of lines between state and private military supply in Russian wartime strategy.
While the Chekan is not a vehicle that could compete with full-fledged MRAPs or armoured personnel carriers, its niche role and flexibility make it fit into Russia's strategy of conducting war in a decentralized manner, utilizing improvised and quickly adaptable solutions.
