Russia unveils upgraded "Wagner vehicle" for conflict zones
Russia has unveiled a modernised version of the armoured vehicle "Chekan," more widely known as the "Wagner vehicle." The vehicle, based on the Ural-4320 chassis, was initially developed for the Wagner Group and is currently used by Russian regular and paramilitary forces in Ukraine and other conflict zones.
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 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 aimed at disrupting enemy drones, a response to the growing threat posed by UAVs.
The Chekan and its upgrades are not mass-produced vehicles – they most often end up in special units of the Rosgvardia, convoy protection units, or private paramilitary formations, which use them as lightweight, fast transport vehicles in conflict zones. This vehicle has been seen in places such as 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 the 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 emphasise the domestic production and combat adaptability of the "Chekan," yet its associations with the Wagner Group, recognised as a terrorist organisation by many governments, including the USA, 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 decentralised manner, utilising improvised and quickly adaptable solutions.
