Ukraine Tests New Skif Armored Personnel Carrier Inspired by M113

Ukraine has initiated factory testing of a new domestically produced tracked armored personnel carrier named Skif, according to reports from UkrArmoTech. The vehicle, developed in response to Ukrainian Armed Forces requirements since the Russian invasion in February 2022, incorporates lessons from battlefield use.

UkrArmoTech, known for wheeled vehicles like the Desna, Gyurza, and Tisa, has shifted to tracked designs with the Skif.

UkrArmoTech CEO Gennadiy Khirgiy stated that the development relied on military contacts, understanding of needs, and experience with wheeled vehicles. He added that combat operations have shown the need for armored vehicles to maintain unit mobility. U.S.

M113, with Ukraine receiving hundreds of these since 2022. The M113 provides reliability, maintainability, troop capacity, and off-road mobility. The Skif aims to match the M113's mobility while improving protection and firepower.

It uses off-the-shelf components from foreign manufacturers of M113 descendants, with 60 percent initially imported, including engine, transmission, suspension, transfer case, and tracks. Production would increase local component manufacturing.

Troops enter via a rear ramp. The prototype has an aluminum hull, weighing about 15 tons, powered by a 360-horsepower diesel engine. Future versions may use armored steel hulls, with modular design allowing different engines.

It features a remotely controlled combat module for a 12.7mm or 14.5mm heavy machine gun and 7.62mm auxiliary machine gun, though the prototype lacks it. Armor meets NATO STANAG 4569 Level 4 frontally and Level 3 on sides and rear, with mine protection at Levels 3a and 3b, withstanding about 13 pounds of explosives under the hull or tracks.