Ukrainian Armor, the Eastern European industrial conglomerate Czechoslovak Group, and the European division of the American corporation General Dynamics are considering the possibility of producing the ASCOD infantry fighting vehicle. This information was announced by the press service of Ukrainian Armor.
"The experience of modern warfare has demonstrated the immense value of armored vehicles for preserving the lives of our military personnel. Therefore, we plan to supply and manufacture infantry fighting vehicles in Ukraine according to NATO standards," said Vladislav Belbas, CEO of Ukrainian Armor.
Experts from the company, along with Ukrainian military personnel, representatives from the Research and Testing Institute for Weapons and Military Equipment Certification, and specialists from the Czechoslovak Group, visited the production facilities of General Dynamics European Land Systems in Trubia, Spain. They familiarized themselves with the unique production of wheeled and tracked vehicles using state-of-the-art technologies and in accordance with NATO standards. Ukrainian military personnel conducted tests on the infantry fighting vehicle (BMP) to compare the dynamic characteristics of the ASCOD with existing equipment in the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The universal ASCOD platform can be equipped with various weapon systems, including combat modules with automatic 30/40 mm cannons like the MK 44 Bushmaster, turrets with 105 mm or 120 mm cannons, and anti-tank guided missile systems.
The platform is equipped with unique ballistic and anti-mine protection systems, providing protection levels according to STANAG 4569 - level 4 for ballistic protection (armor-piercing rounds of caliber 14.5 mm) and level 4a/4b for mine protection (10 kg of explosive material). ASCOD is in service with leading armies worldwide and NATO countries such as Spain, the United Kingdom, Austria, and others.
"We are discussing with General Dynamics European Land Systems the possibility of supplying ASCOD to Ukraine in the shortest possible time, quickly organizing the production and servicing of the platform in Ukraine, and integrating advanced weapon systems, electronics, and communication for achieving operational compatibility between the Ukrainian Armed Forces and NATO," said Vladislav Belbas.
