Army-2021: VPK hopes new vehicles could fill Russian Ground Forces capability gaps
The Strela-VPK-KBM is a multipurpose vehicle intended to transport up to five passengers and cargo. (Photo: via author)
Soft-skinned Strela-VPK-KBM may replace UAZ-469 light utility vehicle, while amphibious 4x4 recon platform could be successor to BRDM.
Russian vehicle manufacturer Military-Industrial Company (VPK) has unveiled two new designs at the Army-2021 exhibition – the unarmoured Strela-VPK-KBM and a multipurpose armoured amphibious vehicle.
The Strela-VPK-KBM is a multipurpose vehicle intended to transport up to five passengers and cargo. According VPK CEO Alexander Krasovitsky, the company developed the vehicle in cooperation with Bauman Moscow State Technical University (BMSTU).
Analysts see it as a future replacement for the venerable UAZ-469 light utility vehicle, although the variant revealed at Army-2021 is still in development. Strela-VPK-KBM is part of an experimental programme initiated by the Russian MoD, which includes four variants: light armoured, armoured amphibious,
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: MARSS and parent company EOS expand air defence capability]()
Eurosatory 2026: MARSS and parent company EOS expand air defence capability
MARSS became part of EOS Defence earlier this year, bringing together the former’s C2 NiDAR and Nation Shield air defence products with the latter’s suite of effectors and sensors.
-
![Is motorisation set to be the next evolution of towed artillery?]()
Is motorisation set to be the next evolution of towed artillery?
Artillery remains a key tool on the modern battlefield. Artillery platforms, however, are increasingly at risk from enemy fire, whether from other artillery or uncrewed …
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Milrem expands partnerships as it outlines NATO eastern flank defence plans]()
Eurosatory 2026: Milrem expands partnerships as it outlines NATO eastern flank defence plans
In the past three months Milrem Robotics has signed cooperation agreements with Hanwha, EOS Defence Systems and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) and at Eurosatory 2026 with CNIM Systèmes Industriels and Frankenburg Technologies. The deals come as the company develops its Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative.
