Metinvest’s Protective Screens for Roshel Armored Vehicles: A Detailed Insight
Metinvest Group, one of Ukraine's leading industrial enterprises, has taken a critical step in supporting the Ukrainian military by launching mass production of protective screens for the Roshel Senator armored vehicles. These vehicles, manufactured by the Canadian company Roshel, have been integral to Ukraine's defense, providing mobility for troops, facilitating the evacuation of the wounded, and ensuring effective patrol and reconnaissance operations at the front lines. However, the nature of modern warfare, with the advent of highly destructive FPV drones and explosive artillery, required a rethinking of vehicle protection strategies.
As a result, Metinvest has developed a solution that enhances the protective capabilities of the Roshel Senator vehicles, offering a customized layer of defense against these specific threats. The protective screens are designed to intercept and neutralize the impact of explosive debris and drone strikes, which have become increasingly common threats to armored vehicles on the battlefield.
Features and Design of the Protective Screens
The protective screens are crafted from high-quality metal structures that are strategically installed over the vehicle’s body. These screens serve as a defensive barrier, specifically engineered to absorb and diffuse the effects of blast waves generated by FPV drones and shell fragments. By doing so, they significantly reduce the likelihood of catastrophic damage to the vehicle's essential components and, more critically, mitigate the risk of injury or death to the crew members operating the vehicle.
One of the most innovative aspects of these screens is their ability to handle high-intensity impacts while ensuring that they do not compromise the mobility or operational capability of the vehicle. They are constructed with resilience in mind, designed to withstand repeated drone and artillery strikes without deteriorating. These features are essential in a conflict where such threats are daily occurrences, particularly in the eastern and southern regions of Ukraine, where Roshel Senator vehicles are actively deployed.
Addressing Modern Battlefield Threats: FPV Drones and Shell Fragments
In modern warfare, FPV drones (first-person-view drones) have emerged as a significant threat to armored vehicles. These drones are equipped with explosives and are capable of striking vehicles with pinpoint accuracy. Unlike conventional drones, FPV drones can be piloted in a way that enables them to target specific weak points on armored vehicles. Additionally, exploding shell fragments from artillery and missile strikes present another grave danger to vehicles in active combat zones.
Although armored vehicles like the Roshel Senator offer basic protection, they were not originally designed to withstand the new, evolving threats posed by drones and explosive debris. Metinvest’s protective screens address this vulnerability by providing an additional defensive layer, designed specifically to counter these modern risks. This added protection is crucial for ensuring the survival of the vehicle and the safety of the personnel inside.
Collaborative Development with Military Personnel
Metinvest’s decision to develop these protective screens was driven by feedback and collaboration with Ukrainian military personnel. The company’s engineers worked closely with soldiers already using the Roshel Senator armored vehicles in active combat to understand the specific threats they face on the front lines. This collaboration led to the creation of a tailored solution that directly addresses the vulnerabilities identified by the soldiers themselves.
The feedback gathered from military crews has been invaluable in fine-tuning the design of the screens to ensure they are both effective in protecting against FPV drone attacks and shell debris, and that they fit seamlessly onto the vehicles without compromising their performance. As a result, the screens are not just theoretical designs, they are practical, battle-tested solutions that reflect the real-world needs of Ukrainian forces.
Metinvest’s Contribution to Steel Front Initiative
The development of these protective screens is part of the broader Steel Front initiative, which was launched by Metinvest in response to Ukraine’s urgent defense needs. This initiative focuses on creating solutions that go beyond the traditional role of steel production, offering innovative products that enhance the resilience and effectiveness of military equipment.
In addition to protective screens for the Roshel Senator, Metinvest has previously initiated the mass production of similar protective structures for other armored vehicles, such as the Stryker armored personnel carriers. These designs, which are aimed at increasing resistance to kamikaze drones, further demonstrate the adaptability of Metinvest’s steel products in addressing the specific threats posed by modern warfare.
The Steel Front initiative is a clear reflection of Metinvest’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts through the production of high-quality, innovative solutions. By leveraging its expertise in steel manufacturing, the company has become a critical partner to the Ukrainian military, providing cutting-edge protection for soldiers and military vehicles.
The Roshel Senator Armored Vehicle: A Vital Asset for Ukraine
Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, Roshel Senator armored vehicles have been crucial to Ukraine’s defense efforts. These vehicles, with their mobility and durability, are indispensable for the transportation of troops, the evacuation of the wounded, and patrol operations in contested zones. The addition of protective screens enhances the operational effectiveness of these vehicles, ensuring that they can continue to serve as reliable assets in high-risk environments.
To date, Roshel has delivered over 1700 Senator vehicles to Ukraine. These vehicles are currently deployed across the eastern and southern battlefronts, where they face constant threats from artillery bombardments, drone attacks, and other forms of modern warfare. By incorporating the newly developed protective screens, Metinvest is further strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, providing a robust layer of protection for these essential military assets.
Metinvest’s Ongoing Commitment to Ukraine’s Defense
In addition to the launch of protective screens for Roshel Senator armored vehicles, Metinvest has been deeply committed to supporting Ukraine’s military efforts. Over the past three years, the company has allocated a significant portion of its resources, amounting to approximately UAH 8.4 billion (about USD 226 million), towards supporting Ukraine’s defense. A substantial part of this funding, approximately UAH 4.4 billion (around USD 118 million), has been directed to support military needs, particularly through the Steel Front initiative.
Through its continued investment in both financial resources and innovative steel-based solutions, Metinvest has positioned itself as a key player in strengthening Ukraine’s military capabilities. The company’s efforts have had a profound impact on improving the survivability of Ukraine’s armored vehicles and protecting soldiers on the front lines.
Key Takeaways
• Mass Production of Protective Screens: Metinvest has launched the mass production of protective screens for Roshel Senator armored vehicles as part of its Steel Front military initiative.
• Protection Against Modern Threats: These screens provide enhanced protection against FPV drone attacks and explosive shell fragments, two of the most significant threats faced by armored vehicles in the ongoing conflict.
• Designed with Military Feedback: The screens were developed in close collaboration with Ukrainian military personnel, ensuring they meet the real-world operational needs of soldiers using Roshel Senator vehicles.
• Enhanced Crew Safety: By absorbing and diffusing the effects of drone and artillery strikes, the screens significantly reduce the risk of injuries or fatalities among vehicle crews.
• Broad Military Impact: The Roshel Senator armored vehicles, equipped with these screens, are actively deployed in eastern and southern Ukraine, where they play a critical role in transportation, evacuation, and patrol operations.
• Steel Front Initiative: This project is part of the broader Steel Front initiative, which aims to create practical, innovative steel-based solutions for Ukraine’s defense needs, beyond just steel production.
• Ongoing Support: Over the past three years, Metinvest has allocated UAH 8.4 billion (approx. USD 226 million) to support Ukraine’s defense efforts, with a significant portion dedicated to military initiatives like the Steel Front.
• Previous Success: Metinvest previously developed protective screens for other armored vehicles, such as the Stryker armored personnel carriers, addressing threats from kamikaze drones.
• Vital Contribution to Ukraine’s Defense: By providing cutting-edge steel solutions, Metinvest has significantly enhanced the protection and effectiveness of Ukraine’s military forces, ensuring that soldiers are better equipped to confront the evolving challenges of modern warfare.
Metinvest’s proactive approach in developing and producing protective screens for Roshel Senator armored vehicles is a testament to its deep commitment to enhancing the safety and effectiveness of Ukrainian military assets. With these new solutions, the company is helping ensure that Ukraine’s defenders are equipped to face the modern threats on the battlefield.
