Ukraine has announced the entry into service of the MAC OWL (Sova), a new MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) armored vehicle developed by the Ukrainian company MAC HUB in partnership with Greece’s Paramount Industries Innovation Systems Greece.
According to Paramount, the vehicle has received certification from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and has been described as the locally produced armored vehicle with the highest level of protection in its class.
The key feature of the MAC OWL is its combination of mine protection, reinforced armor, and anti-drone defense systems. The vehicle meets the STANAG 4569 Level 4a/4b standard, meaning it can withstand the explosion of up to 10 kg of TNT under a wheel or beneath the hull, a capability considered especially important in a conflict marked by the extensive use of landmines.
Based on technologies derived from the South African Mbombe 4 armored vehicle, the MAC OWL has undergone several modifications to suit the conditions encountered in the war in Ukraine. According to its developers, the design was reworked using real-world frontline experience, with a focus on crew survivability and mobility across difficult terrain.
“We built on the best global experience in the design and production of armored vehicles and took into account the unique realities of the war being fought in Ukraine,” said Oleksandr Dubyna, Director of MAC HUB.
“Our primary mission was to protect the lives of the MAC OWL armored vehicle crew. To achieve this, we selected only the most reliable and combat-proven components, integrated the latest technologies, and spent countless hours refining every detail.”
Another highlight is the ability to install up to 10 electronic warfare (EW) modules, creating a protective “dome” against FPV drones, which have become one of the primary threats to armored vehicles in the conflict. These systems work by disrupting the control and video transmission signals used by kamikaze drones.
The announcement was made during the international defense exhibition Eurosatory 2026 in Paris and reflects a growing trend toward developing military equipment specifically adapted to lessons learned on the Ukrainian battlefield, where mines, artillery, and drones pose constant threats to troops and vehicles.
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Source and images: Paramount Group. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
