Inguar Defence Develops Special Vehicle to Support Drone Operations

Why It Matters

The platform gives Ukrainian drone operators protected mobility near front lines, reducing casualties and keeping critical ISR assets operational. Its introduction signals a shift toward dedicated armored support for unmanned systems across modern battlefields.

Key Takeaways

• Inguar‑3 pickup tailored for UAV crews.
• MRAP hull withstands FPV drone strikes and mines.
• Differential locks and tire‑inflation boost off‑road mobility.
• Turret removal reduces weight, increasing range and speed.
• Designed with Lasar’s Group, Ukraine’s elite drone unit.

Pulse Analysis

The Ukrainian conflict has accelerated the integration of unmanned aerial systems into frontline tactics, prompting a demand for vehicles that can protect both operators and equipment. Traditional MRAPs offer robust blast protection, but their heavy profiles limit rapid deployment in the fluid, drone‑dense environment that characterises today’s eastern European battlefields. Inguar Defence’s decision to reconfigure its Inguar‑3 into a pickup format directly addresses this gap, delivering a purpose‑built platform that shields UAV crews while maintaining the rugged survivability of a mine‑resistant vehicle.

By stripping the turret and installing a reinforced cab with a covered cargo bed, the Inguar‑3 pickup sheds several hundred kilograms, translating into higher horsepower‑to‑weight ratios, extended range, and quicker acceleration across mud, snow and shattered roads. The addition of differential locks and a central tire‑inflation system further enhances traction, allowing drone teams to reach forward observation posts or artillery spotting positions that would be inaccessible to heavier armored carriers. Crucially, the hull’s V‑shaped design continues to deflect the blast effects of FPV drone strikes and improvised explosive devices, preserving crew survivability.

Beyond the immediate tactical advantage, the Inguar‑3 pickup illustrates a broader trend of tailoring armored platforms to support unmanned operations, a niche that is gaining traction among NATO allies and export markets. Manufacturers that can combine MRAP‑level protection with the agility required for UAV logistics are likely to see increased demand as more armies adopt persistent drone surveillance and strike capabilities. Inguar Defence’s collaboration with Lasar’s Group also underscores the value of user‑driven design, positioning the company for potential contracts beyond Ukraine’s borders.

Inguar Defence develops special vehicle to support drone operations

By Dylan Malyasov · Feb 11, 2026

Inguar‑3 pickup variant

Key Points

• Inguar Defence unveiled a new Inguar‑3 pickup variant developed for UAV crews in coordination with Lasar’s Group of Ukraine’s National Guard.

• The MRAP‑class Inguar‑3 platform is in combat service and has reportedly withstood FPV drone strikes and mine blasts while protecting crews.

Ukrainian defense manufacturer Inguar Defence has developed a new pickup variant of its Inguar‑3 armored vehicle designed specifically for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) crews, the company announced this week.

The new configuration, described by the manufacturer as an “Inguar‑3 Pickup for UAV crews,” was developed “in strict compliance with the operational requirements defined by Lasar’s Group,” according to Inguar Defence. Lasar’s Group is an elite special‑purpose unit within the National Guard of Ukraine and is regarded as one of the most effective drone units in the country.

The Inguar‑3 is a multi‑purpose armored vehicle in the MRAP class currently in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The base vehicle has already been delivered to combat units and is directly engaged in combat operations. According to the company, the Inguar‑3 has received favorable feedback from the military.

The Inguar‑3 is one of the most protected 4×4 armored vehicles in service with Ukraine’s Armed Forces. The platform has reportedly withstood multiple strikes from FPV drones and detonations from mines while preserving the lives of crew members and transported personnel.

Inguar‑3 pickup variant

The upgraded pickup variant is equipped with differential locks and a central tire‑inflation system, improving off‑road mobility and adaptability to varied terrain conditions. By removing the turret and adopting a pickup configuration, the overall weight of the armored vehicle has been reduced. According to the developer, this weight reduction results in higher dynamic performance, increased operational range, and improved cross‑country mobility compared to the base configuration.

Images released by the company show the new pickup configuration featuring a reinforced armored cab and a covered rear cargo section intended for equipment and mission‑specific payloads. The vehicle retains the angular armored hull and elevated chassis characteristic of MRAP‑class platforms, designed to provide enhanced blast protection against mines and improvised explosive devices.

As noted by Inguar Defence, the pickup variant was tailored to meet operational requirements specific to UAV units. Drone crews operating near the front line face threats from artillery, loitering munitions, and FPV drones. The adaptation of an MRAP‑class vehicle for UAV support reflects the growing operational role of unmanned systems across Ukrainian formations.

Inguar‑3 pickup variant

The Inguar‑3 platform is designed as a 4×4 armored vehicle with survivability features typical of MRAP vehicles, including a blast‑resistant hull and reinforced suspension system. These vehicles are engineered to mitigate the effects of under‑body explosions and fragmentation while maintaining mobility across varied terrain.