The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has approved the acquisition of Buffalo multi-purpose mine-resistant vehicles (MPVs) for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. According to the ministry’s official website, the Buffalo is recognized as one of the safest armored vehicles available.
The Buffalo MPV, a U.S. Army engineering vehicle, falls under the MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) class. This classification signifies military vehicles with enhanced ballistic protection designed to withstand explosive attacks.
The Buffalo MPV features a V-shaped hull designed to channel the force of explosions away from the vehicle’s occupants. Additionally, it is equipped with shock-absorbing seats to protect the crew during blasts. The vehicle’s structure includes a monolithic armor capsule along with external blast-absorbing components.
The Buffalo MPV is an advanced version of the CASSPIR armored vehicle, which has been used in military operations since the 1980s in South Africa, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The CASSPIR has been adopted by over ten countries for military and law enforcement use.
This armored vehicle can be fitted with a protective cage to defend against anti-tank weapons, such as rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). According to the ministry, there have been no fatal casualties reported from Buffalo vehicles involved in explosions and shelling during combat situations.
Currently, the Buffalo MPV is in service with the armed forces of Canada, France, Italy, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom. It can endure mine blasts equivalent to 20 kg of TNT. The vehicle’s windows are reinforced with 6-inch bullet-resistant glass, and its armor includes composite materials shielded by bulletproof slat armor. The Buffalo also features a 9-meter arm with a built-in camera and sensors for safely disarming explosives, allowing crew members to neutralize threats without leaving the vehicle.
