The map of combat operations and logistical routes has undergone critical changes. The zone where civilian transport becomes an easy target has expanded to 40 kilometers from the front line. In this space, Russian forces are actively hunting supply routes, making the use of ordinary pickups and trucks a factor of unjustified losses.
This was stated by NAUDI Executive Director Serhiy Honcharov in a comment to RBC-Ukraine. According to him, the concept of the 'last mile' — the section where the final delivery of cargo to positions takes place — has changed radically. If previously this implied a few kilometers directly at the frontline, now the risk zone has stretched to 10 kilometers and more.
Danger at 40 kilometers
According to Honcharov, not only the frontline strips have become critically dangerous, but also sections within a radius of 20–40 kilometers from the line of contact. It is here that the intensive movement of personnel, ammunition, fuel and lubricants, food, and spare parts takes place daily.
Using ordinary volunteer pickups or civilian trucks in this zone creates an extreme risk to life. In the conditions of modern warfare, saturated with unmanned systems, the absence of armor is tantamount to a fatal mistake.
Survival factor: armor against drones
The main task of specialized armored vehicles is to preserve the lives of soldiers. Where a civilian vehicle is guaranteed to be destroyed along with its crew after a drone hit or an explosion, an armored car gives a chance for survival.
The military have already accumulated many confirmed examples of the effectiveness of such vehicles. Ukrainian armored vehicles 'Novator' and American MaxxPros have demonstrated the ability to withstand several consecutive FPV drone strikes and continue moving. Even in cases of critical damage from anti-tank mines, crews remained alive, suffering only concussions or injuries, but not fatal wounds.
Balance of technology and classics
Serhiy Honcharov emphasized that the rapid development of robotic systems on the battlefield should not create an illusion of the loss of relevance of classic armored vehicles. Modern military logistics requires a comprehensive approach, combining various technical solutions.
The 'Novator' armored vehicle, developed by 'Ukrainian Armored Vehicles' specifically for the needs of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, is a bright example of such an approach. The vehicle is designed for a wide range of tasks: from patrolling and reconnaissance to transporting special units and providing fire support.
