Varta is a Ukrainian Armor 4x4 armored personnel carrier built for protected troop movement, command-post, evacuation, and armed-support configurations. The original Varta family uses a V-shaped protected capsule, central tire inflation, anti-mine seating, and machine-gun or heavier weapon options, while the later Varta-2 branch adds MRAP-class protection and turret or remote-weapon-station fits for Ukraine's Defence Forces.
Ukraine fields Varta armored vehicles for protected movement in the war: the Ministry of Defence lists Varta among heavy tactical vehicles used by the Defence Forces, and 2023-2026 reporting documents Varta vehicles carrying Ukrainian troops near Bakhmut and National Guard personnel under front-line fire.
Role detailsVarta configurations are documented with protected roof weapon stations rather than a single fixed armament. Ukrainian Armor lists 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm machine-gun options for the baseline vehicle, while the KAMRAT/VARTA brochure describes Sarmat, Corsar, and Skif fit options. Ukraine's Ministry of Defence separately describes Varta-2 in base, 12.7 mm turret, and remote weapon-station configurations compatible with 12.7 mm, 14.5 mm, or 30 mm weapons.
Varta's core role is protected movement rather than tank-like direct fire. Ukrainian Armor describes a V-shaped armored capsule, anti-mine seating, central tire inflation, run-flat capability, protected engine plates, climate-control and filtration equipment, and gun ports for carried troops.
The VARTA brochure lists protection against 7.62x39 mm fire at 10 m and mine-blast protection up to 6 kg TNT under a wheel or the hull.
The vehicle is presented as a 2+8 armored personnel carrier for combat transport, command-post, and evacuation configurations.
The manufacturer's material describes central tire inflation and run-flat inserts for continued movement after tire pressure loss.
Sources: Ukrainian Armor VARTA brochure; Ukrainian Armor Varta product page; Ukrainian Armor KAMRAT VARTA brochure.
Open sources use Varta for the original Ukrainian Armor armored personnel carrier and Varta-2 for the newer MRAP-class branch authorized for Ukraine's Defence Forces in 2025.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baseline APC configuration | Original 4x4 APC / infantry mobility vehicle | Ukrainian Armor's Varta brochure describes the baseline vehicle as a 2+8 armored personnel carrier with V-shaped hull, anti-mine seats, 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine-gun station options, and 10 gun ports. Sources: Ukrainian Armor VARTA brochure |
| Varta C-130 transportable modernization | C-130-transportable APC configuration | The Ukrainian Armor KAMRAT/VARTA brochure describes a modernized APC Varta with demountable gunner turret, 14,600 kg gross vehicle weight, 700 km road range, and C-130 transportability. |
| Varta-2 | MRAP-class follow-on with turret and remote weapon station options | Ukraine's Ministry of Defence said Varta-2 was codified and authorized in 2025 in base, 12.7 mm turret, and remotely controlled weapon-station configurations compatible with 12.7 mm, 14.5 mm, or 30 mm weapons. |
Censor.NET reported that the first batch of Varta armored vehicles from Ukrainska Bronetekhnika was tested at a firing range in Zhytomyr Oblast.
Sources: Censor.NET: Varta successfully tested
UNIAN reported that the Armed Forces of Ukraine received 14 Varta specialized armored vehicles from Ukrainian Armor ahead of schedule.
Sources: UNIAN: Ukrainian army gets Varta armored vehicles
Defense Express interviewed Ukrainian Armor CEO Vladyslav Belbas, who said more than 200 Varta APCs had been fielded to Ukraine's Armed Forces and National Guard.
Sources: Defense Express: Ukrainian Armor CEO interview
Censor.NET, citing Ukrainian Armor, reported that a Varta carrying Ukrainian military personnel on an evacuation mission near Bakhmut survived a close artillery hit and delivered the soldiers safely.
Sources: Censor.NET: Varta withstands Bakhmut hit
Ukraine's Ministry of Defence announced that Varta-2 and UAT.GYURZA-02 had been codified and authorized for operational use within the Defence Forces of Ukraine.
Sources: Ukraine MoD: Varta-2 and UAT.GYURZA-02 authorized
Ukrainska Pravda, citing Censor.NET video, reported that a Ukrainian-made Varta carrying National Guard personnel survived several direct hits on the front line and protected its crew.
Sources: Ukrainska Pravda: Varta saves National Guard soldiers
