Russian forces have seized a Turkish-made Kirpi-II armored vehicle in the Kursk region following the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the city of Sudzha.
This retreat was prompted by Russian assaults that disrupted vital supply lines and destroyed bridges on key routes to the city, complicating the evacuation of some Ukrainian equipment.
On March 17, Ukrainian officials confirmed their loss of control over Sudzha but emphasized that Ukrainian forces were not encircled, aiming to clarify conflicting reports about their operational status in the area.
It was previously understood that Ukraine had only received the initial version of the Kirpi Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles from Turkey. However, recent reports indicate that Turkey has supplied Ukraine with approximately 500 units of the first-generation Kirpi-I and an additional 180 units of the more advanced Kirpi-II model.
The Kirpi-II is an upgraded version that offers enhanced protection, improved maneuverability, and advanced technological features designed to boost survivability in combat. It is characterized by its monocoque armored cabin, which includes specialized armored windshields, shock-absorbing seats, a weapon station, and an emergency exit hatch. The vehicle is powered by an 8.9-liter, 375hp Cummins ISL9E3 turbo diesel engine and can transport 13 personnel, including a three-member crew (driver, commander, and gunner).
Weighing 19,050 kg when empty and 20,825 kg in combat configuration, the Kirpi-II complies with STANAG 4569 level 4 mine protection and level 3 ballistic protection standards, enhanced by a spall liner. It can traverse water up to 80 cm deep (with an optional upgrade to 120 cm), manage 30° side slopes and 60% gradients, and measures 7.375 m in length, 2.865 m in width, and 3.81 m in height, achieving a maximum speed of 100 km/h and a range of 750 km.
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