Ukrainian military forces are set to receive a significant shipment of British CVR(T) armored vehicles from Lithuania, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defense. These vehicles are known for their agility and versatility in various combat scenarios.
The Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked), or CVR(T), is a series of lightweight armored vehicles designed in the UK. Their notable feature is a lightweight aluminum alloy construction, which contributes to their high maneuverability and low ground pressure.
The CVR(T) family includes seven main variants, all starting with the letter ‘S’:
- FV101 Scorpion – a reconnaissance tank equipped with a 76-mm L23A1 cannon;
- FV107 Scimitar – a combat reconnaissance vehicle featuring a 30-mm RARDEN automatic cannon and a 7.62 mm machine gun;
- FV103 Spartan – an armored personnel carrier with a 7.62 mm machine gun;
- FV105 Sultan – a command and control vehicle;
- FV104 Samaritan – a medical evacuation vehicle;
- FV106 Samson – a repair and recovery vehicle;
- FV102 Striker – an anti-tank vehicle armed with the Swingfire missile system.
Despite their diverse roles, all seven variants share a common platform with standardized components, facilitating maintenance and crew training.
In the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the FV103 Spartan, FV104 Samaritan, and FV107 Scimitar Mk2 models are currently in use.
The FV103 Spartan, in its basic configuration, weighs approximately 8,170 kg, which can increase to 10,600 kg in modern variants with additional armor. Its maximum combat speed generally does not exceed 75 km/h to preserve the lifespan of its components, while it has a range of 510 km and can navigate slopes of up to 60%. The vehicle is designed to carry seven personnel and is armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun.
The FV107 Scimitar Mk2 represents a significant upgrade from the original Scimitar model. Built on the wider and sturdier Spartan chassis, its combat weight has increased to about 12,250 kg. Enhanced protection features include ceramic armor over the aluminum body and anti-mine seating for the crew. While the armament remains unchanged with a 30-mm L21 RARDEN cannon and a paired 7.62 mm machine gun, the vehicle’s electronics, communication systems, and targeting equipment have been fully modernized. Its maximum speed is around 80 km/h, with a range of up to 500 km.
The FV104 Samaritan is an unarmed armored medical vehicle designed for casualty evacuation directly from the battlefield. Its interior is modified for medical use, allowing it to accommodate up to four lying patients or five to six seated individuals. The crew typically consists of two members—a driver and a medic—freeing up more space in the patient compartment. The vehicle weighs approximately 8,700 kg, has a maximum speed of up to 72 km/h, and a range of about 480 to 500 km. Its low profile and tracked design enable effective operation in off-road conditions.
Ukraine is enhancing its military capabilities with the acquisition of CVR(T) armored vehicles from Lithuania. These versatile vehicles, known for their agility and various configurations, will support the Ukrainian Armed Forces in operational scenarios.