Another restored KrAZ vehicle has been transferred to the National Guard, this is the second important exam for KrAZ during this week.  This time that was an acceptance of the KrAZ Cougar armored vehicle, which went to Novye Petrovtsy, its registration place, after thorough inspection by technical adjutant and driver.

After signing Acceptance Report the officer told that the vehicle had been damaged in the combat zone in the east of the country. When coming back after mission the crew came under heavy fire and tried to escape. To avoid collision with civil vehicle driving in the oncoming lane and numerous shell pits it ran into a big stone. The vehicle skidded sideways and overturned several times. The vehicle was seriously damaged but four crew members escaped unscathed. 

Repair of the KrAZ Cougar vehicle was a painstaking job. Workers replaced windshield, steering gear, restored rear wheel rims, winch control unit body, headlamp and direction indicator guards, front suspension and stabilizing shock absorbers, etc.

According to those who accepted the vehicle it is as new. The military thanked Kremenchug Automobile Plant workers for giving a new lease of life to their reliable workhorse. The officer said that this armored vehicle is used for carrying and not for combat tasks. The KrAZ Cougar vehicle tackles its job. The officer does not understand complaints about Cougar combat characteristics, this is not APC or tank.

“We do not use it as personnel carrier. What is more, our drivers are contract officers with 8-10 years driving experience, therefore failures caused by lack of experience or poor driving skills are impossible”.

According to him urgent issues are supplies of spare parts and tear and wear parts that must be available in required numbers at warehouses of military units. Unfortunately, it takes much precious time to wait for delivery of necessary items due to lack of funds. APCs that failed a year ago are still out of service because of lack of necessary spare parts instead of being in use in the frontline.

He said goodbye and thanked for good feedback and helpfulness of KrAZ technicians ready to improve or reinforce any unit at any request.

Good luck, guys. KrAZ is with you in service the people of Ukraine.