An unarmored variant of the Strela SUV, developed for demanding road and field conditions, was presented at the Army-2022 forum. The program is led by the Military Industrial Company, known as VPK, which last year introduced the first armored army variant and signaled a broader push to extend the Strela family for a wider set of mission profiles.
Canadian and American readers will notice that the second Strela model moves away from using the modified cabin of the GAZelle Next that underpinned the initial version. The civilian body style represents a fresh design, clearly distinct from earlier iterations. Yet the project maintains a core connection to the GAZ Sobol NN 4×4 family by sharing essential components and assemblies. This practical approach aims to streamline production and maintenance while expanding the platform’s versatility. The unification of common parts across configurations helps preserve a unique exterior identity for the civilian variant while enabling cross-configuration compatibility.
With the shift into the new Sable lineage, Strela adopts an independent front suspension with forged wishbones and a rear suspension based on a traditional leaf setup. The drivetrain and power delivery are part of the modernization package, featuring two engine options designed to meet different reliability and efficiency needs. The Cummins ISF 2.8-liter engine, familiar from the GAZelle lineup, is joined by a Sino-Russian YaMZ-Foton turbo diesel. Engine output is planned to range from 157 to 200 horsepower, balancing on-road performance with robust off-road capability. The transmission is a five-speed manual paired with a plug-in four-wheel drive system, reinforcing Strela’s ability to handle tough terrains and sudden loads in field conditions.
The chassis geometry partially echoes the Sable NN 4×4, while the frame maintains its own distinctive layout. Overall dimensions describe a vehicle suited to practical transport duties: a length of 5200 millimeters, a width of 2550 millimeters, and a height of 2400 millimeters. The wheelbase reaches 2700 millimeters, with a ground clearance of 270 millimeters supporting off-road mobility, cargo handling, and stability on rough roads. These measurements indicate a design that balances interior space, payload capacity, and maneuverability for varied operation theaters.
- Testing of Strela has already validated handling and performance in realistic driving scenarios.
- Test footage and firsthand impressions from driving evaluations are available for viewers to review.
The Strela program appears positioned to meet evolving requirements in both civil and defense-oriented contexts. The unarmored version emphasizes a practical transport role, civilian appeal, and the potential for rapid upgrades to protective features if market demand or security considerations warrant such evolution. The ongoing development signals a broader strategy to leverage common mechanics and proven subsystems across multiple variants, reducing development time and keeping the Strela family aligned with current automotive and defense engineering trends. As the project progresses, observers will look for updates on payload capacity, fuel efficiency, and the performance range of the two engine options under real-world conditions.