A fresh variant of the Strela SUV from the Russian military-industrial sector was unveiled at the Army-2022 forum. Information about the reveal was shared by the Telegram channel Militarist. The project is attributed to Military Industrial Company LLC, known as VPK. The company emphasized that the new model is designed to serve both military and civilian economies, presenting a roadmap for a vehicle that can adapt to diverse operational needs on the ground.
Compared to its predecessor, which relied on a GAZelle Next base, the new Strela adopts an entirely redesigned silhouette. The bodywork is independent and purpose-built, signaling a shift toward specialized automotive engineering rather than a straightforward derivative of a commercial platform. Measurements show a length of 5200 millimeters, a width of 2550 millimeters, and a height of 2400 millimeters, with a ground clearance of 270 millimeters. These dimensions underscore a balance between off-road capability and practical on-road performance, making it suitable for rough terrain as well as urban environments.
Under the hood, the Strela can be fitted with either a 2.8-liter Cummins ISF engine or a Foton turbodiesel. Power output ranges from 157 to 200 horsepower, depending on the chosen configuration. The drivetrain is described as a manual transmission setup, reinforcing durability and straightforward maintenance in harsh operating conditions. The vehicle is described as complete with the essential components for immediate operation, aligning with the dual-use concept that aims to bridge military logistics and civilian infrastructure requirements.
In parallel industry news, there were reports about BYD planning to introduce a premium SUV with an undisclosed name. The timeline suggested by those reports pointed to a production start in the first half of 2023, indicating a broader push by various manufacturers toward premium utility models in addition to rugged military-adjacent designs. This context helps illustrate a broader market movement toward multipurpose crossovers that can perform in both government and commercial segments. [Source: Militarist Telegram]