Textron Systems announced today the first export sale of its SCTV (Survivable Combat Tactical Vehicle) to the Ukraine. In 2015 the US Government has agreed to deliver Ukraine 200 HMMWVs from US military surplus; Some of these vehicles will be converted by Ukroboronprom into SCTV, using Textron delivered kits. Serial production of the vehicles will be done in Ukraine and Ukroboronprom will be able to export SCTV vehicles in the future, to other countries, pending a US permission. Ukraine officials foresee a viable market for such vehicles, particularly in the Middle East where they already sold locally made vehicles.

Textron has already delivered few converted HMMWVs to Colombia, which has evaluated three partly converted SCTVs, but has yet to decide on the scale and terms of the acquisition of more vehicles.

The SCTV is using an extended HMMWV chassis, new diesel motor, brakes and heavy duty suspension to carry the added weight. It is fitted with a new steel armored monocoque capsule, offering improved ballistic and blast protection, using V-shaped hull, and oblique side armor adding to the vehicle’s ballistic and roadside IED protection. Blast protected seats are also used to keep occupants protected in case of mine or IED blast under the vehicle. Removing the fuel tank and battery compartment from the crew capsule also improves survivability.

Ukrainian state-run defense company Ukroboronprom will convert the vehicles under a joint venture with the US Textron Systems. The vehicles will be delivered to the Ukrainian Army and could also be offered for export.

Textron System announced today at the International Armored Vehicles convention in London. Textron Systems is a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT)