Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense Codifies the New OWL-APC Armored Personnel Carrier

MAC HUB has presented its new OWL-APC armored personnel carrier. The APC incorporates a range of design solutions that significantly improve the vehicle’s survivability, enhance crew protection, and expand its operational capabilities.

The key feature of the new OWL-APC is its completely redesigned monocoque hull with a full V-shaped bottom, which meets the STANAG 4569 Level 4a/4b requirements for mine protection. Thanks to this design, the blast energy from a mine explosion beneath the center of the vehicle is redirected to the sides, minimizing the load on the central section of the hull. This engineering solution significantly reduces the impact of the shock wave on the crew and dismounted personnel.

In addition, the hull structure itself has been reinforced. In particular, the roof has been upgraded, allowing the installation of combat modules with weapons up to 30 mm in caliber. The OWL-APC is equipped with a combat module featuring 14.5 mm and 7.62 mm machine guns. The vehicle also has a modular troop compartment that can be converted into a medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) configuration within several hours, depending on mission requirements.

Special attention has been paid to protecting the crew from fragmentation. The OWL-APC features a new composite anti-fragmentation liner, which, combined with the vehicle’s 16 mm main armor, provides protection against the effects of a 155 mm high-explosive fragmentation projectile detonating at a distance of 25 meters around the entire perimeter of the vehicle.

OWL-APC Armored Personnel Carrier / Photo by MAC HUB

In spring 2026, the MAC OWL vehicle received codification from Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense as a combat armored vehicle. The company has now introduced its new modification — the OWL-APC. The key difference between the two models is that the OWL-APC provides enhanced protection and is equipped with the “Tavria 14.5/7.62” combat module. The module features two machine guns — a 14.5 mm KPVT and a 7.62 mm PKT — as well as a remote control system. Thanks to this system, the “Tavria 14.5/7.62” can acquire and track targets while the vehicle is moving.

“We decided to create a full-fledged armored personnel carrier because modern warfare is constantly evolving and creates new requirements for armored vehicles. Today, it is no longer enough to simply provide mobility or a basic level of protection. A vehicle must ensure maximum crew survivability, be adaptable to various operational scenarios, and integrate modern technologies. These principles formed the foundation of the OWL-APC development,” said the project’s chief designer.

According to him, the improvement of combat vehicles will continue, as warfare is constantly changing, along with the requirements and needs of military personnel. For example, the OWL-APC is equipped with a 360° VR panoramic vision system with night vision capability. It allows the driver to monitor the surroundings of the vehicle in real time without leaving the armored hull. The MAC OWL version did not previously feature such a solution.