The Netherlands has sent 28 Bandvagn S10 “Viking” tracked amphibious armored vehicles to the Ukrainian Armed Forces to support their defense against Russia’s continuing invasion. Revealed by Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans, the package includes technical maintenance, associated equipment, and training services. Ukraine’s upcoming fleet was used by the Netherlands Marine Corps for personnel and medical transport across austere environments. Amsterdam noted that the platforms can also be deployed as command vehicles or mobile fire support. The Dutch Ministry of Defence wrote in a press release that the Viking can operate in diverse weather conditions and is armored for protection against enemy fire.
Following the donation to Ukraine, the Dutch Marine Corps’ Viking systems will be replaced by the incoming 124 tracked vehicles planned in 2020 as well as 179 small all-terrain patrol vehicles announced in 2021. Distribution of the tracked fleet is scheduled from 2024 to 2027, while the patrol systems are expected to arrive from next year until 2028. The Viking, originally introduced by BAE Systems Hägglunds for the British Royal Marines, has also served under other armed forces, including those of Sweden, the UK, Austria, France, Germany, and the US.
BAE’s Viking vehicle measures 8 meters long and weighs about 5 tons. It can accommodate up to 12 passengers and is covered with NATO standard armor. The vehicle is equipped with a Cummins six-cylinder diesel engine and an Allison six-speed automatic transmission for a top speed of 70 kilometers per hour and a range of 500 kilometers. The Viking can carry various weapons, including machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, mortars, and smoke grenades.
