Skip to main content

Protecting engineering units: Ministry of Defence codifies the UAT-SPIDER armored backhoe loader

UAT-SPIDER armored backhoe loader dumping soil from its bucket in a field with a forest in the background
UAT-SPIDER armored backhoe loader reaches a top speed of nearly 40 km/h

Broad engineering capabilities, an armored cab, protected components, and straightforward controls: the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has codified and authorized the UAT-SPIDER armored backhoe loader for supply to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

It is designed to perform a wide range of engineering and logistics tasks.

UAT-SPIDER backhoe loader designed to meet the needs of engineering units

The UAT-SPIDER was manufactured by a Ukrainian defense company with many years of experience developing armored vehicles for the Defence Forces of Ukraine. Since 2022, the company’s large, medium, and small armored vehicles have successfully performed military missions to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty. 

The UAT-SPIDER armored backhoe loader was designed specifically to meet the needs of military engineering units that require this type of equipment.

Testing confirmed the UAT-SPIDER’s stated specifications and capabilities. 

It is primarily intended to prepare positions and command posts, as well as build and restore military roads. It can efficiently build temporary roads, dig trenches and pits, excavate soil, construct embankments, and perform other earthmoving and landscaping work.

UAT-SPIDER armored backhoe loader: technical and tactical specifications

The armored backhoe loader has a cab and critical components with ballistic and mine protection to STANAG 4569 Level 1.

It weighs just over 10 tons. Lifting capacity exceeds 3 tons. 

It reaches a top speed of nearly 40 km/h. 

The backhoe loader is also highly maneuverable and can operate in confined spaces and hard-to-reach areas.

UAT-SPIDER design features and armor protection

The armored UAT-SPIDER is based on one of the most reliable and efficient foreign-made multipurpose backhoe loaders. 

Its features include:

  • maintainability of its systems and components;
  • long service life;
  • an intuitive control system;
  • availability of spare parts and consumables;
  • high technical and tactical performance;
  • broad engineering capabilities;
  • ease of maintenance.

The UAT-SPIDER can travel independently without a transport trailer.

As previously reported, the Ministry of Defence codified and authorized for operational use in the Armed Forces of Ukraine the reconnaissance-and-strike UGV Zmiy Mini Strike (Udarnyi).

Read next

Frontline units test new robotic turrets armed with assault rifles

Tags