Armenian buggy on Chinese wheels Risk and opportunity assessment

Recently, it was revealed that Armenia has begun assembling buggies for small tactical special forces groups. Given the ongoing rearmament of the Armenian army, this project has caught our attention, as these buggies are intended for carrying out specific military tasks. We decided to take a closer look at it, considering all the available facts and characteristics.  

AM Technologies buggy project: current insights

The production of the buggies is carried out by AM Technologies, which is part of WOLVERINE E.A.D.G LLC and is funded by the Armenian government. The main goal of the buggies is to provide mobility for small tactical special forces groups, which is particularly important for conducting rapid maneuvers, reconnaissance, and evacuating the wounded.

However, at this stage, the project raises serious concerns for several reasons:  

1. Lack of clear technical specifications: 

- The promotional video presented on YouTube lacks information about the powertrain, chassis, off-road tires, payload capacity, and maximum speed of the buggy. These parameters are crucial for a vehicle designed for military tasks. 

- The markings on the machines and laser-cut metal suggest that a significant portion of the buggy's components are manufactured in China. It is likely that these are civilian UTV models, which are then modified in Armenia for military purposes. 

2.  Insufficient military adaptation:

- At the time of the demonstration, the buggy from AM Technologies was not equipped with any weapons. However, the design includes a round platform on the frame in front of the cargo area, which could potentially allow for the installation of a machine gun, automatic grenade launcher, or anti-tank guided missile system (ATGM). 

- Another significant drawback is the lack of mounts for stretchers and other equipment needed for evacuating the wounded. This severely limits the buggy's effectiveness, especially in operations where rapid casualty evacuation is required.  

3. Chinese components: 

- It is assumed that Armenian buggies will be based on Chinese UTV models with a 400 CC engine, capable of reaching speeds of up to 75 km/h. The cost of these models ranges from $4,000 to $6,000, depending on the configuration. However, despite their relative affordability, these models may not meet the demands of combat operations due to insufficient durability and power. 

- It is likely that the Chinese manufacturer is unaware of the military application of their products, which adds additional risks related to the reliability and combat capabilities of the buggies. 

4. Lack of transparency in the project:

- A significant issue is the lack of information on the exact specifications of the buggies, which may indicate that the project is still in the development stage. The buggies may be rushed for demonstration purposes to secure government funding and mandatory procurement by the Armenian Ministry of Defence.

- The project might primarily serve the commercial interests of the WOLVERINE E.A.D.G LLC company rather than the actual needs of the army, which undermines trust in its prospects.  

Comparison with analogues and military prospects 

Buggies are a crucial component of modern military equipment, especially for special forces units. In the Azerbaijani army, such vehicles have proven to be reliable and versatile machines capable of performing a wide range of tasks, from transportation to fire support.

When comparing the Armenian buggy to its counterparts, several key shortcomings stand out:

- Weak engine: The 400 CC engine and maximum speed of 75 km/h are inadequate for a vehicle intended for combat operations, particularly in challenging terrain conditions.

- Lack of built-in weaponry: Currently, the Armenian version of the buggy is not equipped with weapons, although the design includes a provision for their installation. This temporary lack of armament significantly reduces the buggy's combat capabilities and limits its use in active combat operations until the necessary weaponry is installed. 

- Insufficient evacuation capabilities: The absence of mounts for stretchers and other equipment for evacuating the wounded severely limits the buggy’s effectiveness in real combat situations, where rapid casualty evacuation is crucial. This restricts its use in military tasks where, alongside maneuverability, the ability to provide quick assistance to the injured is important. 

Conclusions  

The AM Technologies military buggy project, in its current state, appears raw and inadequately developed. The use of Chinese civilian components, lack of key technical specifications, and unpreparedness for military tasks render the buggy ineffective for combat operations. At this stage, the project seems more like an attempt to secure government funding rather than a serious initiative to enhance the army's combat capabilities. If future developments do not address these shortcomings, the AM Technologies buggy is unlikely to compete with similar models used by other armies and may remain merely a symbolic step in the rearmament process.