Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has recently granted approval for the Djura 4×4 light armored vehicle to be utilized in military medical evacuation operations. Developed by the domestic automotive company Practika, the Djura was first introduced to the market in July 2024. This vehicle has been designed specifically to meet the urgent needs of the Ukrainian armed forces in transporting wounded soldiers, particularly in the challenging context of ongoing conflict.
The Djura is engineered to provide enhanced performance and safety, featuring reinforced front and rear suspension systems, improved brake grip, and additional protective measures on its external hull. These modifications aim to ensure the vehicle can withstand the rigors of the battlefield while offering reliable transportation for medical personnel and patients alike.
Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Valery Churkin emphasized the importance of the Djura in current military operations, noting that casualties from conflict often place medical evacuation teams in perilous situations. “In a war with a Russian aggressor, when the enemy does not adhere to any conventions and employs various means of destruction against medics and their transport, the evacuation of a wounded soldier is often a difficult and dangerous task,” Churkin stated. He pointed out that the choice of evacuation vehicle significantly influences the success of such operations, highlighting the need for high running characteristics, suitable ballistic protection, and countermeasures against threats like enemy unmanned aerial vehicles.
The Djura is based on the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Series design and comes in various configurations, including metal body, truck bed, tilt body, and trailer variants. It measures 5.4 meters (approximately 18 feet) in length and has a weight of around 5,000 kilograms (around 11,023 pounds). The vehicle is equipped with Standard 1 NATO armor, offering protection against small arms fire and blast threats from hand grenades, and can accommodate up to four personnel.
For its role in medical evacuation, the Djura can be modified to accommodate up to six individuals and is equipped with advanced features such as an automatic stretcher loading system, specialized air conditioning, video surveillance, and other necessary medical equipment. The vehicle’s two engine options, either 2.8 or 5.5 liters, provide up to 220 horsepower, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour (75 miles per hour) with a range of 1,300 kilometers (2,092 miles), making it a versatile asset in the field.
