u/No-Reception8659

Ukrainian company UkrArmoTech has begun factory trials of a new tracked armored personnel carrier (APC) known as the "Skif".The vehicle is part of Ukraine’s ongoing effort to develop domestically produced armored platforms based on operational experience gained during the war.During the conflict,Ukrainian forces have operated a large number of M113-type tracked APCs supplied in various configurations.The M113 platform has demonstrated reliability,ease of maintenance and adequate mobility,despite its age and vulnerability to drones.Based on these observations,the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine established requirements for a new domestic APC that would improve on protection and firepower while maintaining similar mobility characteristics.The "Skif" APC was developed in response to these requirements.It incorporates a range of components and systems sourced from international manufacturers involved in armored vehicle production,including those associated with M113-derived platforms.The vehicle is designed for troop transport and fire support in a variety of operational environments. It accommodates a crew of three (driver,commander and weapons operator) and can carry up to eight dismounted troops.Access is provided through a rear ramp and the platform is designed to support multiple variants.

Key specifications:

1.Weight: up to 15 tons (aluminum hull)

2.Engine: 360 hp diesel

3.Crew: 3

4.Troop capacity: 8

5.Ballistic protection:

•STANAG 4569 Level 4 (front)

•Level 3 (sides and rear)

•Mine protection: Level 3a/3b (up to 6 kg under track or hull)

6.Armament options:

•12.7 mm machine gun

•14.5 mm machine gun with 7.62 mm coaxial

The purpose of the factory trials is to evaluate the platform’s design,mobility and overall performance.Testing will include maximum load conditions and dynamic trials of key components.

Lahiru Kavinda,a Sri Lankan national known by the callsign "Gelo",originally from Mawathagama and associated with Kurunegala,has reportedly died during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.Kavinda left Sri Lanka in 2023 after being involved in political unrest in the country in 2022.He later joined the International Legion in Ukraine in October 2023.Reports indicate that he underwent military training and later served in a Ukrainian Armed Forces unit as a Chief Sergeant and squad commander in a counter-sabotage company from June 2025.He is reported to have been killed in the Sumy region while carrying out a combat-related mission on April 3.According to available information, arrangements were made for his burial in Ukraine’s Volyn region,in the town of Mlyniv,in accordance with his personal wishes and with the agreement of his family.He is expected to be buried in a local cemetery alongside another Sri Lankan volunteer soldier (Ranish Hewage;callsign Dentist) who had previously died in the conflict.A memorial service was also reportedly held in Sri Lanka in accordance with Buddhist traditions.May you attain Nirvana and peace.

📸 Vladvitty (alamy)

I’ve come across a lot of mixed opinions about the XM7 rifle.Some praise it,others point out potential issues.What I’m really interested in is how it will actually perform in real battlefield conditions.Will it face the same kind of practical drawbacks that became apparent with the 1st gen AK-12s once it saw combat? And if any shortcomings do emerge,what kind of upgrades or improvements could realistically be expected in future iterations?