Ukraine begins assembling first prototype of homegrown Pegas infantry fighting vehicle – photos
The Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau has unveiled its project for the 35-tonne Pegas infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) for the first time.
Source: Ukrainska Pravda journalist at the MSPO 2026 defence exhibition in Poland
Details: The Kharkiv-based design bureau began developing the combat vehicle on its own initiative in 2024 and is currently assembling its first prototype.
"The Pegas is currently at the development and prototype production stage. The first prototype is already half assembled. Our problem is that it is being developed with our own funds – the state is not financing this project," representatives of the state-owned company said.
The developers have not disclosed the vehicle's expected price but anticipate that it will be several times cheaper than Western equivalents such as the KF41 Lynx, which has an export price of €12 million.
The Pegas is designed to transport infantry and provide direct support on the battlefield. It is intended to replace ageing Soviet BMP-1 and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles.
The vehicle has a mid-engine layout, with the crew positioned at the front and the troop compartment at the rear.
The 35-tonne tracked vehicle features a heavy armour package. Its hull provides all-round Level 4 protection, reinforced to Level 6 across the frontal arc under the STANAG 4569 standard.
The IFV is designed to protect its crew against all-round fire from 14.5 mm heavy machine guns and frontal hits from 30 mm armour-piercing rounds fired by automatic cannon. The hull also features mine protection and an anti-fragmentation liner.
The developers also claim protection against unspecified anti-tank shaped-charge munitions, as well as the integration of electronic warfare systems to counter attack drones.
The model presented at the exhibition is armed with a BM-7 Parus combat module, but the first prototype will feature the new BM-11 Topaz module. It is equipped with a 30 mm ZTM-1-01 automatic cannon, as well as two coaxial 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm machine guns. The module also features a 40 mm KBA.419 automatic grenade launcher and an anti-tank guided missile system with two launch rails.
Background: Earlier reports indicated that Ukrainian Armor had unveiled two new armoured vehicles at the exhibition in Poland: the lightly armoured Saihak-1 and the Varta 3 MRAP.
Your support on Patreon helps us keep the news free and accessible.