In an era where the battlefield is rapidly evolving, few military platforms illustrate the fusion of high-tech innovation and operational versatility like the Wolf 25 AD armored vehicle from Slovak defense manufacturer DefTech. Announced recently as part of a defense package to support Ukraine, the Wolf 25 AD isn’t just another armored personnel carrier—it’s a testament to how modern warfare demands adaptable, modular, and resilient systems.
At its foundation, the Wolf is based on a permanent 4×4 drivetrain and a custom-designed V-shaped chassis, a structural choice that enhances survivability against mines and improvised explosive devices. This robust frame is paired with an independent suspension system, granting superior off-road mobility—an essential feature for operations in varied terrains.
The powertrain is built around a 6.7-liter inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, supported by a 6-speed automatic transmission. This configuration balances performance with reliability. Key mechanical features such as two-circuit disc brakes with ABS, hydro-mechanic power steering, and a manual reduction gearbox round out its design for high-mobility engagements.
With a length of 5,930 mm, a width of 2,480 mm, and a height of 2,675 mm, the Wolf provides a commanding presence. A wheelbase of 3,371 mm and a ground clearance of 415 mm contribute to its excellent off-road capability. Despite its 9,900 kg curb weight, the vehicle can carry up to 4,200 kg of additional payload. With a GVWR of 13,700 kg, it supports both mobility and firepower.
Its off-road geometry allows it to climb 45° inclines, descend 35° slopes, and handle a break-over angle of 30°. Water fording up to 1,200 mm, trench crossing up to 700 mm, and vertical obstacle climbing up to 490 mm are all within its operational capabilities. The vehicle’s performance remains stable across temperature extremes from -20°C to +65°C.
DefTech’s Wolf is modular at its core. While the base model supports up to ten personnel, the 25 AD variant transforms it into a mobile combat platform specifically tuned for counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) and direct fire support.
At the heart of the 25 AD configuration is a dual-feed 25x137mm Oerlikon KBA cannon mounted in a turret capable of deploying airburst munitions. Airburst capability significantly increases effectiveness against drones and light cover, marking it as an asset in asymmetrical warfare. The system is further enhanced by Rheinmetall’s active electronically scanned array (AESA) AAMR radar, which delivers 360° target acquisition and tracking.
Operators can tailor the weapon system by integrating MANPADS, anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), or supplementary machine guns depending on mission requirements. This modularity ensures that the Wolf 25 AD can perform in various combat roles from convoy escort to battlefield air defense.
Founded in 2014, DefTech began as a developer of unmanned aerial vehicles, emerging from a need to design systems free of dependency on commercially available, often foreign, components. The company expanded into ground-based military systems in 2018, with the Wolf and Hron armored vehicles marking its foray into terrestrial defense solutions.
DefTech is headquartered in central Slovakia’s HMC Technological Park, strategically located near the country’s highway network. It holds a suite of international certifications including ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO/IEC 27001:2013, reflecting its focus on quality, environmental management, and information security. Furthermore, its NATO NCAGE code facilitates international cooperation and procurement.
One of DefTech’s standout features is its commitment to in-house development of modular ballistic and mine protection. The Wolf is equipped with composite armor conforming to Level 4 of the STANAG 4569 AEP-55 standard, capable of withstanding 14.5x114mm armor-piercing rounds.
The armor systems are products of extensive computational modeling and empirical testing conducted in-house. This proprietary technology not only enables swift adaptation to new threats but also eliminates supply chain vulnerabilities associated with foreign suppliers.
DefTech’s competencies extend far beyond vehicle design. The company develops ultra-wideband radar systems suitable for through-wall motion detection and perimeter monitoring, crucial in both combat and law enforcement operations. These radar platforms are modular and software-defined, aligning with DefTech’s emphasis on versatility.
In the realm of secure communications, the company has built telemetry systems, data modems, and video links for UAV and robotic systems. These communication solutions perform reliably in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) environments, ensuring uninterrupted command and control during complex missions.
Their UAV systems are equipped with payloads such as LIDAR, thermal cameras, hyperspectral sensors, and stabilized by in-house developed 3-axis digital gimbals. These systems are not merely surveillance tools—they form the backbone of mission-critical intelligence gathering, disaster response, and tactical planning.
DefTech’s ambitions are backed by substantial investments in Slovakia’s defense sector. As reported by various Slovak media outlets including RTVS and SME, the company is channeling nearly €42 million into a facility in Vlkanová, near Banská Bystrica. This investment aims to expand manufacturing capabilities for armored vehicles, enhancing both domestic job creation and national defense infrastructure.
This move also signals Slovakia’s increasing footprint in the European defense landscape. While countries like Germany and France traditionally dominate, companies like DefTech are proving that innovation and high-end engineering can come from newer, smaller players as well.
The Wolf 25 AD has already seen operational use. In 2022, during Ukraine’s counteroffensive in Kherson, a limited number of Wolf vehicles were deployed by Ukrainian special forces. Reports from the field noted the platform’s reliability and effectiveness in navigating difficult terrain under fire.
Now, with the confirmed delivery of the Wolf 25 AD variant to Ukrainian forces, the vehicle is poised to play a larger role in real-world operations. According to Milan Mackovich, Head of International Business Development at DefTech, this delivery reinforces the company’s commitment to supporting allied nations facing asymmetric threats, particularly from UAVs and loitering munitions.
Ukraine’s choice to field the Wolf 25 AD also speaks to the increasing importance of modular, multi-role vehicles in modern combat, where threats shift rapidly and flexibility is a tactical asset.
DefTech’s internal R&D model is built around confidentiality and customization. The company employs specialized laboratories for RF electronics, mechatronics, and mechanical design, along with a high-capacity surface treatment plant for production.
Their teams operate across disciplines including embedded systems, mixed-signal electronics, antenna design, and signal processing. This allows for the rapid prototyping and deployment of tailor-made solutions.
Whether the mission calls for a battlefield communications suite, a radar-equipped perimeter defense system, or a UAV designed for autonomous logistics, DefTech positions itself not just as a manufacturer but as a solution architect.
The introduction of the Wolf 25 AD into Ukraine is likely to mark only the beginning of the vehicle’s story on the global stage. With growing interest in platforms that can adapt to multiple threats, be rapidly reconfigured, and withstand harsh environments, DefTech’s flagship armored vehicle is well-positioned to attract further international interest.
As modern warfare becomes increasingly decentralized and drone-centric, the importance of platforms like the Wolf—mobile, protected, and sensor-rich—will only increase. DefTech, once a niche UAV builder, has emerged as a serious player in a market where resilience and adaptability are everything.
