GAZ Tigr
- Geography: Russia
General Overview
Developed by the Military Industrial Company (part of GAZ Group), the GAZ Tigr (Tiger) began production in 2004, following its initial unveiling in 2001. Officially adopted by the Russian Army in 2006, the Tigr serves key roles in patrol, reconnaissance, and internal security missions.
Quick Facts at a Glance
- Engine: Cummins (180–215 hp) or YaMZ (215 hp)
- Speed/Range: Up to 140 km/h; up to 1,000 km
- Crew: 2 + 8–9 troops
- Armor: 5–7 mm steel (STANAG equivalent)
- Payload: Personnel or weapons modules
- Operators: Russia, China, Armenia, Mongolia, Uruguay, etc.
Technical Specifications
Protection & Structure
Armored variants like the SPM-1 and SPM-2 offer steel armor ranging from 5 mm to 7 mm, providing resistance to small arms fire and fragments.
Engine & Mobility
Powered by a Cummins diesel engine (180–215 hp) or YaMZ-5347-10 (215 hp), paired with a 5-speed manual or Allison automatic transmission. Features include independent torsion-bar suspension, differential locks, CTIS, and up to 1,000 km range with road speeds up to 140 km/h.
Crew & Capacity
Accommodates 2 crew plus 8 to 9 passengers, depending on the variant.
Dimensions & Performance
Length: ~5.7 m; Width/Height: ~2.4 m. Curb weight around 7.2 tonnes. Capable of fording up to 1.2 m, operating in extreme temperatures (–45 to +50 °C), and climbing slopes up to 52°.
Armament
Typically equipped with a 7.62 mm PKP machine gun or 30 mm AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher, plus optional CBRN systems, night vision, and mission modules.
Operators & Deployment History
Russian Deployment
Widely used across the Russian Armed Forces and Ministry of Internal Affairs—for frontline, security, and rapid reaction tasks.
Exports & Foreign Users
Exported to countries including China (assembly under license as YJ2080/81), Armenia, Mongolia, Uruguay, Nicaragua, Guinea, and others. Also deployed in Crimea, Syria, and Ukraine.
Variants & Upgrades
The Tigr-M (VPK-233114) adds enhanced armor, NBC protection, and new engines aligned with export needs.
Combat Use
Proven in Syria, Ukraine, and internal Russian security operations. Its adaptability and reliability made it a backbone of modern Russian light armored mobility.
The GAZ Tigr armored vehicle is a prominent example of modern Russian light-armored mobility. From its high-speed maneuverability and rugged build to its export success and combat deployment, it remains a key asset in capable, multi-role military vehicle systems.
FAQ
A Russian 4×4 multipurpose, all-terrain infantry mobility vehicle developed by GAZ and MIC—serving since 2006.
Typically accommodates 2 crew plus 8–9 passengers.
Used by Russia and exported to countries like China, Armenia, Mongolia, Uruguay, Nicaragua, Guinea, and deployed in Syria and Ukraine.
Engine 180–215 hp, 140 km/h top speed, 1,000 km range, crew 2+9, steel armor 5–7 mm, off-road rated.
Yes—the Tigr-M features enhanced armor, NBC protection, improved engines, and higher survivability.
| Information | Details |
| Project Type | Light Utility Armored Vehicle / 4×4 Infantry Mobility Vehicle |
| Developer | Military Industrial Company (GAZ Group, Russia) |
| Operators | Russia, China, Armenia, Mongolia, Uruguay, Nicaragua, Guinea, others |
| Crew | 2 crew + 8–9 passengers |
| Troop Capacity | 8–9 soldiers |
| Maximum Speed | 140 km/h |
| Weight | ~7.2 t |
| Dimensions | Length: ~5.7 m; Width/Height: ~2.4 m |
| Engine | Cummins diesel (180–215 hp) or YaMZ-5347-10 (215 hp) |
| Horsepower | 180–215 hp |
| Transmission / Suspension | 5-speed manual or Allison automatic; independent torsion-bar suspension, differential locks, CTIS |
| Operational Range | Up to 1,000 km |
| Amphibious Capabilities | No (fording up to 1.2 m) |
| Armor / Protection | 5–7 mm steel armor; resistant to small arms fire and fragments |
| Armament | 7.62 mm PKP MG, 30 mm AGS-17 grenade launcher; optional CBRN systems and mission modules |
| Features | CTIS, night vision, slope climbing up to 52°, operates –45 to +50 °C, multiple variants (SPM-1, SPM-2, Tigr-M) |
| User Countries | Russia, China, Armenia, Mongolia, Uruguay, Nicaragua, Guinea, others |