“Protection’ vehicles like the Rexvani Tank might look amazing, but many of those who need armoured transport also need to be reasonably invisible.
Introducing Toronto-based vehicle fortification specialist INKAS Armored Vehicles.
The INKAS INEOS Grenadier 4×4 doesn’t look very different from the normal, non-armoured version, and that’s the point.
Under the stock exterior, it conceals a host of noteworthy features that transform it into something of a mobile safe room. Riding on 18” steel wheels shod in INKAS’ own proprietary Run Flat tires, this European-built, Canadian-modified rig features multi-layer ballistic glass, an advanced 360° perimeter protection setup, battery and engine computer armour, fuel tank protection, an overlap door system with reinforced hinges and travel retainers.
INKAS has also fitted Ineos’ SUV model with an advanced anti-theft alarm and immobilizer, a front and rear park assist system, a rear-view camera, and power heated exterior mirrors.
The modifications and upgrades enable the Grenadier to achieve a BR6 armour rating, meaning it can withstand everything from hand grenades to 7.62mm rounds.
The Canadian company offers customers numerous optional upgrades to further fortify the vehicle.
This includes full engine bay armouring, an engine fire suppression system, exhaust and radiator protection units, a roof escape hatch, reinforced bumpers, an air filtration system, LED strobe lights, a siren and PA system, onboard night vision camera, and a CCTV system complete with 360° cameras. There is also a full black-out visual package.
The armoured Grenadier maintains the regular 4WD’s impressive stock go-anywhere capabilities and off-road-focused hardware: full box-sectioned ladder frame, skid plates, LED auxiliary lights, Carraro beam axles, heavy-duty coil suspension, roof rails, roof protection strips, towing eyes, a full-size spare wheel, and permanent four-wheel drive. That includes 280mm of ground clearance and approach, break-over, and departure angles of 35.5°, 28.2°, and 36.1°, respectively.
There are a number of armoured vehicles on New Zealand roads, though auto importers are understandably reluctant to provide exact details.
New Zealand Police have several unmarked Toyota Land Cruisers fitted with ballistic protection for use when heads of state visit.
The vehicles have been fitted with ballistic – bullet proof and blast resistant – armour to provide specialist Police with greater protection when they are deployed to major national security events or high-risk firearms incidents. They have been operational since late 2019.
The Government also has at least one BMW armoured vehicle on its fleet.
Demand for armoured vehicles around the world is increasing. An estimated 200,000 to 300,000 armoured vehicles circulate on streets worldwide, with Brazil leading with the highest per capita number in the world. Sao Paolo alone currently receives 800 armoured vehicles a month.
