Norway’s government has announced the donation of approximately 50 M548 tracked transporters to Ukraine, according to a statement from the Norwegian Ministry of Defense on September 19th. These M548 transporters, currently stored in Norwegian military depots, will undergo thorough maintenance before being transferred to Ukraine, ready for use in military logistics operations.
M548 NM199 tracked transporter donated by Norway to Ukraine, showcasing its off-road capabilities
Norwegian Minister of Defense Bjorn Arild Gram emphasized that the M548 transporter has superior mobility on terrains that are difficult for conventional wheeled trucks to access. This makes the M548 an ideal vehicle for transporting ammunition, food, water, and other essential supplies to Ukrainian military forces, especially on the front lines.
What is the M548 Transporter?
The M548 is a tracked transporter developed by the United States from the 1960s, based on the chassis of the M113 armored personnel carrier. The initial purpose of the M548 was to meet the diverse transportation needs of the US military in a variety of complex terrains. The M548 tracked transporter version that Norway is donating to Ukraine is designated as the NM199.
Technical Specifications and Operational Capabilities of the M548 Transporter
The M548 transporter has a payload of up to 5.4 tons, and can carry up to 4 people in the cabin along with a spacious cargo area in the rear. For self-defense, the M548 is also equipped with a 12.7mm machine gun mounted on the cabin roof. In terms of operational capabilities, the vehicle can reach a maximum speed of 61 km/h and a range of up to 480 km. These specifications show that the M548 transporter is not only powerful in terms of payload but also flexible in movement, suitable for many different tasks on the battlefield.
M548 Transporter Aid – Continuing Norway’s Military Support for Ukraine
Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022, Norway has continuously provided Ukraine with many important types of military equipment. Previously, Norway donated the advanced NASAMS air defense system and became one of the first countries to pledge to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. The provision of M548 transporters this time continues to affirm Norway’s strong and comprehensive support for Ukraine in the current context.
The donation of M548 transporters is considered a practical step, significantly enhancing the logistics and supply capabilities of the Ukrainian military, especially in challenging battlefield conditions.
