A US Army light tactical vehicle, reportedly never mentioned in official aid packages, has been spotted among Ukrainian armed forces.
Originally developed by Flyer Defense for the US military’s Ultra Light Combat Vehicle program and used by US Special Operations Forces, the Flyer 72-LD ground vehicle appeared in an official video shared by Ukraine’s 6th Ranger Regiment.
Several media outlets speculated that it was part of a classified equipment transfer to Kyiv, as the vehicle is designed for irregular warfare and covert operations.
According to United24 Media, it is not widely used even among NATO forces.
The total number in service with Ukrainian forces, along with details of its delivery, remains undisclosed.
Flyer 72-LD
The Flyer 72-LD measures 194 inches (4.9 meters) in length and 72 inches (1.8 meters) in width, with an adjustable height.
Depending on the configuration, it can accommodate around 20 personnel, including stretchers for wounded soldiers.
Weighing 5,000 pounds (2,267 kilograms) and capable of carrying a payload equal to its own weight, the Flyer 72-LD can be transported by UH-60 Black Hawk, CH-47 Chinook, and CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters.
It can also reportedly be carried by the Soviet-era Mi-8 helicopter, which Kyiv uses to resupply forces in its conflict with Russia, though significant specialized training is required.
Its lightweight design, combined with the ability to operate in rugged terrain at speeds of up to 75 miles (120 kilometers) per hour, makes it suitable for rapid deployment.
Previously Classified Equipment
This would not be the first time the US has secretly delivered defense equipment to Ukraine.
During the later years of the war, Washington’s transfer of long-range ATACMS to Kyiv was initially kept under wraps before US State Department spokesman Vedant Patel confirmed it in April 2024.
Also in 2024, Shield AI covertly sent a small batch of V-BAT drones to be tested for combat use in Ukraine, and announced in January 2025 that Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces had begun operating the systems.