Accident involving Hägglunds Carrier in Ivalo leads to investigation

On Wednesday morning in Ivalo, an accident involved a Swedish-manufactured Hägglunds Carrier BV 206 D6N/230+150+230 tracked vehicle. This vehicle is widely utilized in training for military personnel as well as by the Border Guard. The designation “BV” stands for “Bandvagn,” which has led to it being colloquially referred to as “Bankku.” The BV 206 is designed to transport personnel and equipment in challenging conditions, such as deep snow or swampy terrain. Although it has a total weight of 6,540 kilograms, its broad tracks allow it to navigate soft ground effectively.

The vehicle consists of a cockpit module and a cargo area, accommodating the driver and up to five additional passengers in the cockpit. The cargo space can hold a variety of equipment and technology, including communication devices, with room for up to 11 personnel designated for transportation. Track vehicles like this are commonly seen near military installations.

During marches, the hatch of the cockpit is frequently open, with a 12.7 ITKK 96 anti-aircraft rifle mounted on the roof for use by a designated shooter who monitors potential aerial threats. The BV 206 is powered by a six-cylinder, three-liter diesel engine. While exact fuel consumption figures are not disclosed, it could reach up to one liter per kilometer in difficult terrains.

The vehicle lacks armor, meaning it does not provide protection against weapon effects, necessitating careful consideration of its operational contexts to ensure personnel can exit quickly and seek safety if needed. There is also an armored variant known as the Bandvagn BvS10, which has been donated by the Netherlands to Ukraine, where several units have been destroyed by Russian forces in the ongoing conflict.