At MSPO 2025 in Kielce, Poland, MISTA Sp. z o.o. revealed an upgraded version of its Oncilla 4×4 armored personnel carrier, highlighting a key step in modern land warfare. Amid evolving threats in Ukraine and Eastern Europe, this upgrade transforms a light armored platform into a versatile multi-role vehicle. With improved firepower, electronic warfare capabilities, and physical counter-drone measures, the Oncilla merges mobility with survivability. Its integration into Ukrainian forces aims to address frontline operational requirements.
A central feature of the upgrade is the NK 14.5/7.62 remote-controlled weapon station. Equipped with a 14.5 mm KPBT heavy machine gun and a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun, it balances anti-armor and anti-personnel firepower. 81 mm grenade launchers extend tactical flexibility, providing smoke screens and close-range defensive options even while on the move.
The Oncilla also includes dual-layer drone protection. The TULLE mesh system intercepts drones, neutralizing them or disabling their fuses, while the AURA electronic warfare device jams drone control signals within a 400-meter radius. This combined system delivers both passive and active defense against aerial threats, particularly relevant on the Ukrainian battlefield.
The upgraded Oncilla balances mobility, firepower, and survivability. Lighter than heavy infantry fighting vehicles like the American Bradley or German Puma, it is easier to deploy and maintain with reduced logistical demands. RCWS and counter-drone systems narrow the gap in combat performance, providing Ukraine with a flexible and resilient platform.
For Poland, showcasing the Oncilla underlines its role as a hub for defense innovation and a critical partner for Ukraine. By combining Western components with battlefield-driven innovations like TULLE and AURA, the Oncilla represents an exportable solution for nations facing similar drone and hybrid warfare threats.
