The Ukrainian Army Is Using This Ford Pickup Truck to Launch Missles
The war between Ukraine and Russia rages on after nearly a year, with no clear signs of submission on either side of the conflict. Ukrainian forces have heroically resisted the Russian invasion. Countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Poland, Germany, Canada, and many more are providing millions of dollars in aid to the Ukrainian cause. During this conflict, we’ve seen several American-made trucks play roles in the resistance. This Ford pickup truck was recently used to launch missiles.
The Ukrainian army is using Ford trucks to fight for freedom
MotorTrend claims that the Ukrainian army set up a missile launcher in the bed of a Ford F-150 Raptor. Many countries have donated vehicles to Ukraine to help the country resist the Russian invasion, so this isn’t the first time an American vehicle is being used to fight for Ukrainian freedom, and it won’t be the last.
According to Statista, America has sent over 27 billion dollars in aid to Ukraine this year so far. Ford has donated pickup trucks to aid Ukrainian relief (Ford Rangers). The Ford F-150 Raptor is one of the automaker’s most expensive and capable offerings, so hearing that it was actually used by the Ukrainian Army on the battlefield is both surprising and exciting.
The Ford F-150 Raptor is designed for unique conditions
The folks at the Blue Oval didn’t have any sort of freedom fighting effort in mind when they first designed the F-150 Raptor, but if there’s any Ford truck that can endure the harsh conditions of war, it’s the Raptor. The Ford F-150 Raptor is an off-road pickup truck built to conquer gnarly terrain like sand, snow, and even rocks.
It has a suspension upgrade, all-terrain tires, and a powerful engine. All F-150 Raptor model years are more capable than the average production full-size pickup truck.
Should you get a 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor?
The Ford F-150 may be America’s favorite pickup truck, but the F-150 Raptor is much more elusive than lower trim levels. The Raptor has been historically expensive, and rightfully so, considering all of its standard features.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor starts at a whopping $76,775. That’s $42,190 more than the base model 2023 Ford F-150 XL. The F-150 Raptor comes standard with FOX Live Valve internal bypass shocks, a five-link rear suspension with a Panhard rod, and a 3.5-liter high-output EcoBoost V6 engine. It makes 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque (using premium fuel).
The off-road pickup truck includes heavy-duty skid plates on the front and engine, BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, and a 400-watt power outlet. It also features a 360-degree camera package, trailer reverse guidance, and post-collision braking.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor is impressive, but the average American driver probably doesn’t need a truck that capable. The Raptor is made for off-roading enthusiasts that can regularly put the full-size truck’s unique features to good use. Its 13 miles per gallon combined tells you everything you need to know about using the truck as a daily driver.
