The Arey Engineer Group was established in April 2015 at the height of Ukraine’s war with Russia. Emerging from the vibrant self-defense movement that arose to aid in Ukraine’s defense, the volunteers of a non-profit organization — “Educational Innovations” then began purchasing vehicles and parts for Ukraine’s volunteer paramilitary battalions. A small but dedicated group of engineers, designers and technicians created the foundation of our future company.
Since then, over one hundred various military vehicles were restored and outfitted for combat, including cargo and flat-bed trucks, pick-ups, vans, BRDMs and other military armoured vehicles. This work was completed for various military units, who were involved in military activities in eastern Ukraine.
In December 2014 “Educational Innovations” leased the territory of the “Atek” factory in Kyiv with the intention of establishing a base for the technical servicing and repair of military vehicles. The organisation’s volunteers themselves renewed the factory’s workshop #19, having repaired the roof and the premises. The heavy overhead cranes, which were in disrepair, were also brought to working condition, as were many of the machines that had not been used in years. A large laser metal-cutting machine was purchased, as well as many necessary instruments.
In March 2015 Arey made a quantum leap forward, when Mykola Stepanov, who once was the technical director of the 115th Kharkiv Tank Factory, headed the engineer group. M. Stepanov is a legendary figure in Ukraine’s fabled tank-building industry, having dedicated forty years of his life to this enterprise. In 2016 O. Soldatov, a former chief designer of the Malyshev factory (also from Kharkiv), also joined the Arey Engineer Group.
One of the first new designs of the engineer group, now under the tutelage of M. Stepanov, was the “Azovets”, an armoured vehicle, designed to support a tank group.
In January 2016 the Arey Engineer Group presented its designs to the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. Several key departments of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense had also written in support of Arey’s modern designs — the “T-Rex” tank, a heavy armoured personnel carrier, a wheeled universal armoured platform, a de-mining vehicle among others.
Mykola Stepanov diligently searches for young talent to pass on his knowledge and experience. Today, Arey employs highly-qualified specialists in various branches: machine-building, military tactics, radio and electronic technicians, metal-cutting mechanics, and IT experts.
Arey continues in its mission to provide assistance to Ukraine’s troops on the front lines. Our primary goal is to ensure the safety, security, health and well-being of Ukraine’s Warriors.
