The UAZ-452 is a family of four wheel drive off-road vans and light trucks with body-on-frame construction and cab over engine design, built by the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant (UAZ) since 1965.

The model's predecessor, the UAZ-450 (produced between 1958 and 1966), was based on the chassis and engine of the four-wheel drive light truck GAZ-69, and was the first "forward control" vehicle of this type to be built in Russia or anywhere else in the Soviet Union.

In subsequent years, the engine was upgraded to meet modern emissions requirements, and the van was also fitted with an injury-reducing plastic steering wheel.

Its thin steel panels do not provide protection against drone strikes and fuel tanks are placed under the vehicle on both flanks making its susceptible to catching fire.

Unlike the thick armour of tanks the van is not capable of handling the explosive charge within the ERA blocks and the modifications make it more dangerous for the crew.