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13 Feb 25. ISTEC wins major contract from Babcock to supply weapons integration solutions for 53 Supacat Jackal 3 Extenda Variants. ISTEC Services Limited, a British company with 36 years of operationally proven experience in the design, manufacture and supply of complex weapon integration solutions and smoke discharger systems (SDS) for military platforms, has recently won a contract to supply the Universal Gun Mounts (UGM), traverse control mechanism and swing arm systems, for 53 Supacat Jackal 3 Extenda variants being built in partnership with Babcock. Production will begin in early 2025.
ISTEC has a significant pedigree in providing robust weapon integration solutions for crew-served weapons such as the L7A2 GPMG, M2 HMG and other machine guns, across Land, Sea and Air domains. They also have an extensive operational record supplying Universal Gun Mounts (UGMs) for key vehicles such as WMIK, Mastiff, Husky and previous versions of the Jackal platform used for Land operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In September 2024, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) awarded Supacat a contract for 53 Jackal 3 Extenda vehicles, which is a variant of the High Mobility Transporter (HMT) series. This order followed a previous procurement in February 2023, when the UK MoD contracted Supacat to produce 70 Jackal 3 vehicles. The Jackal 3 Extenda offers enhanced payload capacity and can reach speeds up to 120 km/h. Its modular design allows for configuration as either a 4×4 or 6×6 vehicle, providing versatility for various mission requirements. The Jackal series has been integral to past British Army’s operations, particularly in Afghanistan, and excels in roles requiring high mobility and versatility. Following the order for the first 70 Jackal 3 vehicles, Supacat partnered with Babcock International Group to support the production, which further cements the relationship between these two organisations.
ISTEC will be supplying their globally renowned UGM and swing arm weapons integration systems for the GPMG and other crew-served weapons. The UGM is capable of accepting a range of light, medium and heavy weapons together with their dedicated soft mounts and, in addition, can be readily fitted with an adaptor to allow mounting of anti-armour weapons and even a 20mm cannon. The UGM is designed to provide a solid, backlash-free firing platform when clamped allowing for fine adjustment via a fine control Traverse and Elevation mechanism (T&E). This provides exceptional single-shot accuracy coupled with the ability to rapidly engage or track targets. The UGM is also modular, permitting the attachment of a variety of fitting kits and ancillaries; from frontal armour to folding interface equipment.
Mick Coulson, Managing Director of ISTEC said, “We have a long and successful history of working with Supacat and are extremely pleased to be supporting them again with our highly effective weapons integration solutions on this important project. I believe it is a testament to the quality of our products and support services that we deliver that Supacat has again chosen our UGM and swing arm solutions for the Jackal 3 Extenda variant. We look forward to working with them on this project and hopefully many more in the future.”
Lizzie Jones, Operations Director Supacat said, “We have a fantastic working relationship with ISTEC and have used their superb weapons integration solutions on multiple Supacat projects for nearly 20 years. We are really pleased to continue that relationship and provide the best possible weapon mount capabilities for the Jackal 3 Extenda Variant.”
17 Feb 25. Pearson Engineering and Milrem Robotics have signed an agreement at IDEX 2025 to combine their expertise to develop mission-specific uncrewed ground vehicles for the MENA region. Kuldar Väärsi, Founder and CEO of Milrem Robotics, a world leader in robotics and autonomous systems development, and Ian Bell, Group CEO of Pearson Engineering, a widely recognised leader in combat engineering capability, have today signed a memorandum of understanding. The agreement formalises collaboration between both companies, which has previously seen earth-moving and IED-defeat equipment from Pearson Engineering integrated with Milrem Robotics’ Robotic Combat Vehicle. The agreement will underpin further co-operation to offer new technologies to Middle Eastern end-users. Key to the agreement will be exploring the integration of Pearson Engineering’s minefield breaching capability, specifically the RCV-Pioneer modular mission payload, with Milrem’s tracked Robotic Combat Vehicles. Pearson Engineering and Milrem Robotics will also work together to improve operational effectiveness and explore scenarios that robotic systems encounter in the hands of military personnel, ensuring that cutting-edge technologies offer a further operational and tactical advantage.
“Milrem Robotics is a valued partner of Pearson Engineering and our collaboration is bringing real advancements for our military end-users. Robotics and autonomous systems are the future in the land domain. Where we can take our soldiers further from the threat and deliver smarter uncrewed vehicles, we will do so. Milrem Robotics has tremendous experience, with the support of their parent company, EDGE Group, and we look forward to contributing our collective knowledge to deliver new, effective expertise.” – Ian Bell, Group Chief Executive Officer at Pearson Engineering.
“Pearson Engineering is a renowned leader in combat engineering solutions whose systems are deployed with different global customers. Combining our robotic systems with Pearson Engineering’s solutions will provide more reliable, cost-efficient and safer ways in many combat scenarios, increasing combat efficiency and reducing the cost of operations. Especially in the areas which pose an imminent danger to our warfighters – like combat engineering,” – Kuldar Väärsi, Chief Executive Officer at Milrem Robotics. The agreement has been signed at IDEX in the 25th year of Pearson Engineering’s service to the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces alongside local partners Bin Hilal Enterprises and BHE Land Systems.
14 Feb 25. AM General, leading manufacturer of tactical military vehicles and mobility systems, will display the new JLTV A2 at the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) February 17-21, 2025, Booth #02B-08, Hall 2, U.S. Pavilion, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre ADNEC in Abu Dhabi, UAE. In under two years, the company built a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility from the ground up where production has officially started on this next generation tactical vehicle.
“IDEX is a leading military exhibition which enables us to connect with our global customers and discuss how we can meet their evolving needs to support the Warfighter,” said John Chadbourne, AM General EVP – Chief Business Development Officer. “This year we are proud to display the first AM General-built JLTV A2 asset so our customers can see, first-hand, the myriad improvements we’ve made to the platform.”
The JLTV A2 on display is a testament to the company’s commitment to continuous innovation and partnership. In close collaboration with the US Army, AM General will implement over 250 engineering changes to vastly improve the vehicle for the end user. Key among the changes are the reduction of interior and exterior noise levels, improved corrosion protection, and improved fuel economy. The vehicle’s versatility and lethality are also featured by integrating a Hornet Air Guard Remote Controlled Weapon System (RCWS) with Counter-UAS concept by Hornet. The Hornet Air Guard concept offers anti-drone detection & neutralization capabilities to the Hornet RCWS which provides surveillance, fire, and self-protection thanks the use of air-burst ammunition and the addition of an independent drone detection ring.
Production of the JLTV A2 is already under way with initial deliveries beginning in the second quarter of 2025. AM General associates will be on hand to discuss international procurement of the vehicle via the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process as well as ongoing support of existing A0 and A1 fleets.
12 Feb 25. Hanwha Aerospace has completed the acceptance tests for a domestically-built 1,000-horsepower diesel engine to be equipped with the K9 self-propelled howitzer (SPH). This is a key milestone for further expanding K9’s presence in the international SPH market.
The year-long testing program, which took place in South Korea, Egypt and other nations, included extensive field trials covering over 10,000 kilometers of driving tests in different environments and road conditions, including desert areas.
“With the successful completion of the homegrown engine test, we can offer specialized engine to any potential K9 customers, which is expected to expand K9’s global presence” said Kim Dong-hyun, Head of the Land Systems Business Group at Hanwha Aerospace. “This is part of our efforts to diversify our portfolio meeting the evolving needs of global customers.”
Hanwha Aerospace signed a $1.7bn contract with Egypt in 2022 to supply hundreds of the K9 SPHs, K10 ammunition resupply vehicles, and K11 fire control vehicles. The first batch of K9A1EGYs equipped with the indigenous engine to Egypt is expected to be delivered no later than the first quarter of 2026.
The K9 is the world’s most popular artillery system adopted by 10 countries, including six NATO members. The K9 can deliver consistent, accurate, rapid effects at ranges of over 40km with high rates and volumes of fire. The K9 is optimized for ‘Shoot and Scoot’ tactics, where multiple rounds are fired before the tracked vehicle moves to a different location to avoid counter-battery fire.
11 Feb 25. The Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), the French defence procurement agency, announced on 10 February that it had ordered 530 Serval Appui (Support) SCORPION vehicles on 31 December 2024. The vehicles are planned to be delivered from the end of 2025 to 2031. Ninety-seven Serval Véhicule Blindé Multi-Rôle Léger (VBMR-L) 4×4 light multirole armoured vehicles will be ordered in addition to the 530 vehicles under the same contract, which is worth over EUR1 bn (USD1.03bn). Work will be carried out by KNDS France at its sites in Satory, Bourges, and Roanne; Texelis in Limoges; MBDA in Plessis Robinson and Bourges; and CS Group in Plessis Robinson and Toulon.
In line with France’s Loi de Programmation Militaire (LPM) 2024–30 military funding programme approved on 13 July 2023, the order for 530 vehicles is part of the effort to put French Army units under armour and integrate them into the SCORPION transformation programme to command, support, and move in the zone of contact, operating at the combined arms brigade or divisional level.
Three versions of Serval will be developed and produced: défense sol-air d’accompagnement (accompanying surface-to-air defence: DSA), lutte anti-drones (counter-unmanned aerial vehicle: LAD), and nœuds de communication tactiques (tactical communication nodes: NCT).
The Serval DSA vehicle will be equipped with a turret from MBDA France allowing the employment of the Mistral missile under armour and also includea self-defence weapon in the turret. The LAD version will be equipped with a radar, a radio frequency detection system, a fire-control system, and a remote-controlled weapon station with a 30×113 mm cannon firing special ammunition. The NCT version will be equipped with the Syracuse IV satellite, a radio, and service communication systems. (Source: Janes)
10 Feb 25. On Lebanese border, Israel’s Plasan kept rolling out armored vehicles as war raged. Given the demand from the IDF, the company was charged with keeping production up at normal or higher rates, despite the potential dangers of being so close to the border.
The Israeli defense company Plasan makes armored solutions for military platforms, such as producing complex armored plates for vehicles. But the company had to think about a different kind of protection in 2024 — how it keep its facilities and staff safe as the war expanded into Lebanon. The company is located in the northern Israeli community of Sasa, around a mile from the Lebanese border, right along the front line of Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah. The company continued to roll vehicles off the line and keep up production throughout the war. During a visit to Plasan, representatives discussed how they kept up with orders and dealt with the disruptions of war.
The northern border of Israel is quiet these days. The rolling hills of the upper Galilee are preparing for spring, and some trees even have blossoms already. But for most of 2024 this area was a war zone. Israel evacuated more than 60,000 people from border communities in October 2023 when Hezbollah began rocket and drone attacks on northern Israel. Roads near the border were closed and concrete barriers were erected in many places where drivers or soldiers might be exposed to anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) fire.
“On October 7 [2023] the army came and took vehicles we had, those about to be delivered,” recalls Gilad Ariav, vice-president of marketing and business development at Plasan. And given the demand from the IDF, the company was charged with keeping production up at normal or higher rates, despite the potential dangers of being so close to the border.
The IDF needed ceramic plates for soldiers, and Plasan reopened an old line to produce them, working 24/7 to produce 35,000 plates while also increasing production of armored vehicles. While the members of the Sasa Kibbutz that is adjacent to the company were evacuated to the south, the company’s employees stayed at work. Around 15 percent of the employees were called up to IDF reserve duty. “It didn’t prevent us [from delivering]” says Ariav.
As the company provided a tour of its site, the evidence of the threats from the last fifteen months of war was still visible: In one section of the factory there are several window sections that have been impacted by various projectiles. There is also one vehicle that is missing a rear wheel and was hit by some kind of IED, and concrete barriers remain in place to protect against missile fire from Lebanon.
Members of the company described how one could often see and hear interceptions overhead during the war. Not only was Sasa targeted, but Mount Meron, which looms a mile away across a nearby valley, was often targeted because it has an IDF base near its peak. Many of the residents of the community around the company have not fully returned to their homes and schools. (Overall Plasan has around 450 employees in Israel and around 700 worldwide, with subsidiaries in the US, Australia and France.)
L3Harris is working to ensure our warfighters stay ahead of the rapidly evolving threat environment.
But officials are proud of the fact that despite the frequent sirens, need to go into shelters, and the constant threats, the work went on.
Today the company appears to be continuing to work at a fast pace to produce its armored solutions. In one area of a factory floor Ariav shows how armored plates for things such as doors of vehicles are produced. Small hexagonal ceramic pieces are placed as a layer and then they are sandwiched between metal, which the company says helps absorb blasts.
During a presentation, Ariav stressed how the company uses live trials to test its armor and solutions against explosions and projectiles, as well as running complex computer simulations. The simulations examine how different projectiles might hit a plate, or how an improvised explosive device would impact armor. This saves the cost and effort of blowing up numerous vehicles, Ariav says the simulations have proven effective in terms of final design and predicting how threats will impact armor.
In another area, the company showcased their FlexFence defense against RPGs, which looks like a kind of fence that can be draped around parts of the vehicle. The fence uses special technology to trigger the RPG and helps protect the vehicle from being penetrated, so that the damage of the blast is reduced.
The firm is also in production on a number of vehicles. One is the Sandcat, which is called the “Tigris” by the IDF. The company uses the chassis of F-550s and then adds an armored body on top of them. This is an armored solution the company calls Kitted Hull and it provides protection from all angles, including below for mines and above against small bomblets that drones can drop.
In one hangar the company is producing the Sandcats for both the IDF and what they said was another, undisclosed customer. Each has a different configuration, and employees work on the vehicles by hand, producing around ten vehicles a week.
Besides the Sandcats, a major focus for the firm are contracts for armoring JLTVs with Oshkosh as well as the Australian Redback infantry fighting vehicle, which is made by South Korea’s Hanwha. The company is also up-armoring a number of Piranhas, a family of fighting vehicles the originated in Switzerland in the 1970s and is now in its fifth generation and in use by a dozen countries.
In addition, Plasan is also working on a new system called an All-Terrain Electric Mission Module (ATeMM), which is an electric-powered “modular” system that can function as a kind of trailer for a vehicle, or be used as a four-wheeled robotic unmanned vehicle.
ATeMM was first unveiled in 2021 but was tested by the IDF in the recent war in Lebanon. It was one of many vehicles in the Plasan factory that seemed to encapsulate how technology is transforming not only armored vehicles but also solutions for maneuvering forces — the kind of lesson that comes from 15 months of a multi-front war. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Breaking Defense.com)
10 Feb 25. French Army orders 530 new Serval vehicles. The initial deliveries of Serval vehicles are expected for delivery from 2025 to 2031. The French Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed that an order placement for procurement of 530 Serval 4×4 wheeled armoured vehicles for the French Army. This purchase, exceeding €1bn ($1.03bn), is a part of the SCORPION programme, which aims to revolutionise the French military’s capabilities. The programme encompasses the production and supply of the GRIFFON, JAGUAR, and SERVAL vehicles, as well as the modernisation of the LECLERC Main Battle Tank (MBT). It includes the integration of drones and robots into the combat system, enhanced communication with infantry, and the management of various sensors.
Initial deliveries of Serval vehicles are predicted for delivery from 2025 to 2031.
This procurement is anticipated to stimulate production activities across several locations including Bourges, Limoges, Plessis-Robinson, Roanne, Satory, and Toulon.
It will also engage a vast network of subcontractors.
French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated in a X post that: “An investment in our rearmament of more than a bn euros, provided for in the military programming law, which will mobilise the activity of our defence industry in Roanne, Bourges, Limoges, Satory, Plessis-Robinson and Toulon, as well as a vast network of subcontractors.”
The Serval, categorised as a light armoured multi-role vehicle (Light VBMR), is designed to support light units in the contact zone, particularly during the early stages of operations under diverse conditions.
To effectively execute its designated tasks, the Serval is available in three versions: the armoured patrol vehicle (VPB), the tactical communication node (NCT), and the surveillance, acquisition, intelligence, acknowledgment (SA2R).
Earlier in 2024, the French Army procurement agency (DGA) placed an order for 30 Serval DSA (Défense Sol-Air, or ground-to-air defence) 4×4 armoured vehicles.
In addition, in July of 2023, France’s DGA commissioned 30 ground-based Syracuse IV satellite communication terminals from Thales.
These stations act as tactical communication nodes during halts, linking the French Army’s Serval armoured vehicles to the Syracuse IV satellite constellation.
A report by GlobalData titled “France Defense Market 2024-2029” outlines that France’s current defence budget is at $60.4bn and is projected to increase to $67.8bn by 2029, representing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 1.4% over the next five years.
The acquisitions budget is expected to mirror this upward trajectory, having expanded at a CAGR of 5.4% over the historic period. (Source: army-technology.com)
11 Feb 25. Milrem Robotics Unveils Cutting-Edge 8×8 Robotic Combat Vehicle at IDEX 2025. Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer, will launch its highly anticipated 8×8 Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) at IDEX 2025. Representing the pinnacle of next-generation hybrid unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) technology, the new HAVOC RCV is set to revolutionize modern combat operations.
“The HAVOC RCV has been engineered to deliver unparalleled agility and high-speed manoeuvrability, enabling commanders to project force effectively across extended distances,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics. “Its robust design and advanced hybrid propulsion system allow for integrating large-calibre weaponry while maintaining precision and superior lethality on the battlefield. As a versatile and reliable force multiplier, this platform redefines operational effectiveness for today’s dynamic and complex combat scenarios.”
At the heart of HAVOC is an advanced hybrid electric powertrain, which ensures an extended operational range and near-silent movement capabilities. These features enhance stealth and make the vehicle adaptable for various mission requirements.
By sharing common subsystems with other Milrem Robotics platforms, such as the tracked RCV, HAVOC significantly reduces development, procurement, and maintenance costs, ensuring cost efficiency and streamlined logistics.
Weighing substantially less than conventional manned 8×8 vehicles, the RCV boasts superior off-road performance, making it highly effective in rugged terrains. Its cutting-edge electric driveline delivers instantaneous torque, enabling faster response times and enhanced mobility. Additionally, the vehicle’s pivot steering capabilities allow for a dramatically reduced turning radius, ensuring optimal manoeuvrability in environments ranging from open deserts and urban combat zones to high-altitude mountain passes.
The 8×8 RCV is designed with a baseline payload capacity of five tons, offering exceptional flexibility for integrating mission-specific payloads or weapon systems. Importantly, modifications within this payload limit do not compromise the vehicle’s performance, ensuring seamless adaptability to operational needs. Furthermore, it operates on a unified autonomy ecosystem that aligns with Milrem’s existing platforms, guaranteeing compatibility and scalability across a diverse range of autonomous solutions.
“With the launch of the HAVOC RCV, we are setting a new standard in unmanned ground combat systems,” said Henrik Kotkas, Chief Product Officer at Milrem Robotics. “This platform combines cutting-edge technology with practical design considerations to deliver unmatched operational capabilities. It exemplifies our commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of modern armed forces.”
The debut of the HAVOC 8×8 Robotic Combat Vehicle at IDEX 2025 underscores Milrem Robotics’ position as a pioneer in autonomous military technology. As defence forces worldwide seek solutions to enhance operational efficiency and survivability, the 8×8 RCV emerges as a transformative asset capable of reshaping the future of ground combat operations.
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TEK Military Seating Limited
TEK Military Seating Limited is a UK based designer and manufacturer of ProTEK military vehicle seating which offer the highest standards of safety and protection. The ProTEK brand is well respected across the globe for its robust construction, innovative design, built in modularity and cost effectiveness. Our superior products are supported by our experienced team who endeavor to offer unrivalled service to our customers from enquiry, through design and acceptance, to through life support.
From its inception ProTEK seats have been designed around a family of innovative seat frames onto which tested and certified modules can be fitted to create a bespoke solution for the user. These include Blast protection to Stanag 4569 standards, vibration reduction, head and body protection, seat risers and turntables, fore & aft adjustment, and seat back rake along with viable seat dimensions without the need for additional tooling costs.
Contact: Paul Fleming
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