Sponsored by TEK Military Seating Limited
http://www.tekmilitaryseating.co.uk/
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02 Mar 26. Oshkosh Defense, an Oshkosh Corporation [NYSE: OSK] company, announced today a public-private partnership agreement with Marine Depot Maintenance Command (MDMC) in support of advanced manufacturing, materiel support, and the Digital Manufacturing Exchange (DMX), a secure digital backbone designed to accelerate part production and strengthen fleet readiness across the Joint Force.
Through its participation as an original equipment manufacturer, Oshkosh Defense will provide validated technical data that enables approved parts to be manufactured at the point of need using secure, configuration-controlled processes. The effort supports faster repairs, reduces downtime, and enhances operational availability for critical military fleets.
Modern operations demand sustainment models that can perform in contested and disconnected environments. Traditional supply chains are often extended, complex, and vulnerable. By enabling authorized local production of critical components while safeguarding intellectual property, DMX offers a more resilient approach to maintenance and sustainment.
“As an OEM, we are proud to partner with Marine Depot Maintenance Command on this important initiative,” said Pat Williams, Chief Programs Officer, Oshkosh Defense. “Our role is to help fleets repair quickly and return to mission capable status. The ability to rapidly repair and replenish equipment in theater so forces can sustain the fight is a powerful deterrent in today’s operational environment.”
The Digital Manufacturing Exchange provides a secure framework for transmitting technical data packages and managing intellectual property controls, allowing approved users to produce parts globally while maintaining strict cybersecurity and access standards. For operators in austere or contested environments, this capability reduces reliance on long supply lines and supports faster restoration of combat power.
By combining defense expertise, secure digital infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing, Oshkosh Defense continues to invest in advancing innovative sustainment solutions that align with evolving operational demands. The partnership with MDMC reflects a shared commitment to performance, readiness, and delivering capability where and when it is needed most. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
26 Feb 26. Rare Singaporean Rhino appears in the desert. ST Engineering’s Rhino 4×4 MRAP with hybrid electric drive has a gross vehicle weight of approximately 20 tonnes. (Gordon Arthur)
Singaporean defence company ST Engineering displayed its Rhino 4×4 protected vehicle outside home territory for the first time earlier this month. The brand new design was exhibited at World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, held from 8-12 February.
Chew Tze Meng, Vice President/Product Director, Electrification & 4×4 Vehicles, of ST Engineering’s Land Systems, described the Rhino as a “new-generation MRAP”, an acronym denoting a mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle.
The 15-tonne Rhino is the new name given to what the Singaporean company initially launched as the Next Generation Protected Vehicle (NGPV) at Singapore Airshow 2024.
Of note, the vehicle displayed in Saudi Arabia was not a prototype, but a vehicle from an actual production line. ST Engineering confirmed to Asian Military Review that the Rhino is indeed in production for an unspecified Asian customer. Although representatives would not be drawn on who that customer is, it is most likely the Singapore Army.
What is notable about the Rhino is its central-drive hybrid electric drive system. A diesel engine charges two sets of 400V batteries stashed in the vehicle sides. The batteries in turn power two 225kW electrical motors, one for each axle.
In fact, the company claims this is the world’s first production MRAP with hybrid electric drive, although the Rhino can be delivered with a conventional diesel engine too.
Chew said the advantage of the hybrid electric drive is an increase in range – now up to 780km and 25km of silent running – an ability to conduct 24-hour silent watches and, perhaps most importantly, being able to export up to 150kW in power externally.
Such a vehicle cuts a formation’s logistics tail. Instead of having to carry extra generators and associated fuel supplies, hybrid electric vehicles are more self-sufficient.
This Rhino is configured for manned-unmanned teaming missions, with a surfeit of exportable electric power. Note the drone tray on the rear flank. (Gordon Arthur)
The vehicle displayed in Riyadh was configured as a manned-unmanned teaming “mothership”. It carried four vertical-take-off unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) stored in sliding trays, and a robotic management system helps with tasks such as self-charging. It could also tow an unmanned ground vehicle and release it from a towbar.
The Rhino could also act in ambulance, troop carrier (with a crew of two and carrying ten passengers), counter-drone, signals, mortar, maintenance and command post roles. Its monocoque hull with a V-shaped bottom offers STANAG 4569 Level 2 protection as standard.
The Rhino on exhibit was fitted with ST Engineering’s own Adder Twin remote weapon station, which offers a counter-drone capability and the ability to carry low-recoil weapons of up to 30mm calibre.
ST Engineering completed development of the Rhino last year, and it is now in low-rate production. Chew emphasised the vehicle is also “future-ready” thanks to its hybrid electric drive. For example, new weapons such as lasers for counter-drone applications could be integrated.
The Rhino measures 7.3m long, 2.7m wide and 2.6m high. It has a 4.5-tonne payload capacity. The MRAP also has a digital dashboard that supports operations and training functions. To aid the driver, there are digital wing mirrors, a 360° top-down surround view, and a reversing camera with object detection.
Apart from its launch customer in Asia, ST Engineering believes the Rhino will have appeal in markets such as Europe and the Middle East. (Source: AMR)
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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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