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24 Jan 25. Bushmaster to be pitched for British Army’s medium protected mobility. The British Army is looking to regenerate its mobility force across its inventory, with thousands of new vehicles needed. Thales will pitch its Bushmaster 5.5 protected mobility vehicle for the British Army’s Land Protected Mobility (Medium) requirement, which will replace medium weight in-service platforms such as the Mastiff. In addition, due to its earlier participation in the MRV-P programme, which was cancelled in 2021, the Bushmaster has already gone through many of the applicability and qualification tests necessary for the LPM (Medium) bid. This will speed up Thales’ submission, in theory enabling it to meet tight delivery timelines that the Medium programme will likely require of industry. It was reported by Army Technology in 2024 that the Medium Protected Mobility effort is expected to have a minimum deployable capability within the next five years, around the 2029-2030 timeframe. However, a sped-up delivery programme could see a Medium LPM vehicle reach an IOC around 2027, ahead of introduction at the Brigade Combat Team level around 2028. The Bushmaster 5.5 was displayed at DefenceIQ’s International Armoured Vehicle exhibition and conference in January 2025, the first time the platforms had been displayed at a UK event. First developed for use by the Australian Army in the mid-2000s, the Bushmaster series of protected 4×4 vehicles has since secured sales into eight further countries, including the UK and Ukraine. In 2013 the 1,000th Bushmaster was delivered to the Australian Defence Force. GlobalData’s project entry for Thales’ Bushmaster states that the platform is available in a range of variants, including troop transport, ambulance, direct fire, mortar, engineer, and command for application in combat and combat support roles. The Bushmaster 5.5 benefits from run-flat tires, negating the need for a spare wheel, with a maximum speed of 100km/h and range of up to 800km. External modules can be fitted, including sensors, a crewed gun ring, or Remote Weapon Station able to operate 7.62mm and 12.7mm machine guns, 40mm automatic grenade launchers, a 30mm cannon, or guided rockets. (Source: army-technology.com)
24 Jan 25. KNDS Deutschland, KNDS France, Rheinmetall Landsysteme and Thales signed the shareholder agreement for the “MGCS Project Company GmbH”, Cologne, on Thursday 23 January 2025 in Paris in the presence of the French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu and the German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. MGCS, which stands for Main Ground Combat System, is a German-Franco armament program designed to replace the Leopard 2 and Leclerc main battle tanks with a cross-platform combat system by 2040. The signing of the shareholder agreement marks an essential step in the forthcoming creation of the MGCS Project Company. After negotiating a contract with the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), acting on behalf of the two states through a German-Franco Combined Project Team (CPT), this project company will be responsible as the industrial prime contractor for the implementation of the next phase of the MGCS program. In particular, it will consolidate the concept and the main technological pillars of the system. The company will be equally owned by the parties, 25% each, with a national workshare of 50% Germany and 50% France, and will be based in Cologne, Germany. The industrial partners in the MGCS program are delighted with this signature, which follows on from the impetus given by the French and German governments in the spring of 2024, with the signing of a Letter Of Intent (LOI).
23 Jan 25. Mozambique operating MCAV-20 armoured vehicles. The Mozambican military has added another armoured vehicle to its inventory: the Emirati Calidus MCAV-20, which has also been adopted by several other African countries. MCAV-20s were publicly seen taking part in Mozambique’s Revolution Day (Armed Forces Day) celebrations on 25 September 2024. The Day is celebrated annually to commemorate the start of the armed struggle against Portuguese colonial rule in 1964. Then President Filipe Nyusi was the guest of honour at the 2024 event, where he highlighted the important role of the country’s armed forces in maintaining national security. He said the FADM (Forças Armadas de Defesa de Moçambique) fulfilled its mission of defending the homeland, ensuring the pacification and stability of Cabo Delgado, which has been hit by an insurgency since 2017. At least half a dozen MCAV-20 vehicles were seen in the 2024 parade. In March 2023, the Mozambican Ministry of Defence shared photos of a visit by officials (including Defence Minister Cristovao Chume) to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where a Memorandum of Understanding was signed, covering military cooperation and counter-terrorism. During the visit, Mozambican officials visited UAE defence companies, including Calidus, where they were seen inspecting MCAV-20 vehicles. It is not clear how many were subsequently acquired. The MCAV-20, launched in 2021, is one of several vehicles manufactured by Calidus, along with the LRV-20 lightweight 4×4 and Al Wahash 8×8. The latter was designed by South Africa’s ADG Mobility. The MCAV-20 appears to be powered by a 330 hp engine and protected against ballistic and landmine threats. A ‘smart hull design’ allows for the integration of turrets and weapon stations. The vehicle weighs around 7-9 tons and has a top speed of about 110 km/h. MCAV-20s have been acquired by Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Mauritania. Also spotted in 2024’s Armed Forces Day parade were several Tiger 4×4 armoured vehicles – another relatively new type in Mozambican military service. These are manufactured by ShaanXi Baoji Special Vehicles Company, which has also exported the model to Somalia and other foreign countries.
The Tiger was first introduced on the international market in 2012. It can accommodate nine soldiers plus two crew. It has a kerb weight of 4 500 kg and useful load of 1 100 kg. An overhead turret can be armed with a machinegun or grenade launcher. The vehicle can withstand 7.62 mm armour piercing rounds. A Cummins ISDE200-30 diesel engine gives a top speed of 115 km/h and range of 600 km. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Mozambique received 23 APCs – believed to be the Tigers – from China in 2018. Two Tigers were subsequently captured by insurgents in 2020. ShaanXi Baoji Special Vehicles Company previously supplied 20 armoured vehicles to Mozambique (five armoured, five command, five rescue, and five ambulance vehicles). These arrived in 2014 and appear to be the Tiger’s predecessor (the ZFB05 model). Mozambique has acquired other equipment from China in the past, notably Norinco WZ-551 armoured personnel carriers. A dozen were delivered in 2013, according to SIPRI data. At least one has been seen in recovery/wrecker configuration. Older vehicles in the FADM’s armoured vehicle fleet include dozens of BRDM-1/2, BMP-1, BTR-60, BTR-152, and Casspir APCs/infantry combat vehicles, as well as dozens of T-54 and PT-76 tanks, but it’s not clear how many of these are still operational. Over a decade ago, the United Kingdom supplied 25 second hand AT-105 Saxon APCs and 40 second hand FV-432 APCs. Confronted with an insurgency in Cabo Delgado province, Mozambique has acquired a substantial amount of military equipment in recent years. Paramount has supplied a dozen Marauder armoured vehicles along with three Mwari fixed wing aircraft, and several Mi-24, Mi-8/17, and Gazelle helicopters. It has also supplied refurbished Let-410 and CN235M transports. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
14 Jan 25. Rheinmetall KF91 Lynx Debut in Italy and Ukraine. The delivery of Rheinmetall’s KF91 Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicles have occurred within days of each other in Italy and the Ukraine. The former presents the KF91 toward initial testing by the Italian Army Montelibretti test centre anticipating a production contract in mid-2025 to address its combat vehicle modernization requirements. The production will be conducted in collaboration with Leonardo through a joint venture formed in 2024. The Lynx acquisition is expected to encompass up to three-hundred and fifty vehicles in various variants. It is reported that over one thousand could eventually be produced. The majority will be fighting vehicle version equipped with the Lance unmanned turret. Leonardo intents to incorporate domestic electronics and other assemblies into the Italian Army design. The first of the Italian production vehicles are to be provided within two years. This test vehicle was loaned to the Italian army by Rheinmetall and is likely to have been provided from KF91’s destined to the Hungarian army.Around 7 January Rheinmetall also confirmed that a Lynx was delivered to the Ukrainian armed forces for testing as well. This is in accordance with the agreement reached in Berlin in June 2024. At that time Rheinmetall and Ukraine executed a memorandum of understanding aimed for strategic cooperation on a number of areas. This included the company’s establishing artillery ammunition production in Ukraine and its providing the Lynx KF91. The arrangement included initial delivery of KF91 vehicles by the end of 2024. In addition, production of Lynx production capability would be developed in Ukraine. Local production would display benefits of potentially lower cost while establishing capability to fill future requirements. Lynx is intended as an advanced and modular designed to meet the demands of modern battlefields. Its modular open architecture allows not only adaptation to mission variants like troop transport, command, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation but also for incorporating local content and systems. Its Lance turret features either a 30mm or 35mm automatic cannon and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. It has also been shown incorporating advanced anti-tank guide missiles like the Spike LR2 anti-tank missiles or loitering munitions. It has advanced sensors, and a tactical management designed to operate in all visibility conditions. Lynx has modular composite Armor resistant to anti-tank weapons, medium-calibre, mines and IEDs, and enhanced roof protection. Active protection systems (APS) can also be installed. Though 45 tons its 1,140-horsepower Liebherr D9612 engine coupled with a Renk transmission offers a maximum speed of 70 km/h and 500-kilometre operational range. KF91 is entering service with Hungary and was recently selected by Greece as well as the Ukraine and Italy. The last may also include Rheinmetall’s Panther Main Battle tank. Lynx is also the basis for America Rheinmetall Vehicle candidate for the US Army XM30 replacement for the M2 Bradley IFV. (Source: Armada)
22 Jan 25. US Army tries out next-gen hybrid tactical vehicle prototype in Germany. The U.S. Army is taking a hybrid next-generation tactical vehicle prototype for a spin in snowy Bavarian terrain, according to a report from the U.S. Army Europe and Africa posted to its website. The GM Defense-developed Next Generation Tactical Vehicle-Hybrid, or NGTV-H, is a diesel-powered, electric light reconnaissance vehicle that the company unveiled at the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual conference in October. The Army introduced the prototype to the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, which is conducting testing on the vehicle during Combined Resolve, a recurring U.S. Army exercise held at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany. The service is sending a variety of capabilities to units globally as part of its Transformation in Contact initiative, which allows soldiers and commanders to try new technologies in real operational environments and scenarios to better confirm whether new capabilities will work outside of controlled test and evaluation environments. The Army does not yet have a requirement for a new Humvee, or High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, or something else to replace the 40-year old vehicles in the force. The service has replaced some Humvees with the newer Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, but the service wants to retain a slightly smaller vehicle akin to the Humvee in its inventory. GM Defense’s NGTV-H takes the Chevy Silverado truck and the same Duramax engine used on the Army’s Infantry Squad Vehicle and pairs it with an electric battery capable of producing roughly 300 kilowatt hours of power output and a 15-gallon fuel tank. As the war in Ukraine rages on, soldiers fighting there have shown the need for vehicles quieter than current military vehicles. The technology in hybrid electric vehicles, like the NGTV-H, allow for silent drive, meaning the vehicle is able to power systems without idling an engine. In the prototype vehicle, the driver can switch between “silent mode” and regular engine mode with the flip of a switch, according to GM Defense. The electric battery also helps decrease the battery requirements for units on the battlefield. The Army has gone from a platoon carrying roughly 48 pounds of batteries in Desert Storm and Desert Shield to carrying 1,200 pounds of batteries.
“It’s unreal, the amount of kit now that requires energy,” Pete Johnson, GM Defense vice president of business development for integrated vehicles, told Defense News on a visit last fall to General Motors Milford Proving Ground.
The vehicle is transportable in C-130 and C-17 aircraft and can be sling-loaded by a CH-47 Chinook cargo helicopter or an MH-53 King Stallion helicopter. Army leadership in recent years have expressed interest in hybrid-electric capabilities for combat vehicles because of the operational capabilities they would bring to the battlefield but have yet to bite the bullet. Evaluations like the one ongoing in Europe could accelerate adoption of such capability. (Source: Defense News)
23 Jan 25. U.S. Army Europe and Africa posted a new video of a joint exercise in Germany featuring the GM Defense Next Generation Tactical Vehicle that the company launched at AUSA in October. The 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, is familiarizing itself with many different technologies, including GM Defense’s ‘Next Gen’ and the Light Tactical Utility Vehicle as part of Transformation in Contact exercises at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels Training Area, Hohenfels, Germany.
‘Next Gen’ is a diesel-powered solution that integrates GM’s 12-module advanced battery pack, along with proven drive motors for the front and rear axles, which enables Silent Drive and Silent Watch capabilities. The vehicle’s technologies enable stealthy ingress and egress for high threat zones, while offering exportable power for Soldier kit, sensors, shooters, and the like proliferating on today’s transparent battlefield.
The exercise, ‘Combined Resolve,’ was hosted by U.S. Army Europe-Africa. It began 17 JAN-16 FEB and hosts 16 other countries and around 4,000 people from NATO Allies and European partners. The exercise is designed to enable Soldiers to experiment with commercial-based technologies, to give feedback and to field faster. A quote from GM Defense in case you want to include it:
“It’s pretty spectacular to see Soldiers getting hands-on experience with the Next Gen tech demonstrator as they continue operations in support of NATO,” said JD Johnson, Vice president of Government Solutions & Strategy for GM Defense. “Not only do Soldiers and commanders benefit from understanding how these technologies contribute to mission accomplishment in simulated combat training, but their insights provide invaluable feedback that helps engineers refine solutions that enhance existing capability. The feedback we’re getting is incredibly positive. In addition to the vehicle’s silent drive and low thermal signature, Soldiers especially like the vehicle’s exportable power capabilities being used to power command post operations. The vehicle has significant capacity to power electronic equipment organic to the Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), including UASs and other systems associated with this IBCT.”
(The video is now live on the BATTLESPACE website in the video section)
23 Jan 25. On January 23rd, 2025, PT SSE presented their new P2 Tiger 4×4 APC at their headquarters in Tangerang, Jakarta area, Indonesia. The vehicle was unveiled by Mr. Eka Suryajaya, CEO, PT SSE, and Mr. Jean Vandel, CEO, Texelis, in the presence of numerous VIPs from Indonesia and France, including: BASED ON ANSWERS EVENT DID NOT HAPPEN YET.
– His Excellency Mr Fabien Penone, French Ambassador to Indonesia,
– The Vice Chairman of Commission I of the House of Representatives, Dave Laksono, from the House of Representatives
– The Vice Minister of Defense, Air Marshal Donny Ermawan Taufanto,
– The Commander of the Infantry Armament Center, Lieutenant General Iwan Setiawan,
– Lieutenant General Gaël Diaz de Tuesta, National Armaments Director, the French Procurement Agency, the DGA,
– The Director of General of Defense Potential, Major General Piek Budiakto
– The Commander of the Army Cavalry Center, Major General Eko Susetyo
– The Deputy Commander, General of the Special Forces, Brigadier General Yudha Airlangga
– The Director of Defense Industry Technology, Brigadier General Deddy Laksmono
– The Director of Europe 1 of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Widya Sadnovic
As well as several other officials from GICAT (French Land Defense Industry Association), and the Chairman of INAFRA (French-Indonesian Association), Lieutenant General (Ret.) Hotmangaradja Pandjaitan.
The P2 Tiger is PT SSE’s most advanced armoured vehicle. A modern, powerful 4×4 APC, it has been developed specifically to meet demands from the Indonesian Army, and develop PT SSE’s range for other markets. Designed for troop transport in its current APC configuration, the P2 Tiger can carry a team of 8 passengers under armour plus 2 crew members. It is built in full compliance with NATO standards, including STANAG 4569 for ballistic and mine protection. The P2 Tiger is a truly Indonesian, 18-ton GVW vehicle, designed and produced by PT SSE in the company’s plant in Tangerang. PT SSE designed the vehicle architecture and the armoured hull, which has also been produced and welded in the factory. PT SSE also carried the full assembly of all components, with support from Texelis for the integration of the mobility platform. PT SSE then conducted the integration of all tactical and combat systems aboard. Built on the Celeris mobility platform from Texelis, the P2 Tiger is a modern and powerful vehicle, built to master the most difficult terrains.
22 Jan 25. Babcock International Group (Babcock) the defence company and Patria, the provider of defence technology solutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to offer the Patria 6×6 Armoured Personnel Carrier to the UK Armed Forces to meet the operational requirements of the British Army. Under the terms of the agreement, Patria will lead on the design and development of the system, providing bespoke enhancements to its existing 6×6 platform. Babcock will lead on the build solution, in keeping with the UK MOD Land Industrial Strategy, as well as developing a platform support package that will maintain operational readiness of the vehicle, through life. The Patria 6×6 is a modular, robust, and affordable vehicle platform for protected troop transport that offers high performance, modern protection and unprecedented mobility. It is currently in production under the multinational Common Armoured Vehicle (CAVS) programme, set up by Finland, Latvia and other European governments to create a state-of-the-art 6×6 armoured vehicle system. As a strategic partner to the British Army, Babcock is a tried and tested system integrator and platform build specialist with extensive production facilities. Babcock’s highly skilled workforce is currently delivering high volume vehicle build programmes for the UK Armed Forces, at pace.
Tom Newman, CEO of Babcock’s Land Sector, said: “The partnership between Patria and Babcock presents the UK Armed Forces with the highest performing in-service armoured personnel carrier. Babcock’s skilled workforce, innovative facilities and promotion of social value ensures that the ethos of the UK Land Industrial Strategy is met. The partnership combines the highest quality British and Finnish engineering to make sure that the British Army is ready for its next mission.
Hugo Vanbockryck, Senior Vice President, Market Area for Patria, said: “We are pleased to start a unique partnership that will provide significant added value for the United Kingdom. Europe needs collaboration and joint procurements and the UK rapidly needs a cost-effective, fully developed, off-the-shelf vehicle platform. Patria 6×6 is already in production, fielded by NATO partner nations and will be manufactured and supported locally in the UK to meet the high requirements and technical standards of the British Army.”
21 Jan 25. First British-made Boxer vehicles ready for Army. British soldiers are set to benefit from 623 new state-of-the-art Boxer armoured vehicles, as the first fully British-made Boxer was unveiled at the International Armoured Vehicle Conference today in Farnborough.
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle visiting the Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land manufacturing facility in Telford on the 09/01/2025.
- First fully British-made Boxer armoured vehicle unveiled at the International Armoured Vehicle Conference
- Boxer production supports 400 jobs in the West Midlands and North East and 1,000 across the UK supply chain.
- Army equipment programme will create and sustain more than 6,000 jobs nationally, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.
British soldiers are set to benefit from 623 new state-of-the-art Boxer armoured vehicles, as the first fully British-made Boxer was unveiled at the International Armoured Vehicle Conference today in Farnborough.
The Boxer programme provides a huge boost to British industry, supporting around 400 jobs in Telford and Stockport, and a thousand across the UK supply chain, supporting the Government’s growth mission.
Delivering on the government’s Plan for Change, the Ministry of Defence is also developing a Defence Industrial Strategy to grow defence jobs in every region and nation.
The Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, unveiled the vehicle today at the International Armoured Vehicle conference. Around 75% of Boxer’s components are sourced domestically, ensuring a resilient domestic supply.
Some initial UK Boxer production is underway in Germany, whilst the manufacture transfers to the UK in parallel with the Government’s drive to increase the UK’s role in manufacturing more new vehicles. The production of Boxer builds on the Trinity House agreement, which fosters a common interest to better meet the defence challenges of the 21st Century.
£5 bn is being invested in equipping the British Army with 623 Boxer armoured vehicles, alongside 148 Challenger 3 tanks, which are expected to be in service by the end of 2030. These investments continue to solidify the UK’s position as a global leader in defence innovation and manufacturing and deliver on the government’s Plan for Change.
The production of the Army’s three new platforms – Ajax, Boxer and Challenger 3 combined – will create and sustain more than 6,000 jobs nationally.
It will also help UK troops move more rapidly by transporting soldiers, to and around the battlefield, enabling them to conduct their special-to-arm roles. Boxers can be rapidly adapted to suit various military missions, roles and scenarios across many theatres of operations globally.
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, said: “It was a pleasure to unveil the first fully British-made Boxer – a testament to the expertise and innovation of Britain’s growing Defence Industry.
The home-grown production of this world-class vehicle exemplifies our Government’s Plan for Change, deepening our partnership with industry to deliver thousands of highly skilled jobs and drive growth across the UK.
The vehicle unveiled today was manufactured entirely in the UK by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land in Telford, with collaboration from KNDS UK Stockport and national supply chains. The UK played a major role in the original design, development and testing of the Boxer, and the vehicle can be built and exported from the UK.”
Boxer is an eight-by-eight wheel, all terrain, highly protected armoured fighting vehicle that can be rapidly adapted to suit various military missions, roles and scenarios across many theatres of operations.
The purpose of Boxer is to rapidly transport soldiers and mission systems to and around the battlefield, enabling them to conduct their special-to-arm roles. In addition, Boxers can be rapidly reconfigured, meaning that through its life, its capabilities can evolve.
Speaking at the conference, Minister Eagle emphasised how Boxer and Challenger 3 are the launchpad for the British Army to be a more lethal fighting force, as well as helping to grow the UK defence industrial sector.
Defence procurement contracts such as these are a key part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, safeguarding national security whilst raising living standards across the UK with good, skilled, productive jobs.
John Abunassar, CEO of Rheinmetall in the UK, added: “The unveiling of the first British-made Boxer is a historic moment for UK defence manufacturing. It not only symbolises the return of armoured vehicle production to British soil but also underscores Rheinmetall’s commitment to delivering sovereign capability, innovation, and economic prosperity for the UK.”
Boxer is more than a vehicle – it’s a Future Force Enabler, ensuring the British Army is ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges while delivering real benefits today.
Boxer showcases the wide-sweeping benefits that come as a result of investment in our defence sector as well as the power of effective international cooperation. The UK variant benefits from the lessons learnt by our partners in Germany, the Netherlands, Lithuania, and Australia.
Continuing the strong relationship between the government and industry is crucial for economic growth, regional prosperity, and resilience by supporting skilled jobs and apprenticeships.
Consultation on the Defence Industrial Strategy will run until end of February and will be published in late Spring 2025, with a remit extending to 2035. It will be a sector plan as part of the wider Government’s Industrial Strategy. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
22 Jan 25. GDLS preparing Mk 2 C2 Foxhound variant, soon to finish Mk 1 conversions. General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) is readying a Mk 2 version of its Foxhound command-and-control (C2) vehicle, to pitch for the British Army’s land mobility programme (LMP), the company told Janes at Defence iQ’s International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) 2025 conference, held in Farnborough, UK, from 21 to 23 January. Among the features GDLS is developing for the vehicle is onboard/offboard electrical power generation, making the vehicle a hybrid. A generator will be built-in, providing 30 kW of continuous power and giving the option of electrically powered brakes and steering, said Graham Reid, engineer on the Foxhound line for GDLS UK. Also new to the Mk 2 is an updated electric vehicle architecture building on the driver and commander screens available in the Mk 1 and allowing easier set-up of additional sensors.
“We’re looking to build technical demonstrators soon,” Reid added, noting that GDLS will allow the Mk 1 fleet to be retrofitted with Mk 2 innovations.
C2 conversions
The delivery of 50 existing Foxhound light protected patrol vehicles (LPPVs) converted for a C2 role, under a November 2023 contract, will be complete in March, said GDLS. Both Mk 1 and 2 will feature General Dynamics UK’s (GDUK’s) Bowman ComBAT Infrastructure and Platform (BCIP) 5.6, the British Army’s current tactical communication system. The converted vehicles have been fitted with enhanced high-frequency (HF), very-high-frequency (VHF), and ultra-high-frequency (UHF) capabilities to enable the operation of Bowman data terminals. The company has an interest in export for the vehicle. (Source: Janes)
21 Jan 25. NP Aerospace ramps up UK-based armoured vehicle assembly and integration capabilities. NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour manufacturer, has today announced the ramp up of their UK-based armoured vehicle assembly and integration capabilities, to augment their established survivability and through life support services offering. NP Aerospace is currently in the process of assembling and integrating over 150 specialist armoured vehicle systems, with yet more expected throughout 2025. The vehicle systems in assembly, range from complete Civilian Armoured Vehicles (CAVs) and fully integrated tactical vehicles to armoured cab sub-systems. This announcement coincides with The International Armoured Vehicles conference taking place in Farnborough, UK, 21-23 January 2025. Since the announcement of the acquisition of the assets of Jankel Armouring Limited in June 2024, NP Aerospace has novated several former Jankel Armouring Limited contracts. In September 2024, NP Aerospace announced the receipt of seven individual vehicle related contracts from UK MoD. Since then, a further three vehicle related contracts have been placed, one from Belgium for the remainder of their LTTV fleet and a further two from undisclosed customers for specialist integrated armoured vehicles. In total, NP Aerospace is currently delivering on 9 different vehicle assembly and integration related contracts from 4 different global customers – both ministries of defence and industry vehicle OEM partners. This new work sits alongside NP Aerospace’s established vehicle survivability, support, post design services and spares activity.
NP Aerospace is already fully established as a trusted global supplier of vehicle-related products and services. With this ramp up, NP Aerospace is now in the ideal position to deliver UK-based assembly and integration of full or partial vehicle systems for military customers and vehicle OEM industry partners. NP Aerospace has the required facilities, skills, knowledge, supply chain and processes in place to deliver exactly what the customers require, with a proven and resilient track record. Since the announcement of the acquisition of the assets of Jankel Armouring Limited, NP Aerospace has now recruited upwards of 50 more staff, continuing their successful growth trajectory.
James Kempston, NP Aerospace CEO, commented: “We’re very pleased indeed to announce the ramp up of our UK-based armoured vehicle assembly and integration capabilities. ‘So, what’s next?’ is an obvious question for most people to ask post-acquisition, and I’m proud to say that we’re progressing at our expected pace. Since the acquisition in June 2024, we’ve taken the time to get things right and the talent we’ve secured has given us the critical foundations upon which to provide quality services to a global customer base.” He added: “going forward, our priority remains the delivery of the key contracts we’ve secured whist at the same time, demonstrating to a wider global audience including International OEMs, that NP Aerospace is the UK-based vehicle system assembly, integration and support partner of choice”.
20 Jan 25. Fering Technologies announced the global debut of its revolutionary Pioneer X at the International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) Conference 21st-23rd January. Designed in collaboration with special forces for expeditionary missions, the Pioneer X is a multi-role, self-sufficient platform. Combining lightweight durability, a class-leading payload-to-weight ratio, and multi-fuel or hydrogen propulsion, the Pioneer X drastically reduces dependency on traditional fuel and logistics, lowering operational costs while providing an unrivalled 7,000 km range. All while functioning in the most challenging operational environments.
Changing covert warfare with 80 km of silent electric operation and with its low thermal signature, the Pioneer X enables covert infiltration and reconnaissance in contested environments. This silent capability reduces the risk of detection and enhances the survivability of personnel and assets, making it a vital tool for special operations forces.
Supporting Quotes
Gareth Reece, Managing Director of Fering Technologies and former officer in the UK Parachute Regiment, stated: “The Pioneer X redefines how defence organisations approach mobility and logistics. Its self-sufficient power capabilities and unmatched range allow for deeper operational reach, reducing costs and logistical burdens.”
“This vehicle is designed to keep military personnel one step ahead of their adversaries. From its advanced silent features to its ability to power mission-critical equipment, the Pioneer X delivers capabilities that give forces a decisive advantage. The integration of features, like silent EV mode and thermal cloaking, ensures the Pioneer X supports covert operations while remaining adaptable for larger-scale, overt missions.”
Future-Ready Capabilities for the Modern Battlefield
The Pioneer X is designed to excel in the evolving battlespace. Key features include:
- Expeditionary Range: 7,000 km range powered by a multi-fuel or hydrogen generator.
- Silent Operation: 80 km pure electric mode for absolute silence, and reduced thermal signature technology.
- Integrated Power Station: Provides 60 kWh to support UAVs, communication systems, and mission-critical equipment.
BATTLESPACE Comment: The Editor discussed a test Drive in this speed machine at IAV on Tuesday, watch this space for Test Drive Report in March!
20 Jan 25. Turkey donates more Cobra APCs to Gambia. Gambia’s military has donated another 17 Otokar Cobra armoured personnel carriers (APCs) to The Gambia Armed Forces, under a Military Financial Cooperation Agreement.
The vehicles arrived by sea before being handed over on 14 January to President Adama Barrow at the Presidential Palace. Major-General Fethi Oltulu, Chief of Logistic Division at the Turkish General Staff, represented Turkey at the ceremony. Turkey’s Ambassador to Gambia Fahri Turker Oba was also present.
The vehicles, apparently worth about $4 m , are fitted with machinegun turrets, and will be used for Gambia’s contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations.
Turkey and Gambia have enjoyed close ties for decades. Since 1965, both countries have maintained good relations bilaterally and multilaterally, especially at the United Nations and Islamic Cooperation Organization. Turkish military officers have provided training since the 1990s and between 1991 and 2007, Turkish military trainers trained around 7 000 Gambian soldiers. After the expiry of the training agreement between two countries in 2007, Gambian troops started receiving training in Turkey and since then, hundreds of Gambian soldiers have visited Turkey for training.
In 2014, defence cooperation was further deepened, and the Gambia Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Turkey signed a bilateral agreement for the provision of logistical assistance to the Gambia Armed Forces. Turkey also donated $600 000 to help Gambia with its peacekeeping mission in Mali and other logistical issues.
In April 2022, Turkey provided security equipment to Gambia that included shields, gas masks, radios and other items. Other donations have included thousands of uniforms, tents, water bottles and other equipment. In 2019 it was announced that Turkey had provided $1.4 m in military assistance to The Gambia, the content of which was not disclosed.
Two Katmerciler Hizir armoured vehicles arrived from Turkey in Gambia in 2022, with a contract apparently in place for 20 vehicles.
In September 2023, Turkey supplied a consignment of military hardware to Gambia, including two Otokar Cobra armoured personnel carriers, high frequency (HF) Radios, mine detectors, uniforms, winter jackets, rain coats and combat boots, amongst others.
Gambia has a very small military, with only a handful of Ferret scour cars and M-20 armoured cars previously known to be in service. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
20 Jan 25. Bundeswehr has ordered 568 logistics vehicles from Rheinmetall – a contract worth over €330m. The Bundeswehr has commissioned Rheinmetall to supply 568 logistics vehicles. These will include 349 UTF-trucks (unprotected transport vehicle) in 5t and 15t models, as well as 219 trucks with a swap-body system, 121 of which will have a protected driver’s cab. The total value of both projects amounts to over €330m gross. The UTF-trucks are to be delivered in 2026, the swap-body trucks by November 2025. The budget committee of the German Parliament, the Bundestag, approved the funds on 18 December 2024. Thus Rheinmetall booked the orders in the fourth quarter of 2024.
The UTF-trucks are demands within the framework agreement concluded in July 2024 – the largest order in the history of the company in the field of logistical vehicles. It covers the delivery of up to 6,500 trucks worth up to €3.5bn gross. The framework agreement allows the Bundes¬wehr to flexibly order additional quantities of the already introduced Unprotected Transport Vehicles UTF 5t and UTF 15t trucks over seven years. In addition, a new vehicle class will be introduced under the framework agreement: the 4×4 model UTF 3.5t. It has a high degree of commonality with the UTF-family.
In 2024, Rheinmetall delivered a record of 2,015 logistics vehicles, making a significant contribution to strengthening the Bundeswehr’s logistical capabilities. This marked a major step forward in the modernisation of the Bundeswehr’s truck fleet and the expansion of its logistical capacities. The vehicles to be delivered between now and 2024 include 1,715 swap-body systems, 250 unprotected transport vehicles and 50 semi-trailer units, ordered under existing framework agreements between the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) and Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH. The large quantity and rapid delivery impressively demonstrate the new era of the Bundeswehr’s procurement, underlining the importance of Rheinmetall as a reliable partner for the armed forces.
For various years, the UTF-family has been contributing substantially to the operational effectiveness of Bundeswehr logistics units and formations. In July of 2017, the Bundeswehr commissioned Rheinmetall MAN to supply its new ‘UTF mil gl family in the 5t and 15t payload classes’. The UTF has become a showcase project due to the use of flexible framework contracts for high volumes in military procurement. More than 6,000 HX-vehicles, including the swap-body systems and 70t semi-trailer units, have been delivered to the Bundeswehr since 2017. A large share of the added value of the swap-body system and UTFs – over 75% – is generated in Germany.
The UTF and swap-body system are based on RMMV’s robust HX-family of vehicles. As they are entirely designed for military use, they are highly mobile, also in difficult terrain. The high global prevalence of the HX-family of vehicles offers major advantages in terms of interoperability and logistics, particularly regarding multinational operations. In addition to Germany, the current user group includes, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Hungary, Singapore, Slovenia, Denmark and also the Ukraine. The recent order underlines the high level of acceptance of the proven HX-vehicles. More than 20,000 units are already in use worldwide.
17 Jan 25. Jim Ratcliffe restarts production of Land Rover rival Ineos Grenadier. Billionaire’s car company paused SUV manufacturing in September amid supplier difficulties. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s car company has resumed production of its SUVs and pick-up trucks, four months after it was forced to halt manufacturing by the collapse of a key supplier. Ineos Automotive, part of the bnaire’s chemicals empire, said it would be “catching up” now that its factory in Hambach, France, was back online. The car company was forced to pause production in September after one of its suppliers ran into difficulties. Ineos Automotive declined to name the supplier, although said it had run out of a part without which “we can’t sell the car”. It is understood to have been referring to its seat supplier, 120-year-old Recaro, which filed for insolvency last summer. At the time, Recaro warned its future was at risk because of “significant financial difficulties due to extreme price increases”. Since then, however, Italian company Proma Group has struck a deal to rescue Recaro. The deal involved shifting production of seats to Italy. It means Ineos Automotive has been able to keep sourcing seats from the business.
Lynn Calder, the chief executive of Ineos Automotive, said: “This is a great start to the year for us, one I strongly believe will be our best yet and will build on the more than 40pc growth year over year we achieved in 2024.”
Ineos said some of the first models to roll off the restarted production line were in a “bold” new colour “Devil Red”, a nod to Sir Jim’s co-ownership of Manchester United, who are nicknamed the Red Devils. News of the factory coming back online comes just weeks after Ineos Automotive started selling its main model, the Land Rover-inspired Grenadier, in Mexico and China. It means the SUVs are now available in 50 countries worldwide. The Grenadier has been manufactured at Ineos Automotive’s French factory in Hambach since it was first launched in 2022. The car was the brainchild of Sir Jim, who named it after the London pub where he came up with the idea for the SUV. The factory was making around 110 Grenadiers every day when it was forced to halt production last year, up from around 20 in the first quarter of 2024. As well as the Grenadier, Ineos Automotive also makes the Quartermaster, a pickup truck version of its original model. Plans for an electric model, named the Fusilier, were paused indefinitely last July. Ineos blamed weak consumer demand and tough regulations for the decision.
Ms Calder said: “Significant new markets like Mexico and China created incremental demand just when we had to hit pause on the production line … We’ve got some catching up to do, but we’re up for the challenge.” (Source: Daily Telegraph)
17 Jan 25. Hundreds of vehicles head to Romania for first deployment of Nato’s Allied Reaction Force. Hundreds of British military vehicles and personnel are on their way to Romania for Nato’s Exercise Steadfast Dart in what is the first deployment of the alliance’s Allied Reaction Force. If a Nato ally was invaded in Eastern Europe, the Allied Reaction Force would likely be called into action, with the UK’s 1st Divison making up the land component of this response. They would need to rapidly deploy, but would need to transport the vehicles and equipment thousands of miles away – exactly what Exercise Steadfast Dart is putting to the test. The components needed for the exercise were loaded onto a ship at the Sea Mounting Centre in Marchwood, Hampshire.
Colonel Jim Beere, Deputy Chief of Staff of 1Div, told BFBS Forces News this is the Allied Reaction Force’s “big test to deploy [them] out into the far reaches of Eastern Europe”.
“It’s the first time that the UK has deployed a divisional headquarters with a number of brigades under command taking on multinational forces as well,” he said.
“You’ve got a big contingent of Spanish forces joining us, a big contingent of French forces joining us in Romania.
Watch: Hundreds of military vehicles loaded up and set for Ex Steadfast Dart
“So it’s a pretty big deal from the UK and from Nato’s perspective.
“It’s the first-ever deployment of the Allied Reaction Force and we’ve been at high readiness for Nato since the 1 July 2024.”
The role of the ARF is to provide multi-domain forces from across the alliance at shorter notice than had been previously possible.
Col Beere also explained the deployment would see 2,500 British troops, with 700 vehicles linked up with seven partner nations – increasing the total to 3,500 troops and 1,000 vehicles.
A ferry will carry vehicles to Germany, where they will then make their way by road to Eastern Europe.
Another ferry, Anvil Hurst, is also heading to Greece from Marchwood with 350 of the vehicles on board.
Getting them all loaded was the job of the Royal Logistic Corps’ 17 Port and Maritime Regiment, of which Corporal William Morris is part.
He said getting the kit on the ships out to Europe is like “a puzzle”.
Watch: RAF Typhoons arrive in Romania to police Nato’s eastern skies
He said there are roughly 2,500 linear metres of vehicles on the ship, which translates into 2.5km of vehicles lined up nose to tail.
Regarding the deployment, he said the personnel are “completely ready”.
“Something of this size doesn’t happen a lot, but this is what we train for and it’s good to see this stuff going on this size,” he said.
“We know that we can cope if something happens.”
HIs sentiment was echoed by Col Beere.
“I’m very confident… we’re obviously well-rehearsed, we’re well-practised at getting ourselves out of the door quickly,” he said.
“This really is a big test of lots of different mechanisms of deployment on purpose because we want to show the credibility of UK Armed Forces for Nato in that context in Eastern Europe.
“It’s a big deal, but I’m pretty confident.” (Source: forces.net)
20 Jan 25. Supacat Showcased UK GBAD Vehicle at IAV 2025. In its bid to play a role in the UK’s ongoing Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) Programme, British defence engineering firm Supacat will be demonstrating the configurability and protection of its Armoured Closed Cab (ACC) High Mobility Transporters from aerial threats with the onboarding of Moog’s Integrated Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP®) Short Range Air Defence Weapons System.
Taking place at the 25th annual International Armoured Vehicles Conference 21-23 January 2025 at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre, UK, the aim will be to showcase to UK MOD, as well as to representatives from other armed forces, the ease of the GBAD system’s integration, as well as showcasing HMT ACC’s mission system software, powered by the UltraEAKTM.
Over three days senior executives from SC Group, including its Chief Executive Nick Ames and Supacat Director Phil Applegarth, will be on stand B13 and F7, where they will be demonstrating the world’s premier high mobility platform with integrated air defence capability.
The stand specifically will comprise:
- HMT Armoured Closed Cab (HMT ACC) providing blast/ballistic and environmental protection on HMT 600 Mk 3.
- Moog Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP®) offering air defence, anti-armour, or multi-mission capabilities.
- Ultra PCS EKA- GVA compliant distributed and modular power and data backbone, providing simpler integration of multiple sensors, weapons, communications and platform management systems.
- Dedrone flexible suite of C-UAS solutions, tailored to meet any security requirement.
Augmenting Ultra’s integrated GVA digital backbone, Supacat has incorporated additional counter-drone protection via Dedrone C-UAS monitoring, providing superior detection and mitigation capabilities for the vehicle system.
The HMT ACC platform combined with the RIwP® system provides high readiness forces with a potent capability designed to ‘go anywhere’, whilst providing the crew with STANAG compliant levels of protection and a hard kill capability to counter all short-range threats. Meanwhile, its closed cab demonstrates the benefits of a modular design, enabling the spiral development of a new capability requirement on a battle-proven in-service platform.
Supacat’s Armoured Closed Cab (ACC) HMT variant, which was launched last year at Defence Vehicle Dynamics 2024 (DVD24) is specifically designed to support UK MOD’s Land Mobility Programme’s fleet reduction to 15 core platform chassis types or less by 2030. Building on the inherent modularity of the HMT common base platform, this variant provides high levels of crew protection while maintaining sub-system commonality with other HMT variants, including the UK MoD’s Jackal and Coyote. Building air defence capability into its protection system is seen as key to its wider adoption by the British Army and other defence forces around the world.
Wider geopolitical unrest alongside the resulting high-intensity conflict of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has brought into stark reality that ground-based air defence capability remains an indispensable component of warfare. It was against this complex and prolific threat that the UK’s Land GBAD Programme was established in order to meet the Army’s requirement for a fully integrated Air Defence system of systems.
Protection of the HMT ACC with RIwP® is specifically designed to meet the requirements of both SHORAD (Short Range Air Defence) and C-SAT (Counter Small Aerial Targets) elements of the Land GBAD programme, alongside MRAD (medium range), C-SAT and All Arms Counter Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems and Command and Control.
IAV 2025 will be the perfect opportunity for defence procurement professionals and the press to see the Supacat HMT platform demonstrating its readiness for the short-range requirements of the GBAD programme. With the Jackal 3 (4×4) and the Jackal 3e (6×6) in production, Supacat have the opportunity to exploit a live production line with the closed cab variant and conduct the integration of a SHORAD system.
Commenting on the addition to its inventory of world-beating high mobility solutions, Phil Applegarth said “Our modular and highly versatile range of HMT have been designed to be agnostic of specific lethal and protective ancillaries, but without doubt our partnership with Moog in this instance demonstrates the potency of two world class defence companies working together. I am really excited to be able to showcase this at IAV 2025.”
This was echoed by Moog’s EMEA Capture Lead and Representative, Richard Allen-Miles, “Moog are delighted to be working with Supacat at IAV 2025. With the British Army’s upcoming GBAD requirement in mind, together we’ll be showing the proven RIwP® turret mounted onto Supacat’s highly capable new closed cab variant. This collaboration showcases Moog’s long legacy in precision weapon systems coupled with Supacat’s well-established track record in providing the army with robust, battle-proven mobility platforms. RIwP and HMT together make a compelling solution for the Army’s mounted SHORAD and C-SAT GBAD requirements.”
20 Jan 25. Marshall fulfils major deployable infrastructure contract for Royal Netherlands Army. Marshall has delivered its 201st and final container under the Netherlands Specialised Containers (NLSC) programme, concluding a production run spanning facilities in the UK, Canada and the Netherlands. Designed, manufactured and integrated under an ongoing £31 m contract between Marshall and Materieellogistiek Commando (MatLogCo), the 201 specialised containers across five configurations will be used to transport and store critical military supplies and equipment in support of the Royal Netherlands Army’s missions around the world.
“Fulfilling production for the NLSC contract is a proud moment that shows the strength of Marshall’s global organisation and partnerships,” said Marshall Deployable Infrastructure Director Carl Forey.
“We are incredibly grateful to MatLogCo for their guidance and partnership at every step of this programme, which will provide the Royal Netherlands Army with specialised containers. We look forward to delivering ongoing support ranging from training, documentation and spares to field engineering work.”
The containers were designed and engineered through a collaboration between Marshall’s team in the UK and Contour Advanced Systems, a Netherlands-based high-tech engineering specialist. Likewise, system integration responsibilities were shared between Marshall’s state-of-the-art production facility in Moncton, Canada and Contour. Marshall’s operations in the Netherlands have been extensively involved through engineering, procurement and production support. Additional work was conducted by Visser Leeuwarden in the Netherlands.
“We are extremely happy with how this project has been realised,” said MatLogCo Project Manager Bas Grotegoed.
“Marshall’s focus on quality and reliability of delivery is clear, and we would like to thank the teams in the UK, Netherlands and Canada enormously for their contribution and dedication.”
Under the next phase of the NLSC programme, Marshall will provide comprehensive post-delivery maintenance and support services for a minimum of 12 years.
In addition to NLSC, Marshall is separately delivering deployable container systems for the Dutch Defence Materiel Organisation under the wide-ranging Defensiebrede Vervanging Operationele Wielvoertuigen (DVOW) programme. This contract has two elements: the production and delivery of containers, including command and control, medical systems, workshops and basic stores units, plus a full support programme that includes health and usage monitoring and a fleet management system.
Marshall also continues to provide integrated engineering and operations support for the Royal Netherlands Air Force, following the completion of a complex cockpit and cabin safety upgrade programme on their fleet of four C-130H aircraft.
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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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