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30 Jan 25. French Army receives first MEPAC armoured mortar carrier. The French Army received its first Griffon Mortier Embarqué Pour l’Appui au Contact (MEPAC) 6×6 self-propelled 120 mm mortar carrier on 19 December 2024, the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), France’s defence procurement agency, announced on its website on 24 January. The agency delivered the vehicle to the Satory-based detachment of the French Army’s 8e Régiment du Matériel responsible for maintaining the service’s equipment in operational condition.
Ten more vehicles are planned to be delivered in 2025, with completion of deliveries of all 54 by the end of 2028. Another 25 are earmarked for Belgium under the Franco-Belgian Capacité Motorisée (CaMo) programme.
The Griffon vehicle that MEPAC is based on is manufactured by the temporary consortium composed of KNDS France, Arquus, and Thales, with the latter producing the system’s semi-automatic Rifled Recoiled Mounted Mortar (2R2M). It also has a remote controlled weapon system armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun.
The 24.5 tonne MEPAC will support French groupement tactique interarmes (GTIA) joint tactical battlegroups in the zone of contact with the enemy. With a crew of four, the armoured vehicle is designed to be well protected and mobile in all terrain.
MEPAC is completely integrated in the chain of the ATLAS automated field artillery fire support system, allowing it to quickly provide fire support. The French Army claims that MEPAC can shoot-and-scoot in less than a minute. The system features the same vectronics as other vehicles of the SCORPION programme. (Source: Janes)
29 Jan 25. Italian Army KF41 Launches Armoured Force Renewal. The Italian military announced last week it would be acquiring 1050 KF41 based armoured vehicles from the joint venture between Rheinmetall AG and Leonardo S.p.A., which was recently approved by the German Federal Cartel Office (Bundeskartellamt) under its Army Armoured Combat System (A2CS) program.
The details were offered during the Defence IQ International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) conference held 21 – 23 January 2025 in Farnborough in the United Kingdom. The intent is to replace the current 1980’s vintage VCC-80 Dardo infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and various other mechanized combat and combat support vehicles with a range of sixteen mission role vehicles all utilizing the KF41 as a common baseline. These variants will be configured as infantry transport/fighting, command and control, air defence, anti-tank, 120mm mortar carriers, reconnaissance, combat engineering, maintenance/recovery and logistic support. This will be facilitated through a modular approach that intends to provide for reconfiguration between variants.
The Army has set an aggressive A2CS program schedule with the initial prototypes to be provided as early as 2026 through 2029. Italy’s initial budget of €5.2bn for the program is now projected to rise to €16 bn over fourteen years.
The KF41 is a designed to address not only current battlefield requirements but to offer a platform that can accommodate future technologies and system advances. Currently, Hungary is acquiring two-hundred and eighteen KF41 Lynx a portion of which will be manufactured in country. In addition, Lynx are reportedly being provided to the Ukraine with the first vehicles delivered early in 2025. Lynx is also a contender in the US Army Bradley replacement program.
KF41 variant configurations introduced to date have included: the Infantry Fighting Vehicle with 35mm WOTAN autocannon in the Lance 2.0 turret carrying up to eleven soldiers, the Reconnaissance, an Armoured Personnel Carrier with remote weapon station, recovery with RWS and crane, command, 120mm smoothbore fire support, and ambulance.
The common chassis has an 850 kW (1140hp) Liebherr engine and a Renk transmission and suspension system from the Australian firm Supashock. The combination assures the KF41 Lynx retains its mobility with any of the provides mission role modules and survivability packages being proposed.
The Lynx KF41 in the IFV weighs 44 tonnes yet provides a power-to-weight ratio of 26 hp/tonne. In addition to modular scalable ballistic and mine/blast protection the design minimizes the passive and active visual, thermal and acoustic signature of the vehicle reducing the possibility of detection. In addition, active countermeasures including ROSY and active defence systems can be provided.
The Lynx can have a road speed of 70 km/h and cruising range of 500 km. The commonality across the Lynx family assures that all elements of the force have compatible mobility and survivability inherent in the design offering a major benefit on the battlefield.
The Italian ground force modernization being represented by the substantial investment in the KF41 and in the A2CS program in total, which may also include a new Main Battle Tank, will give not only the Italian Army a significant capability but may also lay the foundation for a broader ground force step forward across NATO and Europe, as well as the potential for unprecedented interoperability with the United States. (Source: Armada)
30 Jan 25. Need for mission readiness to drive maintenance expenditure on in-service military platforms in Asia-Pacific in 2025, says GlobalData.
The evolving nature of warfare and threat perceptions in the Asia-Pacific region has increased the demand for robust maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) practices substantially. Disciplined MRO practices ensure higher operational availability rates of military platforms such as fixed-wing aircrafts, helicopters, naval vessels, and land vehicles. Against this backdrop, the cumulative maintenance cost burden of the military platform fleet of Asia-Pacific countries is estimated to be about $44bn in 2025, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s dashboard on Annual Maintenance Cost (part of the Fleet Size database) reveals that, with 28% share of the total addressable market (TAM), the Asia-Pacific region will provide most number of opportunities for maintenance service providers throughout this decade. Within Asia-Pacific, China, India, and Japan are the top three countries with highest maintenance cost burden owing to their large fleet of in-service defense platforms as of January 2025.
Harsh Deshmukh, Aerospace & Defense Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The governments in the Asia-Pacific region have the highest maintenance cost burden on the Military Land Vehicles segment, which is estimated to be about $15bn for 2025. This cost is further aggravated due to the large inventory of aging Soviet-origin main battle tanks, armored personnel carriers, and tactical trucks. Leading Asia-Pacific companies catering to this market segment include China North Industries Group Corp Ltd (Norinco), Dongfeng Motor Corporation Ltd, Poly Technologies, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd, and LIG NEX1 Co.”
The annual maintenance cost burden on Asia-Pacific’s Military Fixed Wing Aircraft fleets is estimated to be about $13 bn for 2025. As countries in the region try to address the perennial issues related to the low availability rate of their Fixed Wing Aircraft fleet, significant opportunities exist for global primes and subcontractors.
Deshmukh concludes: “Growing tension and territorial disputes across the Asia-Pacific, especially in the South China Sea, will not just drive the countries to procure new defense platforms but will also compel policymakers to pay more attention to the maintenance of their in-service fleet. India, China, and Pakistan have seen several border skirmishes in recent years, which have necessitated the respective governments to increase their spending on maintenance activities. The efforts made towards the improvement of the defense readiness levels by these countries will continue to pave the way for maintenance contracts to both domestic and international companies with relevant product portfolios.” (Source: GlobalData)
30 Jan 25. Latvia signs up for 42 ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles.
General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) has been awarded a contract by the Latvian Ministry of Defence for the delivery of an initial batch of 42 ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) including logistic support.
Announcing the contract on 30 January 2025, GDELS stated that the IFV would be the “latest generation” of the ACSOD family of armoured vehicles, with “customer specific features” for the Latvian Land Forces.
The acquisition, which was conducted through an international competition, is valued at approximately €373m ($464m), or around $11m per vehicle.
“We are grateful… that our ASCOD infantry fighting vehicle has been selected by the Latvian National Armed Forces as the winner of an international competition,” said Thomas Kauffmann, vice president GDELS Global Sales.
Kauffmann added that the ASCOD family had more than 1,100 vehicles in different variants in the global market.
What is the ASCOD armoured vehicle?
According to GDELS the ASCOD is a modular vehicle based on the Common Base Platform concept, able to be fitted to a variety of lethality and protection packages.
GDELS states that it delivers the ASCOD to customers with open architecture across a variety of variants and mission roles, all utilising the same base platform, reducing complexity and cost.
Regarding firepower, the ASCOD can accommodate a range of turrets from different manufacturers ranging from 25mm to 120mm calibre, as well as anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM).
Among notable operators of the ASCOD design will be the British Army, which will acquire 589 vehicles across multiple variants, led by the Ajax IFV.
IFVs leading global market demand
The procurement of IFVs was forecast to be the most popular segment of the global military land vehicles market over the next decade, according to analysis conducted by GlobalData, with a market share of 30.9%, followed by the main battle tanks segment with a share of 27.1%.
The global military land vehicles market, valued at $31.6bn in 2024, is expected to reach $48.3bn by 2034.
(Source: army-technology.com)
29 Jan 25. Indonesian firm PT Sentra Surya Ekajayais (PT SSE) has unveiled a prototype of its new P2 Tiger armoured personnel carrier (APC) to meet requirements in the Indonesian Army and export markets. The vehicle features an armoured hull produced by PT SSE mounted on the 4×4 Celeris tactical vehicle produced by French company Texelis.
A press release by the two companies said the P2 Tiger APC prototype, which was formally unveiled on 23 January after being built at PT SSE’s facility in Tangerang near Jakarta, has been designed and developed for troop transport but can be configured for several operations. The vehicle can carry a crew of two plus up to eight dismounts and their equipment.
Depending on its configuration, the P2 Tiger provides NATO STANAG 4569 protection from Level 1 to Level 4 and has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) ranging from 13 to 18 tonnes. The P2 Tiger APC version weighs 18 tonnes.
Kits
The P2 Tiger prototype was produced following Texelis’s supply of a series of Celeris kits, which comprised components including axles, powerpack, transmission, and steering system. Up to 30 kits are optional depending on the procured vehicle’s configuration.
The Celeris vehicle features Texelis T750 axles, a Cummins ISL9 Euro 3 diesel engine with an output of 375 hp, and an Allison 3200SP transmission with a two-speed-plus-neutral transfer case.
“A contract was signed in 2024, which determined the delivery to PT SSE of a first Celeris kit,” the press release said. “A team of Texelis experts assisted PT SSE with the industrial process, assembly, and first steps.” (Source: Janes)
30 Jan 25. The Latvian MoD has awarded GDELS – Santa Bárbara Sistemas a contract for the delivery of an initial batch of 42 ASCOD Infantry Fighting Vehicles.
Latvian MoD Press Release, Riga. On Thursday, January 30, Latvian National Armaments Director Major General Andis Dilāns and the Vice President of the Spanish company “General Dynamics European Land Systems – Santa Bárbara Sistemas” Alejandro Page Hernandez signed a 370 m euro contract to procure 42 ‘ASCOD’ infantry fighting vehicles for the Latvian National Armed Forces.
“Procurement of new and modern infantry fighting vehicles marks a new chapter in the mechanisation of the Latvian Army’s Land Forces. At the same time, this is a great agreement for our national military industry, which will take part in the provision of new fighting vehicles,” said Defence Minister A. Spruds, who attended the contract signing.
“We are grateful that our ‘ASCOD’ infantry fighting vehicle has been selected by the Latvian National Armed Forces as the winner of an international competition. We are looking forward to collaborating with the national defence industry to jointly strengthen Latvia’s military capabilities and to proudly deliver this great vehicle to our new customer,” said A. Page Hernandez, Vice President of “General Dynamics European Land Systems – Santa Bárbara Sistemas”.
Infantry combat machines come with NATO STANAG 4569 level four armour, automatic cannon, anti-tank weapons, machine gun and other state-of-the-art technologies that will ensure soldiers situational awareness on the battlefield. The infantry fighting vehicle’s crew consists of three soldiers, and it is capable of transporting and deploying six soldiers with full combat equipment.
The procedure for procuring infantry fighting vehicles was launched in early 2023, with several potential suppliers selected as part of a thorough feasibility study. Functional tests of supplier infantry fighting vehicles were conducted in autumn 2023 to obtain data on the operational capabilities of the platforms.
Following the functional tests, the National Armed Forces carried out an in-depth assessment of the results obtained in accordance with their operational needs. Platform costs, available equipment, meeting local industry engagement requirements, delivery deadlines and other aspects were also assessed.
Under the State Defence Concept, the National Armed Forces must develop capabilities by increasing fire capacity and distances that prevent an adversary from operating freely in the air, sea and ground. At the same time, the capabilities of anti-aircraft defence, coastal defence and long-range missile artillery and drones should be further developed, as well as infantry fighting vehicle platforms should be procured. Infantry Fighting Vehicle capability is also set as one of the priorities within the framework of NATO Capability Development Goals.
28 Jan 25. Dutch navy receives first modernised LCUs. The Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) took delivery of its first two upgraded Mk II landing craft utility (LCUs) on 23 January, the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed.
Work was carried out by De Haas Shipyards at its shipyard in Rotterdam. De Haas Shipyards is conducting the mid-life upgrade (MLU) programme for four Dutch Mk II LCUs in total under a contract awarded in 2022. The remaining units will be redelivered later in 2025 and in 2026, the MoD said.
The MLU will enable the LCUs to remain in service until at least 2032, as well as increasing their endurance and providing the capability to support small craft.
Work includes modernisation of the crew and mess facilities to enhance endurance, a complete overhaul of the hull and structure, upgrading the machinery and propulsion systems to increase range, the provision of stores to enable a logistic support capability, improvements to the command-and-control system, and the addition of ballistic protection. As part of the effort, the vessel has been equipped with new sleeping quarters, new generators have been installed, the exhausts have been moved towards the stern of the ship, and the wheelhouse has been replaced.
The RNLN has a total of five heavy LCU Mk IIs, each of which can carry a full company of 130 marines ashore or transport 65 tonnes of equipment. Four (two each) of the LCUs are allocated to the RNLN’s landing platform docks (LPDs) Rotterdam (L 800) and Johan de Witt (L 801). The remaining craft is used for training and maintenance. (Source: Janes)
28 Jan 25. UK trials cope cages for Challenger 2 tanks
The proliferation of small FPV drones on the battlefield is driving a fundamental shift in how to protect valuable assets like tanks.
Richard ThomasJanuary 28, 2025
The UK is testing the efficacy of so-called ‘cope cages’ on British Army Challenger 2 main battle tanks (MBT), as combat experiences in the Ukraine-Russia war highlight the vulnerability of armoured vehicles to the new era of small drone warfare on the battlefield.
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Information revealed at DefenceIQ’s International Armoured Vehicles exhibition and conference, which took place from 21-23 January, detailed some of the methods that the British Army was looking at the defeat small drone threats, including soft kill countermeasures as well as hard deterrents, such as cope cages.
During the show, it was disclosed that cope cages were under assessment, looking at specific capabilities such as obscuration, drone flight path interference, and physical protection. Design considerations include weight, robustness, function, and deployment.
It is understood that cope cage trials are ongoing on the Challenger 2, and potentially other amoured vehicles, at an Army Training Unit (ATU) site. These trails are examining areas like vehicle function and sightlines, crew ingress and egress, stowage, and maintenance tasks.
In addition, technical trials are ongoing to determine threat impact and implications to the host platform’s signature.
The UK is currently in the process of upgrading its 148 of its Challenger 2 MBTs to the Challenger 3 standard, incorporating a new turret and main gun system. It is thought the Challenger 3 could feature new composite armour, as well as fielding an active protection system.
However, it is unclear whether there are any plans to test cope cages on the Challenger 3 when it begins to enter service, with its initial operating capability not expected until 2027.
Ukraine is an operator of the Challenger 2 tank, which has seen active combat against Russian forces, with at least one vehicle confirmed to have been destroyed on operations. The Sultanate of Oman is also an export customer of the Challenger 2 MBT.
What is a cope cage?
The use of small, first-person-view (FPV) drones, fitted with a variety of explosives and munitions, in the Ukraine-Russia war has had a significant impact on attrition rates of military and armoured vehicles.
Social media outlets are flooded with videos showing small FPV drone use, which are often deployed in teams with a spotter drone to direct strikes against opportune targets.
Militaries around the world are also waking up to the role that FPV drones will play on the battlefield, with countries establishing dedicated units within their armed forces to develop and eventually field such capabilities.
Given this proliferation, militaries are in a race to find cost-effective ways to protect or deter such attacks using a variety of means. At its most basic, cope cages can physically prevent a munition from impacting on a weak point on an armoured vehicle, such as the engine bay or open hatch.
UK operations in Iraq and Afghanistan in the 2000s saw the widespread use of bar armour around the sides of armoured vehicles in order to affect a premature detonation of munition such as RPGs.
A cope cage takes this one step further, with particular emphasis on bar armour covering the turret roof, while extreme examples also see the armoured vehicle operating fully inside an ablative shell.
(Source: army-technology.com)
28 Jan 25. Daimler Truck focuses on growth in the defence sector.
- Daimler Truck intends to meet the increased demand in the defe.nce sector with a larger supply
- Within Daimler Truck, the business unit Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks is responsible for implementing the growth strategy in the defence sector
- A broader product range, the qualification of the sales and service network and the expansion of partnerships are in focus
- Franziska Cusumano, Head of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks:
“Step by step, we are expanding our business in the defence sector. We have developed a clear strategy for this following the motto ‘Grow and Invest’. The contracts concluded and the vehicles handed over in large numbers last year underline that our logistics solutions are tailored to the needs of different customers and their various deployment scenarios.”
- Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks presents a part of its defence portfolio at the IDEX trade fair in Abu Dhabi in February
Leinfelden-Echterdingen/Wörth am Rhein/Molsheim/Abu Dhabi – Daimler Truck follows a clear growth strategy in the development, production and sales of military commercial vehicles for logistics applications. With the introduction of new vehicle variants and the further qualification of the existing sales and service network, Daimler Truck wants to respond even faster and with a broader range to customer requirements from the defence sector. In addition, the increased manufacturing competence as well as the expansion of partnerships regarding new technologies, development projects and sales should lead to offering the right portfolio for users.
Within Daimler Truck, the business unit Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks is responsible for the defence segment, as well as for the fire fighting, disaster relief and civil protection segments. At the production plants in Wörth am Rhein and Molsheim (France), Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks conducts its own research and development, implements individual customer requests and produces high volumes for large orders.
From the extreme off-road Unimog and Zetros to the Atego, Actros and Arocs truck model series and heavy-duty tractor units – Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks offers a wide range of complete vehicles in various variants from Euro III to Euro VI and can also implement special equipment on request. Only recently, Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks has invested in the further development of the Zetros model series and can now offer all variants from two-axle 4×4 to four-axle 8×8, with or without protected cab, with single or twin tires and in various emissions standards. The manufacturer also sells the Unimog-based FGA chassis for protected bodies and supplies so-called CKD vehicle component sets with which the vehicles can be built independently at local production sites in the customer’s country.
Franziska Cusumano, Head of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks: “Step by step, we are expanding our business in the defence sector. We have developed a clear strategy for this following the motto ‘Grow and Invest’. The contracts concluded and the vehicles handed over in large numbers last year underline that our logistics solutions are tailored to the needs of different customers and their various deployment scenarios. We also want to meet this demand at the IDEX fair in Abu Dhabi with vehicles specially designed for use in this region.”
Daimler Truck has been rooted in the African, Arab and Asian regions for decades with its dealer and service network and works closely with local partners and bodybuilders. With the “Middle East/Africa” Regional Center in Dubai, the manufacturer offers long-term customer proximity and fast and uncomplicated vehicle and spare parts availability. At IDEX in Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s leading trade fairs for security and defence, Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks will be showcasing an excerpt from its portfolio from 17 to February 21. At booth 08-D48, visitors will find four vehicles for defence deployment, which are especially designed for robust use in high heat and dusty, sandy areas: two trucks from the Zetros off-road model series, an Arocs heavy-duty tractor unit and the variable chassis for protected bodies (FGA).
What will be on display at IDEX: From the Mercedes-Benz Zetros model series. The Mercedes-Benz Zetros is built for military operations in regions with limited infrastructure. In the hooded vehicle, the driver’s cab is positioned behind the front axle. This ensures a low overall height, significantly reduced vibration and shock loads for personnel and loads, greater driving safety and higher speeds on unpaved terrain. For work in the engine compartment, the cab does not need to be tilted, parts of the crew can remain in the vehicle and ensure the use of communication systems and other vehicle functions during this time.
All Zetros models are equipped with the OM 460 in-line six-cylinder diesel engine, which offers an output of up to 375 kW (510 hp) and is also suitable for operation with NATO fuel F-34. A maximum torque of up to 2,300 Nm is available from a displacement of 12.8 liters. 16-speed transmission or Allison automatic torque converter transmission, two-stage transfer case, engageable differential locks, large approach/departure and ramp angles and fording capability make traction and propulsion possible even in sand, mud, when crossing rivers and on steep terrain. The Zetros can be used as a semitrailer tractor to achieve gross combination weights of up to 120 tons and, thanks to numerous body solutions, to solve a wide range of transport tasks.
At IDEX, Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks will be presenting the Zetros 3351 AS 6×6 as a semitrailer tractor for the transportation of wheeled or tracked vehicles. The vehicle offers space for three people in the cab behind the front axle as well as a sleeping area and storage space for equipment.
Powered by a Mercedes-Benz OM 460 Euro V engine with 375 kW (510 hp) and Allison automatic transmission 4500 SP with retarder, the vehicle dynamics are high even in demanding off-road applications. Thanks to fully automatic gear selection, the six-speed transmission control enables fast and smooth moving off and acceleration without interruptions in tractive power. The differential locks on all axles and the tire pressure control system provide additional traction off-road. The diesel tank holds 780 liters, which makes long deployments without refueling possible.
The Zetros is equipped with the TLS 2.25 transport loading system with double winch from HPC Maschinenbau. The tensile force per winch is up to 250 kN, enabling wheeled or tracked vehicles with total weights of up to 50 tons to be loaded.
The Zetros can be seen with a gooseneck low loader trailer from Louault, which allows a maximum speed of 80 km/h with a net payload of 70 tons. Hydraulic outriggers, tie-down elements, additional storage space on the frame and cargo area and the tire pressure control system make the trailer a transport specialist for high loads, even on unpaved terrain.
Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks is also showcasing the Zetros 2036 A 4×4 with Euro III engine and 265 kW (360 hp). The chassis is equipped with a Mercedes-Benz G 260-16/11.7-0.69 transmission with double-plate clutch. The compact dimensions of 8.840 mm in length, 2.550 mm in width and 3.560 mm in elevation and the comparatively small wheelbase of 5.100 mm make the truck relatively maneuverable. The permissible gross weight of the two-axle vehicle is 16.5 tons. The cab with center seat offers space for three people and has additional storage space with fastening points in the cab, so that even extensive equipment can be carried easily. The Zetros is designed as a material and troop transporter with a low-torsion platform body.
From the Mercedes-Benz Arocs model series
The Mercedes-Benz Arocs offers customers a great diversity of drive variants, cab sizes and equipment elements. This individual configuration allows the vehicle to be adapted to different customer requirements and deployment scenarios. Powerful engines, highly resilient drive components and the solid chassis and suspension design ensure high off-road capability.
The Arocs is available with efficient Euro VI engines. The range of engines ranges from 7.7 liters of displacement with 175 kW (238 hp) to 15.6 liters of displacement with 460 kW (625 hp). This makes it possible to transport heavy loads with gross combination weights of up to 250 tons. For use in regions with lower emission requirements or poorer fuel qualities, the Arocs is also available with Euro III and Euro V exhaust gas certification.
A turbo retarder clutch can be installed as an option. It enables smooth power transmission, even under high loads. For the driver, this means more driving comfort when moving off and stopping and more sensitive maneuvering with input torques of up to 3,000 Nm and full utilization of the engine output up to the traction limit. Reduced gearbox wear and increased service life of the drive components contribute to increased maintenance-free uptime
The Mercedes-Benz Arocs 4042 AS 6×6 exhibited at IDEX 2025 is a heavy-duty tractor unit with twin tires and twin winch suitable for heavy-duty off-road transport, for example as a tank tractor unit. The double cable winch can also be used to recover broken-down vehicles and load and unload them onto the low loader trailer.
The Arocs 4042 AS 6×6 has the same engine as the Zetros models. The OM 460 in-line six-cylinder diesel engine with Euro III emissions standard delivers 310 kW (421 hp) in this variant with a displacement of 12.8 liters. The Mercedes-Benz Powershift 3 transmission shifts fully automatically for a fuel-saving driving style and at the same time relieving the driver. If the driver wants to rely on their own fingertip sensitivity when changing the gears, they can optionally use manual mode.
The dimensions of the three-axle Arocs 4042 AS 6×6 are 8.200 mm in length, 2.500 mm in width and 3.500 mm in elevation with a wheelbase of 4.200 mm. The three-axle vehicle has a permissible gross weight of 40 tons (nine tons on the front axle and two times 16 tons on the two rear axles) and a gross combination weight of 250 tons.
Special equipment for defence operations includes the roof hatch, which can be opened and closed instead of having to be folded, and the blackout lights, which minimize visibility during night-time driving. The Arocs also has a tire pressure control system with infinitely variable pressure adjustment for improved off-road capability.
Special chassis for protected bodies (FGA)
The FGA chassis is the basis for armored tactical vehicles (Armored Personal Carrier, APC) with protected cells up to 14.8 tons permissible gross vehicle weight. Numerous military vehicle manufacturers build their products on this chassis derived from the Unimog and thus benefit from the Unimog DNA, which has proven itself for decades: portal axles with thrust tubes and coil springs. These components enable the high off-road capability of a Unimog, with extensive service and spare parts supply and support from the experts of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks.
The drivetrain of the exhibited FGA chassis 14.8 is equipped with the Euro III six-cylinder diesel engine OM 926 LA, which offers an output of 240 kW (326 hp) and is coupled with the Allison 3500 six-gear automatic transmission. The chassis contains mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic interfaces that are suitable for various bodies.
27 Jan 25. Brazilian Army RFI for Special Vehicles. The Brazilian Army has just announced an RFI (Request for Information) for the acquisition of Special Engineering Vehicles, marking a significant step towards the modernization of its engineering capabilities. This is urgent news for military defense engineering companies looking to expand their presence in the Brazilian market and participate in high-impact projects.
The RFI requests quotes for newly manufactured vehicles, with detailed specifications that will be provided to interested companies. This is an invitation to present innovative and high-quality solutions aligned with the needs of the Brazilian Army.
Participation in this RFI offers companies the opportunity to:
Access a major contract: The Brazilian Army is one of the largest buyers of defense equipment in the region.
Showcase your technology: Demonstrate what your company does best in developing cutting-edge engineering vehicles.
Establish strategic partnerships: Build connections with a major customer and strengthen your position in the market.
Contribute to national security: Actively participate in the development of Brazil’s infrastructure and military capabilities.
(Source: Paulo Dominonni via LinkedIn)
27 Jan 25. Babcock collaboration with Atlas Elektronik UK. Babcock signed a commercial framework agreement with Atlas Elektronik UK (AEUK) a global maritime high technology enterprise who are experts in the fields of hydroacoustics, sensor engineering and information technology. The signing of this important document further builds on our longstanding collaborative partnership and follows a charter signing in 2023.
This framework agreement, signed by our Supply Chain and Logistics Director, David Tytherleigh and Head of Service Division AEUK Samy Mehsen, is the next step in formalising this positive partnership between our two organisations.
We’ll be combining our expertise and using innovation to deliver enhanced capabilities, with a focus on the technical support and packages of work relating to the complex machinery on board the V and A Class submarines. This partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our readiness to deliver submarine availability to the Royal Navy, both now and in the future.
John Howie, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, commented: “Babcock and Atlas Elektronik UK have complimentary capabilities that can combine to deliver critical outcomes to our customers. We previously signalled our intent for a deeper and more collaborative relationship with the signing of a Charter and I’m delighted that this has been followed up with the signing of a commercial framework that puts our intent into action. Our relationship demonstrates strong collaboration across the maritime enterprise, delivering for defence and our purpose of creating a safe and secure world, together.”
John Weale of AEUK, added: “This agreement will facilitate greater collaboration across the support enterprise, and in the development of new and enhanced capabilities for ships and submarines by bringing together the experience and knowledge from the two companies at an earlier stage of equipment development.
“The strategic intent for supporting the Royal Navy is evolving, they require a support ecosystem that balances the need for a sustainable sovereign capability with commercial opportunities that delivers agile, global warship support. This is being delivered through the Naval Support Integrated Global Network (NSIGN) programme and this framework between Babcock and AEUK will deliver the necessary efficiency and agility to support this strategic aim and is a positive and conscious enabler by both companies to prepare for this future.”
27 Jan 25. Hungary plans to procure more Lynx IFVs. Hungary plans to procure 172 more KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and support vehicles, Janes learnt at Defence iQ’s International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) 2025 conference held under the Chatham House Rule in Farnborough from 21 to 23 January. The additional IFVs will be produced by the Rheinmetall Hungary joint venture in Zalaegerszeg at the end of the decade.
The Hungarian Defence Forces (HDF) received its first domestically produced Lynx IFV on 24 July 2024. The vehicle was completed in December 2023 and handed over to the HDF after receiving functional, performance, and quality acceptance.
A total of 209 Lynx vehicles will be supplied to the HDF under an August 2020 Hungarian Ministry of Defence contract worth EUR2 bn (USD2.1 bn). In addition to the IFV version, the HDF will receive command post, reconnaissance, joint fires observer, mortar carrier, and driver training variants, as well as nine Lynx Skyranger air-defence vehicles under a separate contract.
The company is building the first 46 Lynx IFVs and command-and-control vehicles for Hungary in Germany. Hungary received its first Lynx, an IFV, for the HDF at Petőfi Sándor Barracks in Budapest on 15 October 2022 and is scheduled to receive all 46 German-built vehicles by the end of 2025.
The Lynx vehicles will give the Hungarian army an armoured infantry capability, with driver, gunner, commander, technical crew, and dismounted training under way. (Source: Janes)
27 Jan 25. Milrem Robotics reveals armed UGV to be supplied to Ukraine and teases launch of 8×8 RCV. Estonia-based Milrem Robotics revealed the upcoming supply of its first armed THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) at Defence iQ’s International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) 2025 conference held in Farnborough, UK, from 21 to 23 January.
THeMIS is a family of medium UGVs designed for logistics support, transport, surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat support. Since 2022 the AFU has deployed the THeMIS Cargo casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) UGV and THeMIS Route Clearance Unmanned System (ROCUS) to support transport, evacuation, demining and logistics, and combat engineering teams.
Milrem Robotics’ director of industrial partnerships, Paul Clayton, said that tests of THeMIS armed with a grenade launcher are expected to be completed in February, after combat trials in Estonia. Additional tests of THeMIS include counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (C-UAV) capabilities and extended communication and control range using Starlink satellite communications (satcom).
Milrem’s announcement further consolidates Ukraine’s position as the single largest user of THeMIS while for the first time adding a combat support variant of the platform to the AFU’s inventory, with these classed as medium.
The use of unmanned platforms by the AFU has been reported since the opening stages of the conflict with Russia, gaining momentum especially in 2024, with new combat UGVs being developed, tested, and deployed. Clayton said the AFU’s use of UGVs included spoofing command post signatures, provoking Russian forces into launching attacks with Iskander ballistic missiles, thereby revealing their launch sites.
Milrem Robotics, said Clayton, intends to have 200 UGVs in Ukraine by the end of 2025 to be locally manufactured by its upcoming partnership plant inside Ukraine. (Source: Janes)
27 Jan 25. Indra Presents to NATO Countries and Allied Armies the 1st Next-Gen Mission System for Military Vehicles in Europe
- The Maestre mission system developed by Indra for the Spanish Ministry of Defence acts as the brain of the vehicles, providing intelligence and increasing mission survivability and effectiveness
- The company has been invited to show its system to one of the most important specialized forums on the continent (IAV 2025), which was held this week in the United Kingdom
This week, Indra has showcased its new Maestre mission system at one of the most important international forums for armored vehicles in the world, namely the 25th International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) Conference, held in the United Kingdom and attended by commanders of the main allied armies of NATO and other countries. Indra’s Maestre system has been designed to serve as the backbone and brain of armored vehicles and has become the first next-generation solution in Europe to go into serial production for operational deployment.
The European defence industry has been working on the development of systems such as this one, which meet the demanding architectural requirements defined by NATO (STANAG 4754, etc.). This open and scalable inter-operable solution allows controlling, in a simple and intuitive way, the growing quantity of systems and sensors carried by modern armored vehicles.
Indra designed the Maestre system for the Spanish Army’s 8×8 Dragon vehicle, which is currently in the production phase, and has already integrated it into the first units that have been manufactured, with the main objective of facilitating operations. In particular, the identification of alerts and threats through the use of Artificial Intelligence and advanced 360º artificial vision models, operations management, targeting and firing on targets and driving the vehicle. All this with the aim of increasing mission survivability and effectiveness.
Indra’s system has thus become the first of its generation in Europe to reach this level of maturity and begin mass production with a view to their use in real deployments. Its implementation also constitutes a turning point in the development of the military vehicles of the future, whose progress depends on the evolution of this technology. Mission systems are key to securing the degree of interoperability required to carry out multi-domain operations in which multiple platforms and systems are coordinated to act simultaneously in different land, air, cyberspace and, in some cases, marine domains. First and foremost, the foregoing requires much smarter and more inter-connected vehicles equipped with systems such as Maestre, which allow data to be exchanged at huge speed via a combat cloud.
Ignacio Ruiz, Indra’s deputy director of Land Systems, was tasked with presenting the Maestre system at the forum held at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre. He stated that “Indra is one of the main players in the armored vehicle systems market in Europe and it’s evolving towards a role as a top-level integrator, after acquiring a majority stake in the Tess Defence military vehicle integration company. It also plays a key role in the Spanish Army’s armored vehicle programs and the main development projects driven by the European Commission through the European Defence Fund (EDF), including Marte, Famous I and II and Commands”.
The Indra executive explained that Maestre is here to comprehensively transform how an armored vehicle is operated, and he compared the progress of this implementation with the difference between flying a World War II aircraft, equipped with direct analog controls and numerous indicator devices, and a modern aircraft, endowed with digital architecture controlled via computers. “Maestre automatically coordinates all of the systems, merges the information and presents it to the crew and guarantees degrees of ease and immediacy in the vehicle’s operation that have been unimaginable until now, substantially improving decision-making and reliability and, in turn, leading to greater safety for both the crew and the mission”, he emphasized. (Source: ASD Network)
27 Jan 25. F-35 Project Expands Capabilities at FRCE. Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) celebrated the completion of its F-35 Lightning II expansion project with an informal ribbon cutting ceremony Jan. 14. The expansion project offers space and aircraft bays to support the increasing F-35 modification workload.
Commanding Officer Capt. Randy Berti said this milestone will directly enhance the depot’s capabilities and strengthen the nation’s defense system. “As we celebrate today’s milestone, it’s important to reflect on what this expansion means for the F-35 mission readiness and, most importantly, for our warfighters,” said Berti. “The F-35 is the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, and ensuring its mission capability is critical to national security. FRC East is a vital part of this process, ensuring these aircraft are maintained and ready to perform at the highest level. This expansion is a direct investment in our ability to meet the increasing demands of the F-35 program,” he continued. “It will allow us to continue providing high-quality, timely support to the Joint Program Office (JPO), the men and women operating the aircraft and our partners across the globe.”
FRCE is the lead site for depot-level maintenance on the F-35B Lightning II and has conducted modifications and repair on the Marine Corps’ short takeoff-vertical landing variant of the aircraft since 2013. The depot also performs work on the Air Force’s conventional takeoff and landing F-35A variant and Navy’s F-35C carrier variant.
Since standing up capability for the F-35 in 2013, FRCE has successfully inducted 158 aircraft and delivered 145 back into operational service. The space offered by the expansion project is scheduled to support an additional 337,000 hours of work through fiscal year 2028. The 158 induction is set to be the first aircraft to be serviced in the new space.
F-35 Joint Program Office Modifications and Induction Lead Jeanie Holder said the F-35 Joint Program Office had a vision for this expansion project back in 2022 and knew FRCE was the right facility for the job.
“FRC East was selected due to its proven track record in depot performance, skilled labor force and their ability to deliver aircraft on time,” Holder said. “We knew they would be the depot for the job, and they did not disappoint. Soon, this dock expansion will be filled with aircraft.”
Holder said the success of this expansion project lies with the dedicated individuals at FRCE and the F-35 Joint Program Office.
“I want to personally acknowledge and thank FRC East leadership, past and present, their facilities team, and the Joint Program Office’s project support manager and Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command for everything they have done to make this happen,” said Holder. “Meeting a deadline of this magnitude is a testament to your dedication, expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence.”
FRCE’s support of the F-35 platform has expanded significantly since its first airframe induction more than a decade ago. In 2020, FRCE declared capability on its first F-35 component, making the facility a verified source of repair and testing for that item. Since then, FRCE has declared capability on 76 F-35 components, and continues to stand up capability. In 2023, FRCE personnel became the first within the Department of Defense to perform the successful assembly of an F-35B Lightning II lift fan clutch outside of the original manufacturer’s facility. The F-35 workload will continue to increase as more of the fifth-generation fighters are fielded on the East Coast, with FRCE’s F-35B vertical lift fan testing and processing facilities scheduled to come online later this year, and the F-35 aircraft sustainment facility is projected to be operational sometime around 2028.
FRCE is North Carolina’s largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider, with more than 4,000 civilian, military and contract workers. Its annual revenue exceeds $1 bn. The depot provides service to the fleet while functioning as an integral part of the greater U.S. Navy; Naval Air Systems Command; and Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers. (Source: ASD Network)
27 Jan 25. Upgraded Ukrainian Leopard 1A5 Tank Endures Dozen Hits from Russian Drones Before Being Disabled. This equipment is part of the Very High Readiness Joint Taskforce of the NATO Response Force (NRF). The NRF is a technologically advanced, multinational force made up of land, air, maritime and Special Operations Forces components that are rapidly deployable. (NATO photo by Junior Specialist (OR-2) Synne Nilsson, NOR-A).
A Ukrainian Leopard 1A5 tank, upgraded with additional protection, endured at least eight direct hits from Russian first-person-view (FPV) drones and potentially three more before being disabled, according to Ukrainian sources.
A video published by the Ukrainian Militarnyi news outlet demonstrates the effectiveness of the modifications made to the Cold War-era tank by Ukrainian engineers.
The tank, originally positioned in a wooded area, was first targeted by Russian drones that struck its frontal armor three times and hit its left side and rear twice. The crew managed to move the tank to a road to escape further attacks but stopped for unknown reasons.
At that point, three additional drones struck the engine compartment, though the vehicle continued to move. It was finally immobilized after two more strikes, reportedly causing a fire.
Ukrainian reports suggest the crew likely escaped during the intervals between the attacks, as most of the strikes targeted areas away from the crew compartments.
The Leopard 1A5, developed in the 1960s, is known for its mobility and firepower but has thin base armor, with its thickest point being 70 millimeters. Recognizing this vulnerability, Ukrainian engineers enhanced the tanks with additional protective features after they were delivered by a German-Danish-Dutch consortium in late 2023. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)
23 Jan 25. Mack Defense today announced that the US military has ordered 103 Mack Defense M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDTs). The additional vehicles are part of the previously announced firm-fixed price $296 m contract over seven years that the Army awarded Mack Defense in 2018, which allows for up to 683 trucks. For this new order, 74 HDTs will be purchased from the presidential budget and 29 are being purchased by the National Guard.
The HDTs play a vital role in construction and upkeep of infrastructure assets, including airfields, roadways, landing strips, supply facilities and motor pools.
“Our military continues to field Mack HDTs into various operations around the world, so these vehicles have been put to the test and continue to meet demanding requirements,” said Dave Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “For that reason, the Army, Army Reserve and the Army National Guard continue to invest in these modern HDTs to ensure our soldiers have the right truck with the highest level of capabilities needed to ensure mission success.”
The Army previously had ordered 446 HDTs, which are based on the commercially available Mack Granite model but spec’d with heavier-duty rear axles, all-wheel drive, increased suspension ride height and other ruggedised features to meet the unique requirements of the US military. The Mack Granite HDT model features advanced technology including ABS, modern control interfaces for user-friendly operation, and active safety systems. Compared to older Army HDT models, these modern features and improved sustainability were key factors in the Army’s investment in these new HDTs, according to Hartzell. Both the Mack Granite-based HDTs and the production line at the Mack Experience Center (MEC) in Allentown, Pennsylvania have undergone rigorous inspection by government quality auditors to ensure these mission-critical trucks exceed expectations.
Production of the HDTs at the MEC began in Q1 2021, following an investment of $6.5 m to create a dedicated HDT production line at the facility. The production line helps fulfil the M917A3 contract, while allowing Mack Defense to produce other vehicle variants.
The production line in the MEC is in Mack’s former Customer Adaptation Center, where vehicle modifications occurred. The Customer Adaptation Center has since moved to Mack’s Lehigh Valley Operations (LVO) in Macungie, Pennsylvania, where all Mack Class 8 vehicles for North America and export are assembled. (Source: joint-forces.com)
24 Jan 25. Estonia receives NMS and Otokar Arma armoured vehicles from Türkiye. Estonia is receiving deliveries of the Nurol Makina NMS 4×4 vehicles and Otokar Arma 6×6 armoured personnel carriers (APCs) it is procuring, Janes learnt at Defence iQ’s International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) 2025 conference held under the Chatham House Rule in Farnborough from 21 to 23 January.
Estonia ordered the NMS and Arma vehicles on 18 October 2023. At the time, the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) announced that it had signed contracts worth EUR200m (over USD208m) with the two Turkish companies for 230 vehicles, plus documentation, training, special tools, equipment, and spare parts, while Otokar said that the Arma contract was worth EUR130m.
The NMS and Arma vehicles are equipping the Estonian Defence Forces’ (EDF’s) 2nd Infantry Brigade, with the 1st Infantry Brigade also receiving the NMS.
The contracts are valid for 10 years and allow for the procurement of additional armoured vehicles and spare parts, and for requests for maintenance, repairs, and the development of the vehicles. Four NMS vehicles are also being procured for the Estonian Rescue Board’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Centre. The Estonian NMS is the extended wheelbase (EWB) model, and most of the NMS and Arma vehicles are standard troop carrier versions while some are command-and-control vehicles, according to the ECDI.
Deliveries began during the second half of 2024 and are planned to take one and a half years, Janes learnt at IAV 2025. (Source: Janes)
24 Jan 25. Germany and Netherlands plan procurement of more Boxer armoured vehicles. Germany and the Netherlands are planning to jointly procure more Boxer armoured vehicles, Janes learnt at Defence iQ’s International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) 2025 conference held under the Chatham House Rule in Farnborough from 21 to 23 January. The order for 150 Boxer infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) versions for Germany and 72 for the Netherlands has been delayed by the German national elections, to be held on 23 February, to the second or third quarter of 2025.
Joint procurement of the 222 Boxer IFVs is expected to result in economies of scale. Germany has so far ordered 551 Boxers, and delivery of 200 of the vehicles to the Netherlands was completed in 2014.
The Royal Netherlands Army deployed Boxers configured as IFVs to Lithuania starting in mid-2017. The vehicles were modified engineer variants, which are armed with the Kongsberg M151 Protector 12.7 mm machine gun, however there is a formal Dutch requirement to up-arm them with an automatic cannon of at least 30 mm in calibre.
The Dutch-German Boxer IFV will have minimum modifications, but separately, the two countries also plan to procure the Boxer Knifefish jamming variant in two versions: ultra-high frequency (UHF)/very high frequency (VHF) and high frequency (HF).
The UK is another country that plans to increase the size of its Boxer fleet. The first Boxer produced in the UK in December 2023 was displayed at IAV 2025. (Source: Janes)
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