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28 Mar 25. Daimler Truck and ARX Robotics plan partnership in the field of defence mobility
* Partnership for digital networking and thus greater operational capabilities in the defence vehicle sector.
* AI software integration: ARX Robotics’ operating system will increase the digital capabilities of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks vehicles.
* Strengthening the competitiveness of the European defence industry through innovation partnerships.
Daimler Truck and ARX Robotics, one of the leading companies for unmanned autonomous land systems based in Munich, are planning a strategic partnership. The companies have now signed a letter of intent to this end. The aim is to jointly drive forward the next generation of digital development in the field of military vehicles.
The companies want to integrate robotics and AI technologies from ARX Robotics into vehicle platforms from Daimler Truck in the future and thus achieve greater networking, operational capability and efficiency of the vehicles. In particular, the military vehicle variants of the Unimog and Zetros series, which the Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks business unit develops, produces and sells, will be enabled for a broader range of tasks through sensor and software modules and the use of artificial intelligence. In addition to networking, the focus is on operation via teleoperation and autonomous driving in open terrain. The new digital possibilities are based on the innovative Mithra OS operating system from ARX Robotics. The two companies are working closely together to continuously develop the technology based on experience.
Daniel Zittel, Head of Defence Sales, Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks: “We are currently investing and growing in the defence sector in order to meet customer needs even better and offer specialized solutions for military tasks. We are looking forward to working with ARX Robotics, one of the leading start-ups for autonomous ground systems. Digitalization and AI will play a key role in the defence sector, especially in cyber defence, defence logistics and international cooperation.”
Marc Wietfeld, co-founder and CEO of ARX Robotics: “The future of land forces is software-defined, as this is the only way they can act in a closely networked manner when needed. Modern vehicles should therefore be able to incorporate the latest software and AI modules to be an efficient part of the NATO armed forces. The solutions from ARX Robotics, implemented in the off-road vehicles from Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, can ensure significantly greater efficiency in the defence vehicle sector. Our planned joint project follows a European approach and aims to strengthen the innovative power and competitiveness of the European defence industry.”
Integration of the Mithra OS operating system in Zetros and Unimog
Through equipment upgrades and the integration of the Mithra OS operating system, the vehicle fleets will be given the ability to network with other software-defined systems, such as compatible vehicles or drones. This simplifies a coordinated approach by the various units. This is particularly important for multi-domain operations, i.e. missions that involve simultaneous action on the ground and in the air.
The technological centerpiece is the ARX Core, the central computing and networking unit that will be installed in the vehicles and supports the integration of various sensors, cameras and radio systems. This enables object recognition and fast data acquisition and transmission combined with the use of artificial intelligence. This should enable the vehicles, for example, to autonomously find the best route in open terrain, carry out remote-controlled landmine clearance or evacuate injured people from risk areas without putting crew members in danger.
In a first step, Mercedes-Benz Zetros prototypes will be equipped with the digital systems from ARX Robotics. After the technical implementation, the partners want to test different application scenarios and enable other vehicle types, such as the Unimog, for comprehensive networking, teleoperation and autonomous driving in open terrain.
Retrofitting of existing “legacy fleets” also possible
In order to make the best possible contribution to the renewal of the NATO vehicle fleet, ARX Robotics and Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks are pursuing the approach of equipping existing and new vehicles alike with digital capabilities or retrofitting them. The two-pronged approach enables faster implementation and better use of existing resources.
About ARX Robotics
ARX Robotics is one of the leading German defence tech start-ups. The company develops autonomous unmanned ground systems with scalable hardware components and software architectures. With its innovative, modular platforms, ARX Robotics uses software-defined defence and robotics to redesign productivity, efficiency and safety in various industries. With its Mithra OS system, ARX digitizes existing military systems and vehicle fleets and transforms them into software and AI-supported, networked systems. ARX systems are currently being procured or tested by six European armed forces. ARX Robotics is supported by renowned investors such as Project A Ventures and the Nato Innovation Fund.
26 Mar 25. Denmark signals plan to join European air refueling pool, buy tankers. Denmark indicated plans to join a European pool of air-to-air refueling tankers, including the potential purchase of two Airbus A330 MRTT refueling aircraft, with Danish participation in the joint capacity estimated to cost about 7.4bn Danish kroner ($1.1bn) over the 2025-2033 period.
Danish Chief of Defence Gen. Michael Hyldgaard has recommended Denmark become a partner in the six-nation Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet, initially through the purchase of flight hours for air refueling, followed by negotiations to buy a share in the pool equivalent to two refueling aircraft, the Ministry of Defence said on March 25.
Aerial refueling is one of several critical defense enablers where Europe partly relies on U.S. capacities, a dependency that appears increasingly risky as the American government disengages from Europe. The stakes may be even higher for Denmark, as U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to annex Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory.
The Danish air force operates F-16 and F-35 fighter jets.
The tanker capacity will strengthen the air defense of Denmark and “increase the fighting power of the Danish defense, including our national operational needs,” Danish Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen said. “For example, air refueling capacity creates the precondition for operations with combat aircraft in the Arctic and the North Atlantic.”
The Danish government in February agreed to allocate an additional 50 billion kroner to defense over the coming two years, boosting defense spending to more than 3% of GDP in 2025 and 2026.
The multinational tanker fleet consists of nine MRTT aircraft, owned and managed by NATO, pooling the resources of the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Norway, Belgium and Czechia. The six European countries have one more tanker on order for delivery in 2026.
Poelsen said “there is good potential for Nordic cooperation in the field” of air refueling.
The fleet is operated from Eindhoven in the Netherlands, with aircraft also stationed in Cologne, Germany, both around 460 kilometers southwest of the Danish border. The joint tanker fleet was first proposed in 2012, and initiated by the European Defence Agency to address what NATO calls a “long-standing shortfall” in European air-to-air refueling capacity.
The Airbus A330 MRTT is a multirole aircraft that in addition to carrying 110 metric tons of kerosene can also be used to transport passengers or cargo, with a 45-ton payload capacity. The aircraft can use a boom to refuel aircraft including the F-16 and F-35, and a probe and drogue system for Eurofighter, Tornado, F-18, Gripen and Rafale.
Germany is the biggest user of the joint tanker fleet in terms of flight hours, ahead of Belgium and the Netherlands. The fleet started with the Netherlands and Luxembourg jointly buying two A330 MRTTs in 2016, with five additional aircraft ordered in 2017 after Germany and Norway joined the project, with additional tankers ordered in following years after Belgium and Czechia joined.
In addition to the six-nation pool, the other A330 MRTT operators in Europe are France with a fleet of 12 of the aircraft and three more on order, and the U.K. with 14 tankers, according to Airbus data at the end of February.
Denmark’s chief of defense also proposes to invest around 4.7bn kroner in the 2025-2033 period to accelerate the buildup of the Army’s 1st Brigade into a heavy brigade by three to five years, with the construction of two infantry companies, a tactical drone section, a mechanical engineering company and off-road trucks.
Denmark said it established an air-defense wing at the Flyvestation Skalstrup military facility, ahead of the acquisition of ground-based air defenses, according to a separate statement on Wednesday. The country officially decommissioned the air defense units operating Hawk missile systems there in 2005.
The government said it will look for an interim air-defense solution that can be delivered as early as this year or next year, and pick the system for a permanent solution this year, with a target to finalize the contract by the end of 2025.
Denmark earlier this month shortlisted the French-Italian SAMP/T and the U.S. Patriot system to cover the high end of the threat spectrum in its planned purchase of air defense systems, while MBDA’s VL MICA system, Kongsberg’s NASAMS, the IRIS-T SLM from Diehl Defence and the U.S. IFPC. are in competition for the lower end. (Source: glstrade.com/Defense News)
27 Mar 25. Rheinmetall is revolutionising battlefield autonomous mobility with a bold new investment in next-generation technology. As part of its mission to lead the digitalisation of modern warfare, the company is accelerating the rollout of the PATH Autonomous Kit – the innovative technology that dominated the 2024 European Land Robotics (ELROB) convoy competition.
This investment will supercharge the deployment of next-generation autonomous mobility systems, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the battlefield. The PATH Autonomous Kit delivers scalable, intelligent, and highly adaptable autonomy across a wide range of platforms – from uncrewed ground vehicles to logistics convoys, capable of navigating the toughest terrains and most demanding environments. With this initiative, Rheinmetall cements its position as the undisputed leader in land autonomy, addressing the growing demands of military forces worldwide.
To spearhead this innovation, Rheinmetall is launching three brand-new Advanced Land Autonomy Centres of Excellence in Germany, the Nordics and the United Kingdom, while also expanding its current Canadian Autonomy Centre of Excellence. These pioneering hubs will serve as the beating heart of Rheinmetall’s autonomous revolution, providing advanced integration, testing, and national control over leading-edge autonomous solutions, with a sharp focus on the PATH Autonomous Kit.
“Autonomy isn’t just the future of defence – it’s the key to unlocking unprecedented speed, agility, and strategic advantage on the battlefield,” said Thomas Berge Nielsen, CEO of Rheinmetall’s Global Business. “By investing in the PATH Autonomous Kit and establishing our new Centres of Excellence, we’re bringing world-leading autonomous capabilities to the fight – ensuring Rheinmetall remains at the cutting edge of military innovation.”
The future of warfare is characterized by autonomy –and Rheinmetall is leading the charge.
26 Mar 14. Dismantling Giants: How Recycling Nuclear Vessels Maintains a Ready Force. On an overcast autumn day, the decommissioned USS Hyman G. Rickover was literally a shell of its former self.
Tradespeople, dozens of them, were scattered across its three levels, ripping apart what was once the sonar shack, the galley and other previously inhabited sections of the submarine. Saws whirred, chisels clinked and music blared over a radio as crews steadfastly worked to pry loose the foundations that once made the vessel a revered part of the Navy’s submarine fleet.
The recycling program at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Bremerton, Washington, is extensive, but the focus is not on plastic bottles, aluminum cans and cardboard boxes. Instead, employees work to dismantle and dispose of decommissioned nuclear vessels.
“This is the graveyard, basically, of the nuclear Navy,” said Jack Tappe, the shipyard’s project superintendent and a retired Navy commander who served for 32 years.
While the program is essentially a massive demolition project, it directly contributes to the readiness of the force. Putting American tax dollars toward the recycling program ensures the safe and efficient disposal of nuclear vessels when they reach the end of their service life.
It’s also a fiscally responsible contribution to the military’s organic industrial base. The program is a cost-saving opportunity for the Navy to give new life to parts that may no longer be in production. Taking parts from decommissioned submarines allows older subs still in the fleet to maintain their seaworthiness — a key component in deterring aggression in the Indo-Pacific, where the focus is maintaining a strategic advantage over China.
“We need the best systems in the hands of warfighters … to deter [and] send the signal that, when the fight comes, we’re ready to win and win decisively,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said during his Feb. 7, 2025, Pentagon Town Hall.
A Slow & Steady Tear-Down
Currently, the shipyard receives a steady flow of decommissioned Los Angeles-class attack submarines that are brought in for the recycling process, which can take up to two years to complete.
Dismantling starts along the pier, where the subs remain afloat. Ladders used by sailors are removed, stairs are added to give workers easier access, and holes are punched into the sub’s hull so cranes can be lowered to pull out scrap metal. The crews bring in their own electrical power and ventilation piping because the vessels are no longer functional.
The forward and aft ends of each submarine are then separated from the already defueled reactor compartment, which is then closed at each end with massive steel encasements.
PSNS & IMF is the only naval shipyard that can make robust steel encasements large enough and with the safety requirements needed to hold the empty reactor cores. The giant cases are pieced together by expert welders using submerged-arc welding, technology not used anywhere else in the Navy.
“Then, we basically hollow [the subs] out. Our goal is to remove about 1.2-1.5 m pounds of structural metal and cabling,” Tappe said.
Most of the employees involved in the labor-intensive process are civilian experts skilled in areas such as lifting and handling, forging, shipfitting, fabrication and welding.
“Every day will be a different job,” said Adrian Falcon, one of the shipyard’s supervising shipfitters and a former Army infantryman. “Say they’ll be working a structural job today. Tomorrow, they might be working the cutout for just a certain section of the boat, or they’ll be working a foundational job for that day. Every job just depends on the timeframe.”
Part of the recycling team’s work includes filling large bins with items such as insulation, circuit boards, electrical components, cabling and other debris that is sent to different waste streams.
“Some of the material is actually very costly, like copper,” Tappe said. “That’s very sought after.”
The contents of the bins are sent to contractors who will either melt down the scraps, reuse them, sell them or send them out for environmentally safe disposal.
As parts are removed, the subs slowly rise out of the water. Visitors on the pier can see water lines on the subs from where they initially sat when they were at their operational weight.
Tappe said with the help of between 50 and 100 crew members, a submarine can be hollowed out in about a year.
“We make these submarines light enough and processed enough so that they can actually fit into dry dock,” he said.
Once in dry dock, it takes another 10 months to break down a sub to where all that’s left is the empty reactor compartment. The dry dock is where that heavy recycling process takes place. Parts of the ship that are too big to remove along the pier, such as the diesel generator, are removed during this phase. Large chunks of the submarine’s main structure are also ripped apart and deposited onto barges at the pier for disposal as scrap metal.
“Metal yards … buy that from the Navy and then reprocess it, and they sell it back [for] commercial or military use,” Tappe said.
The shipyard itself also reuses some of the material.
“There are some precious metals that we in the Navy keep, and then there’s also other things that we often call ‘save items’ that we process for future [LA-class submarine] use because they’re still an operational submarine,” Tappe said. “These [subs] were built in the ’60s. The vendors who built these submarines don’t exist, for the most part, anymore … so we give it back to the fleet if they need it.”
The defueled nuclear reactor compartment is all that is left. They are placed in robust shipping packages consistent with federal and state regulations and shipped to the Department of Energy’s Hanford Site in Hanford, Washington. The packages make the 700-mile journey by barge from the shipyard in Bremerton down the Washington coast and up the Columbia River before being transported on a multi-wheeled transporter to the site for safe, permanent disposal. More than 140 reactor compartment disposal packages have been safely transported by PSNS & IMF to the Hanford Site since 1986.
In addition to the vital function it provides the fleet, the recycling program is also a great way for the shipyard to experiment with new technologies, such as heat induction, which uses a large magnet to induce current and heat. This process causes tiles to de-bond and fall off instead of having to be chiseled off.
“The great thing about recycling is, if [the new technology] doesn’t work [or] if I damage the sub, who cares? It’s already scrapped,” said Dustin Butler, another project superintendent at the shipyard.
The program allows a safe place for learning new techniques and trying new processes, particularly for newer employees just learning the trades. It’s hard work that Tappe says will never dry up.
“There will always be retiring submarines,” he said.
The submarine recycling program is just one of the many programs at PSNS & IMF that have allowed the shipyard to maintain its critical function for the Navy’s fleet in the Indo-Pacific. The teams that work on these submarines build on the proud tradition of excellence that has defined PSNS & IMF for more than 130 years – and they will continue to keep that legacy intact for the shipyard of the future. (Source: U.S. DoD)
25 Mar 25. FNSS and John Cockerill Defense to Showcase Cutting-Edge Armored Vehicles at LAAD International Defense and Security Fair 2025. FNSS, in collaboration with John Cockerill Defense (JCD), announces its participation at the LAAD International Defense and Security Fair, scheduled to take place from April 1 to 4, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
“We are excited to make our first appearance at the LAAD Fair,” said FNSS International Business Development Director, Melih Kayaalp. “This event provides a significant platform for us to engage with the Brazilian Armed Forces, Army, Mechanised Infantry and international delegations from across the world. We are eager to demonstrate our commitment to delivering cutting-edge defence solutions.”
Frank Jansens, General Manager of the Weapon Systems division of John Cockerill Defense: “These three days at LAAD are an excellent opportunity for us to demonstrate the consistency, the performance and the reliability of our Cockerill 3105. Our 105 mm product has many advantages thanks to its ability to elevate its gun to +42 degrees, which allows for indirect ‘artillery’ type fire and an operational anti-drone system. If we add the fact that 105 mm ammunition is readily available on the international market, we have a turret that should appeal to South American countries”.
Both FNSS and John Cockerill Defense are excited about the opportunity to connect and collaborate with key stakeholders and decision-makers in the defence industry. They look forward to showcasing their products’ robustness and technological advancements, underscoring their dedication to enhancing global security. (Source: ASD Network)
26 Mar 25. Growing interest in Jorsin’s Tau APC. Unveiled at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 exhibition, Jorsin’s Tau armoured personnel carrier (APC) has caught the eye of several African states as they seek an affordable and reliable solution to their military transport needs. The Tau, which is inspired by the famed Ratel 6×6 infantry combat vehicle, is a new 4×4 armoured personnel carrier aimed at maximising reliability through simplicity. Jorsin’s Jorrie Jordaan told defenceWeb that the company has received interest from a number of African countries, including Zambia and Cameroon. While progress on an arrangement with Zambia has been slow, the country expressed a desire to obtain an affordable and reliable troop carrier for its contribution to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
In terms of Cameroon, Jorsin is expecting to receive a representative of Cameroon sometime at the end of March 2025 with the intent of reviewing the Tau as well as potentially an upgraded Ratel. Zambia is expected to purchase a number of vehicles while Cameroon is expected to place an order for a number in the near future. Notably, the Tau was designed specifically to deal with the challenging conditions found across the African market. Consequently, Jordaan emphasises that Jorsin consciously decided to minimise the presence and importance of electronic components within the Tau in order to ease the need for maintenance and limit areas of failure. The Tau is also designed for maximum flexibility, and is capable of not only utilising existing Ratel turrets but also Cold War-era Russian turrets that many African countries may already have in their domestic stockpiles. That means that it is possible for African states to buy the Tau without an expensive new turret and simply repurpose their existing systems. As a consequence, the Tau comes in at a markedly lower price as compared to similarly sized vehicles.
Beyond simplicity the Tau is relatively unique in its ability to be transported to where it is needed by any and all means of transport, be it road, rail, or air, due to its relatively low weight and compact proportions. While other 4×4 APCs tend to be some 14 to 16 tons, the Tau by comparison weighs well under 12 tons, turret included. Furthermore, the platform provides an immense level of versatility, in terms of possible use. For example, Jorsin proudly boasts of its ability to be used as an ambulance, command vehicle, as well as its primary role as a troop carrier, among others. Additionally, a key attraction point of the Tau, particularly to the African market, is the ease of maintenance for the vehicle. Jordaan points to the fact that the power pack can be removed in less than five minutes for maintenance, repairs, or replacement. This is one example of the focus on simplicity and a user-friendly design philosophy. “This is one of the aspects of the Tau that makes it relatively unique. There is no other comparable vehicle that can be serviced and repaired so quickly,” Jordaan told defenceWeb.
While Jorsin is willing and able to produce the APC itself for African clients, the company told defenceWeb that it is willing and keen to sell the intellectual property of the Tau to other stakeholders in South Africa such as the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) or Denel to enable rapid production of the vehicle for the Jorsin’s Tau APC at AAD 2024. The Tau can accommodate up to thirteen crew (ten in the rear crew compartment plus a driver, a commander and a gunner in an optional turret). A horizontal double rear door functions as a flip-up/drop-down ramp, facilitating easy entry and exit. Roof-mounted hatches provide alternative access points, while side-mounted armoured glass windows with integrated shooting ports offer good visibility.
As with the Ratel, the driver is positioned in the centre of the vehicle, avoiding the need to offer the vehicle in left or right hand drive configurations. “This placement offers full frontal visibility through armoured glass, significantly enhancing offroad manoeuvrability. A dedicated hatch provides the driver with easy access to the vehicle,” Jorsin explained. The vehicle is powered by a Cummins 157 kW (210 hp) turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine driving an Allison six-speed automatic transmission through a Meritor two-speed transfer gearbox, giving a maximum speed of 115 km/h and range of 800 km plus. A Meritor fully independent suspension provides enhanced off-road mobility and “superb” on-road stability, eliminating the wobble the Ratel is known for.
The vehicle makes use of a monocoque hull manufactured from 8 mm armoured steel to provide ballistic protection to NATO STANAG Level II (stopping up to 7.62×39 mm armour piercing rounds). A turret weighing 1 500 kg can be fitted to the vehicle. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
26 Mar 25. Thales reorganises its support capabilities to enhance mission readiness of the French Army in high-intensity conflicts
* The French defence ministry’s integrated structure for through-life support of land forces equipment (SIMMT1) has awarded Thales the ABSOLU2 operational support and logistics contract.
* In terms of its scale and format, the ten-year contract is the first of its kind for the French armed forces and will ultimately consolidate some 30 separate support contracts for land-based equipment in service with the French Army, Navy and Air & Space Force.
* This flagship agreement addresses the need to prepare the forces for high-intensity conflicts, while helping to promote sustainable resource management.
ABSOLU will consolidate some 30 separate maintenance contracts into a single agreement to simplify contract management and significantly improve operational performance. Its shared project management model will shorten repair turnaround times to increase equipment availability, as well as expanding the re-use of components and raw materials to support the development of a circular economy.
Under the terms of this single framework contract for maintenance services, Thales also undertakes to double its equipment handling capacity in the event of a high-intensity conflict. Until now, SIMMT has awarded a separate maintenance contract for each platform.
The pioneering new format will revolutionise the strategic partnership between Thales and the French forces and deliver significant efficiency gains for the end customer. To guarantee this level of service, the Group has put new processes in place and developed a comprehensive roadmap for the ramp-up of its support delivery capacity:
* creation of a joint management platform for shorter decision and repair cycles
* inventory consolidation and constitution of reserve stocks in two distinct locations
* use of data science for continuous monitoring of support delivery performance, predictive material and resource planning, and proactive decision-making in coordination with government customers.
The shift towards a circular economy is another important aspect of the ABSOLU contract. Thales is developing new ways of re-using materials and components to extend equipment lifetimes and enhance mission readiness, especially in high-intensity conflicts where equipment takes a heavy toll. As part of this approach, critical components (circuit boards, electronic equipment) and raw materials will also be sorted and recycled to help address environmental issues and ease supply chain tensions.
“SIMMT will leverage Thales’s expertise and agility to support deployed forces more effectively than ever before. The new contract includes an undertaking by Thales to reduce repair times by 30% and will significantly increase the operational readiness of the equipment in service with the armed forces,” said Christophe Salomon, Executive Vice-President, Secure Communications and Information Systems, Thales.
The initial scope of the ABSOLU contract includes maintenance of PR4G fourth-generation radio sets, MELCHIOR long-range HF communication systems and ground stations developed under the ASTRIDE3 2 programme, all of which enable the French armed forces to command expeditionary forces autonomously and act as a framework nation in coalition operations. Ultimately, the contract will encompass all SIMMT maintenance programmes for Thales equipment.
1 SIMMT: Integrated structure for through-life support of land forces equipment
2 ABSOLU: End-to-end adaptation of operational support and harmonised logistics for Thales land-based systems
3 ASTRIDE: Access via satellite and radio transmissions to battlespace area network and intranet
26 Mar 25. Patria will invest 40m euros to expand armoured vehicle production in Hämeenlinna. Patria is making a €40m investment to enhance and expand its Hämeenlinna production facility for armoured vehicle production. The expansion project includes a new production facility, a surface treatment area and development of existing facilities. After the expansion, the production volume of vehicles at Patria’s Hämeenlinna production facility will nearly double. Preparations for the start of construction work have already begun and the new facilities are expected to be fully operational during 2027.
“Patria’s order stock has grown significantly, and strong demand is particularly based on Patria’s armoured vehicle projects. With the expansion of the Hämeenlinna production facility, we want to speed up the delivery of current orders, but also prepare for new orders and production of new products, including weapon systems and tracked vehicle manufacturing”, says Patria’s Mikko Leino, Executive Vice President, Operations. “The investment is also an important part of strengthening the EU’s Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB)”, Leino adds.
Patria has already received orders for over 800 Patria 6×6 vehicles and delivered more than 200 within the joint Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme. The programme is participated today by Finland, Latvia, Sweden and Germany and it has garnered considerable interest from other European countries. Patria AMV XP 8×8 vehicle projects are currently underway for example in Slovakia and Japan.
In addition to Hämeenlinna, Patria also manufactures Patria 6×6 vehicles at the Valmiera production facility in Latvia, which was opened in May 2024. Typically armoured vehicle preseries deliveries are produced at Patria’s production facilities, while the majority of vehicle deliveries are made using the expertise of local industries in respective countries.
24 Mar 25. Mack Defense celebrated the production of its 500th M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck (HDT) in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
The HDT, based off the commercially available Mack® Granite®, is part of the previously announced firm-fixed price $296m contract over seven years that the U.S. Army awarded Mack Defense in 2018, which allows for up to 683 trucks. The U.S. military in the summer of 2024 ordered 74 HDTs from the presidential budget and 29 were purchased by the U.S. National Guard. Thus far, the military has ordered 549 HDTs from Mack Defense.
“We’re excited that we’ve produced 500 of the Mack HDTs to date fulfilling the various operational needs of our military,” said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “These vehicles play a vital role in supporting our country in various ways, and we’re proud to be the supplier that manufactures them. Thank you to our Mack Defense employees, who made this possible.”
The HDTs play a vital role in construction and upkeep of infrastructure assets, including airfields, roadways, landing strips, supply facilities and motor pools. The HDTs are spec’d with heavier-duty rear axles, all-wheel drive, increased suspension ride height and other ruggedized features to meet the unique requirements of the U.S. military. The HDT model also features advanced technology, including ABS, modern control interfaces for user-friendly operation, and active safety systems. These modern technologies, coupled with improved sustainability, were key factors in the Army’s investment in the new HDTs. Both the HDTs and the production line at the MEC have undergone rigorous inspection by government quality auditors to ensure these mission-critical trucks exceed expectations.
Production of the HDTs 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 fulfill the M917A3 contract, while allowing Mack Defense to produce other vehicle variants.
26 Mar 25 Major £1.6bn equipment contract to support British Defence jobs and boost Army readiness.
British Army equipment, including tanks and armoured vehicles, will receive world-class maintenance and spare parts under a contract which supports 1,600 UK jobs.
* Significant contract update to provide kit maintenance and increased vehicle availability.
* Directly supports 1,600 defence jobs across the country, supporting a 6,000-strong business supply chain.
* Investment in British firm Babcock boosts defence as an engine for UK economic growth.
British Army equipment, including tanks and armoured vehicles, will receive world-class maintenance and spare parts under a contract which supports 1,600 UK jobs.
The five-year £1.6bn contract extension with British defence firm Babcock will cover vital military assets including Challenger 2 tanks, 105mm artillery guns and Trojan armoured vehicles, ensuring they remain combat-ready to meet emerging threats.
As a strategic partner to the UK MOD, this contract award further underpins Babcock’s commitment and long-term relationship with the British Army. Specialising in building new vehicles, supporting its fleet, and training its soldiers, Babcock plays a crucial role in ensuring operational readiness for the British Army. The transformation of the original contract (DSG) over the first 10 years will be further accelerated over the extension period directly supporting the delivery of the Defence Industrial Strategy, delivering significant value to the MOD and growth to the UK economy.
The extension to the existing DSG Service Provision and Transformation Contract (SPTC) will deliver a comprehensive range of support capabilities for the Army in the UK with global reach. Through the course of the extension Babcock will deliver improved readiness, regeneration and asset management services underpinned by extensive engineering and supply chain expertise. This will maximise the availability of critical army equipment whilst delivering increased value for money and better outcomes for both partners.
A comprehensive transformation programme will deliver a step change in support outputs, thereby setting the foundation for the army modernisation programme in the coming decades. In collaboration with the MOD, who have committed to investment in facilities and equipment, Babcock will continue to invest in its workforce of 1,600 highly skilled people across more than 20 sites throughout the UK, including skills development and a robust apprentice scheme dedicated to nurturing talent and building expertise.
The Service Provision and Transformation Contract will sustain 1,600 highly skilled jobs in locations across the UK, including over 400 in Telford and over 250 in Dorset. The investment follows the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, recognising the critical importance of military readiness in an era of heightened global uncertainty.
Maintenance services will cover preventative maintenance, emergency repairs and spare parts management. It will also include digital transformation to improve fleet management efficiency, keeping more vehicles and equipment primed for soldiers to use – boosting national security and renewing Britain’s economy as we deliver on our Plan for Change.
The move to boost the readiness of British Army combat vehicles comes as the UK continues to lead planning efforts for a Coalition of Willing nations to help secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Following the planning meeting attended by approximately 30 nations last week, further operational planning meetings will be led by UK Commander Joint Operations, General Nick Perry.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “Tanks, armoured vehicles and kit are the backbone of the British Army. We are taking action to ensure the outstanding service men and women of our Armed Forces are properly equipped and ready to respond to ever-changing global threats.
Supported by largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War, this substantial investment with Babcock demonstrates how defence is an engine for growth: supporting businesses of all sizes and sustaining more than 1,600 good, well-paid jobs across Britain.
National security is the bedrock of a successful economy and our Government’s Plan for Change.”
Babcock’s Chief Executive Officer, David Lockwood said: “In a period of increased global instability, more is being expected of our armed forces. This contract extension ensures that Babcock continues to provide the British Army with the tools to do its job, when and wherever they are needed. Our know-how, application of technology and extensive experience in the land domain help ensure that the British Army is ready to fight and win wars. While the Land Integrated Operating Services programme places future contracts, this deal will also support approximately 6,000 UK businesses throughout the wider supply chain, as well as 200 apprentices. These apprenticeships will offer valuable training and development opportunities in fields such as HGV maintenance and automotive refinishing, providing career paths in the defence sector for the next generation of skilled workers.”
MOD Director Land Environment, Major General Lizzie Faithfull-Davies CBE said: “It has taken a lot of hard work to collaboratively deliver this SPTC Reframe contract amendment. I am delighted to renew our relationship with Babcock. With this amended contract, DE&S, the Army, and Babcock will now provide even better support to the in-Service platforms of our Armed forces; ensuring that the vehicles the Army will fight from are repaired, maintained, and ready whenever the Army need them.
The work comes ahead of the Defence Industrial Strategy, which will bolster UK industry and provide more opportunities for defence to be an engine for economic growth. It follows a recent commitment to launch a new hub to provide small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with better access to the defence supply chain, and a commitment to set direct SME spending targets for the Ministry of Defence by June this year.”
21 Mar 25. UK to receive 180 “deployable” Ajax AFVs and variants by year-end. The UK’s Ajax armoured cavalry programme, intended to provide the British Army with a new generation of armoured fighting vehicles (AFV) and variants, is projecting to deliver more than 180 vehicles by the end of 2025. Should it be met, the delivery would represent a significant proportion of the 589 units due to be acquired. In 2024 it was disclosed that 152 Ajax programme vehicles had been built, representing just over 25% of the planned total fleet number. In a 17 March written parliamentary response, UK Minister for Defence Procurement Maria Eagle said the vehicles being delivered in 2025 would be “operationally deployable”.
Earlier, in mid-2024, the UK government had stated that the British Army’s Ajax armoured cavalry programme would not reach initial operating capability (IOC) until December 2025. The IOC standard vehicle is known as Capability Drop 3 and forms the deployable standard ahead of the spiral development and integration of Capability Drop 4, or Full Operating Capability (FOC). British Army officials disclosed in September 2024 that the service had received its first Capability Drop 3 Athena command post vehicle. In total the programme is intended to deliver the platforms across six variants, incorporating the Ajax AFV, Apollo armoured recovery vehicle, Ares armoured personnel carrier, Argus reconnaissance vehicle, Athena command post vehicle, and Atlas engineering vehicle into British Army service. The Ajax programme had to be paused in 2021 following revelations that crews training on early-build iterations had experiencing significant medical issues related to excessive noise and vibration.
Trials subsequently since restarted, with hot weather tests taking place in 2024.
Ajax to stand side-by-side with Challenger 3
The Ajax AFV and armoured variants will form a central role of the British Army’s future combat structure, under the so-called Brigade Combat Teams (BCT), a term seemingly lifted straight from the lexicon of the US Army. Situated in Armoured BCT formations, the Ajax AFV would complement the current Challenger 2 and future Challenger 3 main battle tanks in providing the British Army’s lead heavy armour element. (Source: army-technology.com)
23 Mar 25. Mozambican military receives final batch of European-funded equipment. Mozambique’s armed forces have received the final batch of equipment provided under the European Peace Facility (EPF), which has been supporting the Forcas Armadas de Defesa de Mozambique (FADM) in response to the crisis in Cabo Delgado with 85m euros of equipment. A European Union Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM) statement on 20 March noted that following the adoption of an initial urgent measure in July 2021 worth 4 m euros, the European Union subsequently increased its support through the EPF. In November 2021, an additional package of 40m euros was approved to support five military units trained by the EU Training Mission Mozambique (before it transitioned to EUMAM). In April 2022, EU Member States increased funding again by 45 m euros to address the needs of all eleven units to be trained under the EUTM Mozambique. The EPF has supported a total of eleven units trained by the EUTM Mozambique with non-lethal equipment, such as individual equipment (ballistic helmets, vests, camouflage nets), collective equipment (campaign tents, generators, water reserves), ground and amphibious mobility assets (vehicles, ambulances, boats), technical devices (drones), and a field hospital.
These units formed eleven Quick Reaction Forces to counter the insurgency in Cabo Delgado.
“An additional EPF action in support of the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) worth 15 m euros has complemented the EPF Assistance Measure. Following the withdrawal of SAMIM from Mozambique, all equipment was transferred to the Mozambican Armed Forces in July 2024. The action is now completed,” the EU statement read.
EUMAM has been in place since September last year taking over duties from EUTM including training FADM quick reaction forces (QRFs) to counter the insurgency in Cabo Delgado, where a substantial presence of the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) is also deployed in efforts to curb ongoing violence and unrest ascribed to ASWJ (Ahlu-Sunnah wal Jama’a)/Islamic State. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
24 Mar 25. AM General, will feature its vision for the future of the HUMVEE light tactical vehicle at the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) Global Force Symposium & Exposition, March 25-27, Booth #1120 at the Von Braun Convention Center in Huntsville, Ala. As the HUMVEE platform celebrates its 40th year of production, the company, in collaboration with defense industry leaders, will showcase features that focus on passenger ergonomics and, safety, improved vehicle mobility, and increased capabilities for multiple missions to build upon the next 40 years.
“The Future Driven HUMVEE™ concept encapsulates the company’s innovative spirit and our understanding that continuous improvement isn’t just a cliché,” said Jim Cannon, AM General President and CEO. “We’re excited for our customers to see our vision for how we will improve the Warfighter’s safety with a cutting-edge restraint system and increase the vehicle’s capabilities for mission success!”
The HUMVEE 4-CT on display comes equipped with a state-of-the-art restraint system from IMMI, a global leader in advanced safety solutions. The MARS (MBrace and RollTek System) represents the next level in safety, setting a new standard for occupant protection in military vehicles. Additionally, the vehicle features lethality and protection capabilities with a Kongsberg Remote Weapon Station, Protector SR4, and a vehicle-mounted counter drone protection system from Axon, DedroneOnTheMove. The Future Driven HUMVEE is a testament to industry collaboration and a joint vision for improving a battle-proven and iconic platform that will continue to be fielded in the light tactical vehicle fleet for years to come.
21 Mar 25. GDELS Ready for the Upgrade of the Spanish LEOPARD 2E. General Dynamics European Land Systems – Santa Bárbara Sistemas (GDELS-SBS) and KNDS Deutschland have signed an agreement regarding the joint cooperation for a potential upgrade for the LEOPARD 2E fleet of the Spanish Army. KNDS Deutschland as the original equipment manufacturer and design authority of the LEOPARD 2 Main Battle Tank and GDELS – Santa Bárbara Sistemas as the leading Spanish system house for tracked and wheeled armored vehicles, fuse their technological and industrial expertise and capabilities to offer a proper modernization of the Leopard 2E to the Spanish Army and to assure continued interoperability with other European Leopard 2 key user nations and allies (LEOBEN).
The agreement reinforcing the strong, trustful relationship between both companies in the original Leopard 2E production program for the Spanish Armed Forces, was already signed at the end of last year. Furthermore, KNDS and GDELS, together with Israeli RAFAEL, established a structured cooperation as founding members of EuroTrophy, a German-based joint company for the production of the most advanced and battle proven Active Protection System (APS) for military vehicles. Trophy APS has become incremental part of the new standard configuration of the Leopard 2 A8 of the German Army. (Source: ASD Network)
17 Mar 25. Singapore Defence Budgets for Titan Armoured Vehicles. Among the items in the Singapore FY 2025 defines budget slated at S$23.4 bn announced by Minister Ng Eng Hen on March 3, 2025 is the acquisition of a new armoured combat vehicle the Titan. Although not specifically called out it is expected that this system is the Terrex S5, the latest development by ST Engineering in its Terrex (8×8) family of armoured fighting vehicles (AFV). In July 2024 the company announced the Terrex S5 as “ready for production”. The Terrex S5 has been in development since 2022 as a family of combat and combat support mission vehicles using a common platform. Terrex S5 has a gross vehicle weight of 35,000 kg (77,160 lbs) with a 711 hp Caterpillar turbocharged engine with optional hybrid electric drive. Its independent suspension includes powered steering on the front two-wheel sets. The vehicle has a 1000 km range and with its hybrid option can move up to 50 km in silent mode. The design incorporates an integrated electronic architecture that integrates and networks the vehicle functions, its sensors, and not only crew but also the embarked dismounted infantry. This and its unified cockpit with the driver and commander located sit side by side replicates the arrangement in Singapore’s Hunter Armoured Fighting Vehicle also manufactured by ST Engineering. In each state-of-the-art displays, intuitive controls, and the full networking of the vehicle sensors and functions ensures seamless interaction and shared situational awareness. The platforms digital architecture allows for technology insertion such as the vehicle navigation system, battle management system, power control management and state-of-the-art data and communication systems. These are further enhanced by incorporating not only advanced electro-optics including 360-degree perimeter cameras, high-resolution day and thermal imaging but also state-of-the-art image processing. The later offers capabilities such as automatic target detection, alerting and in the case of fire controls panoramic surveillance and auto-tracking engagement. All functions are possible even while on the move. It also utilizes ST Engineering proprietary New Generation Power Processor offering intelligent power management. The vehicle is intended as a multi-mission platform with the initial configuration being the Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) which can carry up to ten dismounts plus the crew of two. The payload is a respectable 13,000 kg (28,600 lbs) which can include a number of weapon station and mission suite options. The ICV has been displayed with the Mk 44 Bushmaster 30mm autocannon with dual ammunition feed and 7.62mm coaxial machine gun (both already used in the Hunter AFV) in an unmanned weapon station. The vehicle is also equipped to work with both unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned ground vehicles to provide both forward surveillance and/or birds-eye observation all of which can be viewed and geo-position tracked from inside the vehicle. This permits manned-to unmanned teaming (MUM-T) operations to be conducted. The Terrex S5/Titan has ballistic and mine/blast protection, as well as being able to be provided with active protection. In addition to the ICV, the vehicle has been developed to accommodate command, fire support, 120mm mortar, anti-tank guided missile and amphibius variants. ST Engineering has not yet commented on the timeline of a program although it is considered likely that the Army is well familiar and likely has been aware and influenced in some way the S5 given its close relationship with the Army on previous programs including the Hunter fighting vehicle. (Source: AMR)
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TEK Military Seating Limited
TEK Military Seating Limited is a UK based designer and manufacturer of ProTEK military vehicle seating which offer the highest standards of safety and protection. The ProTEK brand is well respected across the globe for its robust construction, innovative design, built in modularity and cost effectiveness. Our superior products are supported by our experienced team who endeavor to offer unrivalled service to our customers from enquiry, through design and acceptance, to through life support.
From its inception ProTEK seats have been designed around a family of innovative seat frames onto which tested and certified modules can be fitted to create a bespoke solution for the user. These include Blast protection to Stanag 4569 standards, vibration reduction, head and body protection, seat risers and turntables, fore & aft adjustment, and seat back rake along with viable seat dimensions without the need for additional tooling costs.
Contact: Paul Fleming
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