Sponsored by TEK Military Seating Limited
http://www.tekmilitaryseating.co.uk/
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24 Apr 25. Otokar COBRA II Armored Vehicles to be Manufactured in Romania. Turkey’s global land systems manufacturer Otokar has signed a Joint Venture (JV) Agreement in Romania with one of the country’s leading defense companies, Automecanica S.A. The JV will manufacture Otokar Cobra II 4X4 armored vehicles and carry out engineering, marketing, and after-sales activities. Otokar being the defense wing of Turkey’s largest conglomerate Koç Group, has taken a significant step in its 1059 COBRA II contract, awarded by the Romanian Ministry of Defense in November 2024 and signed a Joint Venture Agreement with one of the substantial defense companies of Romania, Automecanica S.A. in order to manufacture locally in Romania and develop further defense capabilities in the country. As well as producing COBRA II 4×4 ATBTU armored vehicles in Romania, the JV will also conduct engineering, marketing, and after-sales services activities in the country. According to the signed Joint Venture Agreement, each Otokar Land Systems SRL and Automecanica S.A. will hold a 50% stake in the JV.
Aykut Özüner: We have strengthened our presence in global markets
Otokar CEO, Aykut Özüner, stated that Otokar is the largest land platforms exporter of Turkey and pointed out this agreement as one of the most important steps in Otokar’s growth strategy in defense industry. “Being a global player in the defense industry, Otokar has become Turkey’s largest land platform exporter. We proudly operate in many different regions over the world with our military vehicles, which are successfully serving in more than 40 countries. As part of our ongoing project in Romania, we are pleased to announce that we took the first step for the establishment of our new joint venture company for manufacturing our legendary COBRA II vehicles in Romania. This step will be one of the main milestones in Otokar’s growth strategy in defense industry, contributing to our company’s expansion in global markets.”
Sedef Vehbi: JV will play an essential role to make Romania a strategic hub for Otokar activities in entire Europe.
Emphasizing Otokar’s commitment to expand its presence in Europe, Otokar Military Cluster Head, Sedef Vehbi, highlighted their readiness to meet Romania’s own requirements and stated that, through this JV, Romania will become a strategic hub for European operations of Otokar. She also added, “We are immensely proud to have been selected by the Romanian Ministry of Defense for this landmark project. In line of our localization and challenging delivery commitments to the esteemed Romanian government, we selected Romania’s Automecanica S.A as our trusted local partner following a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process. In this decision, the company’s technical competence and proven manufacturing capabilities played an important role. Now it is the time to execute and we as shareholders are thrilled and fully committed to delivering excellence while further strengthening Romania’s defense capabilities.
Andrei Scobioala: Our JV will focus on contributing to local capability development in Romania.
Chairman of Automecanica S.A, Andrei Scobioala, stated that being one of the most capable defense companies of Romania, Automecanica S.A. is thrilled to forge this powerful alliance with Otokar. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in serving the distinguished Romanian Armed Forces and boosting the national economy through our factory’s operations.
He emphasized, “Our unwavering commitment to this project leaves no room for doubt—this partnership will be a key driver in advancing Romania’s local defense capabilities.”
About the Project:
On March 20, 2024, Otokar submitted its bid for the tender for the purchase of 4×4 Light Armored Tactical Vehicles initiated by C.N. Romtehnica S.A. Following the successful completion of the technical evaluation, field tests and financial evaluation phases, Otokar was declared as the winner of the tender and on November 27, 2024 and 4.26 billion LEI multiannual contract to supply 1,059 COBRA II 4×4 armored vehicles to Romanian Ministry of Defense was signed between Otokar and C.N. Romtechnica S.A. Within the scope of the said contract, the first 278 COBRA II 4×4 tactical light armored vehicles will be delivered directly from Turkey and all remaining vehicles will be manufactured in Romania. The deliveries will be initiated in the last quarter of 2025 and be completed in batches over 5 years. The contract also covers integrated logistics support services. With Otokar’s 40 years of defense industry experience and capabilities being appreciated by around 70 end-users over the world, COBRA II is designed as a modular platform, which can be developed for different mission requirements and actively used by more than 20 end users in 13 countries.
23 Apr 25. Allison Transmission, the world’s largest manufacturer of medium- and heavy-duty fully automatic transmissions for commercial and defense vehicles, has been selected to provide its 3040 MX cross-drive transmission for all three Government-funded original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) competing in India’s Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) prototype program. The FICV program aims to modernize the Indian Army’s fleet by replacing the aging BMP-II Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) with advanced, domestically manufactured combat vehicles. Allison has worked with each of the OEMs to integrate and optimize the 3040 MX for their FICV prototype vehicles. With India’s intention to procure approximately 1,750 FICVs, the total revenue opportunity for Allison could represent several hundred m dollars over the next two decades.
“Being selected by all three of the Government-funded OEMs competing in the FICV program is a testament to the superior durability, reliability and performance of our 3040 MX transmission,” said Dana Pittard, Vice President for Defense Programs at Allison Transmission. “This selection not only aligns with the strategic goals of the Indian defense sector but also underscores our commitment to supporting low volume/prototype programs with high reliability, superior engineering and technical support, and powerful performance.”
Allison has maintained a manufacturing facility in Chennai for 15 years and announced in 2024 its plan to double its manufacturing footprint. This aligns with the Indian Government’s “Make in India” initiative and further strengthens Allison’s presence in the Indian defense sector. The 3040 MX transmission, renowned for its reliability and electronic system controls, significantly enhances the performance and functionality of the FICV prototype vehicles. It was built on the proven quality and durability of the X300 transmission, which has been integral to the European CV90 and Warrior IFV drivetrain solutions for over 30 years. The 3040 MX is now equipped with advanced electronic system controls enabling performance optimization and additional functionality in the areas of improved shifting, improved torque management and obsolescence management as new generations of controls become available. Today, the 3040 MX is also found in the U.S. Army’s newest tank, the M10 Booker, previously known as the Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) Light Tank.
23 Apr 25. British Army’s future Challenger 3 set to begin next trials stage. The platform has already tested basic firing capability, mechanical design, and structural strength, according to defence officials. The next set of trials to prove the British Army’s Challenger 3 main battle tank (MBT) are due to begin in the coming weeks, as work continues in the build of four more prototype MBTs. Providing a brief update on the Armour Main Battle Tank programme, which will deliver Challenger 3, UK Minister for Defence Procurement Maria Eagle said in a parliamentary written response on 23 April that the next stage of trials would start “in Quarter 2 2025”.
Eagle stated that trials had “already proven” the Challenger 3’s “basic firing capability, mechanical design, and structural strength”.
During the first stage of trials, four prototype Challenger 3 MBTs were produced to undergo early testing, including firing trials which took place in Germany. The main new feature of the Challenger 3 is the incorporation of Rheinmetall’s L55A1 120mm smoothbore gun, mounted in a new turret, along with improved sensors, armour, and installation of the Trophy active protection system. It is possible that among trials for the next stage in Challenger 3 process could begin to qualify the under development Enhanced Kinetic Energy (EKE) ammunition, a high-density Tungsten penetrator which offers a 5km engagement range. Development of EKE was required by the UK as the German L55A1 gun is not able to fire the British Army’s depleted uranium (DU) shells fired by the rifled L30A1 gun, which provide a vastly improved anti-armour performance over ‘conventional’ munitions. According to a UK Parliament note from 2001 on the use of DU in tank ammunition, the rounds have a 10-20% greater penetration than Tungsten and considered at the time to be easier to manufacture than Tungsten alloy.
Will the British Army get 148 Challenger 3 MBTs?
Since the start of the Challenger 3 programme in 2021 to convert 148 Challenger 2 MBTs to the new standard, the emergence of drone threats as witnessed in the Ukraine-Russia war is prompting further consideration in how to defend heavy armour from small, agile, threats. One such method has been the installation of cope cages around the MBT, with the UK recently admitting to the testing the concept. It is not known if cope cages could be later fitted to the Challenger 3 variant. It is uncertain whether the British Army will receive the planned 148-strong fleet, even with eight of the platforms are being built and delivered as prototype platforms. In 2023 it was reported by Army Technology that the British Army had just 157 Challenger 2 tanks available for operations, out of a paper fleet of 227 vehicles, due to cannibalisation of platforms for spares. It will be several years before the British Army is able to field Challenger 3 on operations, with an initial operating capability (IOC), effectively the equipping of a full MBT squadron, not due to be met until 2027 at the earliest. (Source: army-technology.com)
23 Apr 25. Brazilian Army preps to replace MBTs and IFVs. Brazilian Army efforts to replace its ageing M60A3 Tank Thermal Sight (TTS), Leopard 1A5BR main battle tanks (MBTs), and M113B/BR armoured personnel carriers (APCs) have attracted several foreign contractors, according to companies at the recent LAAD Defence & Security 2025 exhibition. Brazil issued a combined request for information (RFI) and request for quote (RFQ) in August 2024 to acquire an initial 65 medium-weight MBTs armed with a 105 mm or 120 mm gun as part of the VBC CC (Viatura Blindada de Combate Carro de Combate) project and an initial 78 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) with turreted medium-calibre automatic cannon as part of the VBC Fuz (Viatura Blindada de Combate de Fuzileiros) project. Brazil demonstrated interest in the local armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) plans as companies presented options during the exhibition between 1 and 4 April in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Both the armoured vehicle efforts are part of the ‘Army Strategic Program Armoured Forces’. Local industry sources indicate that a request for proposals (RFP) to procure the MBTs and IFVs could be issued around 2028. BAE Systems exhibited the Hägglunds CV90120 armed with the turreted 120 mm RUAG Compact Tank Gun (CTG) smoothbore cannon. The vehicle will mount the Rheinmetall L44A1 high-pressure barrel, Tarkan Turkcan, CV90 platform director at BAE Systems Hägglunds, told Janes on 2 April. An improved CV90 Mk III IFV was demonstrated at the Army Evaluations Center in 2023. (Source: Janes)
22 Apr 25. Spain Complains It Wasn’t Allowed to MGCS Eurotank Project and Slams France’s Posture on FCAS Fighter. Despite the Europe’s declared policy of joining forces in the defense industry, Spain reproaches its partners not only for trying to squeeze out larger workshares for themselves but also for blocking access to joint developments in general. Spain warns that the declared policy of pan-European cooperation in creating new weapons and military equipment simply is struggling to pass the reality check. Multiple Spanish government officials and defense manufacturers shared their concerns about the current situation in anonymous interviews with Infodefensa. Particularly, despite Madrid’s interest in joining the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) project, to develop a new European main battle tank, neither Paris nor Berlin responded to the request: an official inquiry from the Spanish government, submitted back in August 2024, was simply left unanswered. Moreover, on April 10, Spain was left out when the current participants took an important step — namely, created the MGCS consortium as a legal entity between KNDS Deutschland, KNDS France, Rheinmetall and Thales. This way, France and Germany effectively closed this project from all other potential partners. Defense Express notes that Spain’s interest in joining this project is not just a whim. MGCS is hailed as the successor to the Leopard 2 tank, and the Spanish Armed Forces operate a fairly numerous fleet of Leopards that will need a replacement sometime in the 2040s. Moreover, it already has an established local production of Leo 2s at Santa Bárbara Systems. A different matter is that, if allowed to MGCS, Spain would need to involve General Dynamics European Land Systems, the European offshoot of the American giant. Another undertaking that begins to show signs of strain is the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, a sixth-generation fighter aircraft developed by Spain, France, and Germany. Earlier French aviation maker Dassault pointed out the difficulties of finding common ground on matters like division of workshare between the parties, criticized the plans to include Belgium, and even hinted at a possible exit from the joint effort for independent research. Spanish sources say France is trying to get in a privileged position over the other partners, showing its discrepancies regarding FCAS on multiple occasions since 2020. It is worth noting that besides Dassault Aviation from France, the project also belongs to Airbus Defence and Space from Germany and Indra from Spain. At the same time, despite being headquartered in Germany, the Airbus Defence and Space is still part of French Airbus which has the following stake distribution: the governments of France and Germany own about 11% each, the Spanish government holds another nearly 4%, and the rest is in free circulation. According to these arithmetics, the real share of Spain in the project still comes a little smaller than the rest. However, Spaniards remind how France used to take part in Eurofighter development: initially, Dassault Aviation participated but soon withdrew from the project due to disagreements at the concept creation level already — French side wanted a lighter aircraft — and ultimately created its own Rafale. The United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain had to complete the Eurofighter by themselves. Though what the Spanish website forgets to mention is that the Eurofighter GmbH consortium, created in 1986, had unequal stakes distribution, too. The Spanish CASA then received the smallest, in accordance with how many aircraft it was planning to order. (Source: News Now/https://en.defence-ua.com/)
19 Apr 25. Taiwan Army rejects wheeled Leopard tank prototype. Taiwan’s ambitious “Clouded Leopard Project” for developing a new wheeled armored vehicle has come to a halt after the Army rejected the third prototype citing inadequate firepower. The Armaments Bureau confirmed that the Army would not accept the 105mm gun-equipped vehicle unless its main armament is upgraded to a 120mm caliber cannon, effectively ending the project in its current form. According to a report published by Liberty Times, the Army determined that the 105mm gun on the prototype does not meet its operational requirements despite the vehicle’s high mobility and rapid deployment potential. The decision came after an extended development cycle beginning in 2019, which produced two prototypes (D1 and D2), with a third (D3) under construction. The Armaments Bureau had hoped the D3 version—featuring a reduced vehicle height and improved ergonomics—would address earlier concerns. In a statement, the Army emphasized, “If the Leopard’s cannon is not upgraded to 120mm, we cannot accept this vehicle for deployment.” The 105mm version, despite modifications, was assessed to fall short in terms of battlefield lethality, particularly when compared to the incoming U.S.-made M1A2T tanks and the upgraded M60A3s currently undergoing fire control and powertrain enhancements. The Armaments Bureau reportedly invested over NT$778m (approximately $24 m) into the Leopard Project. While D3 development was being funded jointly by the Bureau and the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, the latter’s board never formally approved the cooperation. The initiative only moved forward following pressure from then-Vice Minister of Armaments Hsu Yen-pu. Hsu’s retirement in January 2025 coincided with the arrival of the Army’s first M1A2Ts, which reportedly influenced the Army’s reassessment of the wheeled Leopard. Officials within the Armaments Bureau have voiced frustration, saying the prototype was built to Army specifications, including internal dimensions designed to allow soldiers of average height to move and reload efficiently. The Bureau had already reduced the vehicle height by 30cm in the D3 version and made adjustments to maintain operational space. Internally, the rejection is seen as a case of shifting requirements and a lack of accountability. The decision echoes past concerns raised in a 2021 National Audit Office report, which noted the Army’s preference for 120mm guns and criticized the Defense Ministry for greenlighting the Leopard Project without fully validating its long-term combat utility. With no order expected, the D1 and D2 prototypes will likely remain test platforms. (Source: Google/https://defence-blog.com/)
22 Apr 2025. The Technologies for Existing and Future Main Battle Tanks (FMBTech) project has been officially launched. This European project aims to revolutionise Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) for modern hybrid warfare. Coordinated by Thales, the initiative brings together a consortium of 26 companies from 13 European Union (EU) Member States and Norway. Funded by the European Commission under the European Defence Fund (EDF, 2023 edition) and the consortium, this three-year initiative will develop modular and adaptable solutions to ensure readiness for diverse and complex battlefields. By using innovative technology bricks, the project aims to build a future of agile, intelligent, and cooperative MBTs to address the limitations of aging fleets in the EU and Norway. FMBTech positions the EU at the forefront of advanced, cutting-edge defence technologies, reinforcing military innovation and collaboration within European defence. The project will enhance the effectiveness, safety, and cost-efficiency of both existing and future MBTs, ensuring they remain pivotal assets on the battlefield while bridging the gap to emerging 5th-generation capabilities.
About FMBTech
A European Consortium with 26 participating entities, FMBTech features 8 SMEs and 7 RTOs from 13 EU Member States and Norway.
The FMBTech project was selected by the European Commission for funding under the European Defence Fund (EDF) in 2023. The project has been allocated a total budget of €19 m.
The EDF is the Commission’s instrument for supporting research and development actions in the defence sector. Its main objectives are to foster cooperation between companies, including SMEs, and Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) throughout the Union, to promote the development of defence capabilities through investment, and to help EU companies develop advanced and interoperable defence technologies and equipment.
The partners are:
THALES SIX GTS FRANCE SAS France
ARQUUS France
C&V CONSULTING Belgium
CY4GATE SPA Italy
ENVIRONICS OY Finland
EIGHT BELLS HELLAS I.K.E Greece
GMV AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE SA Spain
GUARDIARIS RACUNALNISKE APLIKACIJE IN SIMULACIJE D.O.O Slovenia
HENSOLDT FRANCE SAS France
ISD AEROSPACE LIMITED Ireland
MBDA FRANCE France
MSM LAND SYSTEMS S.R.O Slovakia
KNDS France
OŚRODEK BADAWCZO-ROZWOJOWY URZĄDZEŃ MECHANICZNYCH OBRUM SP. Z O.O. Poland
POLITECNICO DI MILANO Italy
SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE France
SAVOX COMMUNICATIONS OY Finland
SCERTAS GMBH Germany
SKYLD SECURITY AND DEFENCE LIMITED Cyprus
SOPRA STERIA AS Norway
TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT OY Finland
THALES ITALIA SPA Italy
VETRONICS RESEARCH CENTRE EU LTD Cyprus
VOJENSKÝ VÝZKUMNÝ ÚSTAV SP Czech Republic
WOJSKOWA AKADEMIA TECHNICZNA IM. JAROSLAWA DABROWSKIEGO Poland
WOJSKOWY INSTYTUT TECHNIKI PANCERNEJ I SAMOCHODOWEJ Poland
About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.
The Group invests more than €4 bn per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies.
Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 bn.
16 Apr 25. The Etendard FURIE, from Rally-Raid experts MCE-5 DEVELOPMENT, is a four-person off-road buggy designed for Special Forces, writes Bob Morrison. First revealed last June at Eurosatory 2024*, the FURIE was presented on static display at the recent SOFINS 2025 expo at Camp de Souge. Powered by a liquid-cooled 4-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo-diesel developing 220hp and generating 480Nm at 2000rpm, through a 6F2R automatic gearbox, this 2900kg airportable part-time 4×4 buggy has a kerb weight of 1700kg and offers a payload of 1200kg. Overall dimensions of the 3200mm wheelbase tubular steel chassis frame and aluminium bodied vehicle are 4200x 2080x 1890mm (without 7.62mm machine gun or anti-armour missile launcher mount) and minimum ground clearance is 350mm; both Approach and Departure Angles are an exceptional 90°. In standard four-seat configuration the 1270mm wide rear load platform measures 1060mm, but the rear seats fold forward to give 1710mm platform length if used in the logistics role. Up to three additional seats, two rear-facing on the load platform and one centrally beneath the optional main weapons station, can be fitted if the mission requires a personnel carrier version. The FURIE is based on an off-road buggy which over the last three years has won over a dozen prestigious international rallies on four continents, including DAKAR 2024 in Red Bull colours. The Etendard FOUDRE 250cc tactical motorbike and Etendard SPECTRE electric mountain bike, both designed for Special Forces, are also developed from successful off-road racing two-wheelers. (Source: joint-forces.com)
16 Apr 25. Last week, we were thrilled to host Chief of General Staff (CGS), General Sir Roly Walker KCB, DSO, along with several of his staff members and our local Member of Parliament, Richard Foord, at Supacat. This visit was not just a formality; it represented a significant milestone in the company’s history, highlighting the strengthening ties between our organisation, the British Army, UK Ministry of Defence and UK Government.
Phil Applegarth, the Director, Head of Supacat, explains the importance of this occasion, stating: “The 9th April 2025, was a landmark day for Supacat as we proudly handed over the ‘keys’ to our latest and most advanced version of the HMT, the JACKAL 3. The occasion was marked by our CEO Nick Ames handing the keys to the Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Roly Walker KCB, DSO with Richard Foord MP who was present to witness this important event within his constituency.
The HMT is designed and manufactured by Supacat and been in service with the British Army since 2003 delivering battle proven JACKAL 1 and JACKAL 2 until 2010. Since 2010 our export customers have demanded many enhancements and improvements to the vehicle that the British Army was, until today, not benefiting from. The JACKAL 3 is an updated version of the JACKAL 2, examples of those improvements are enhanced Roll Over Protection system, increased payload, improved Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) performance and improved environmental protection for the crew. To deliver this contract within two years has been challenging and achieved through a solid collaboration with Babcock – Land sector to build the majority of our vehicles in their Devonport facility that sits within a Freeport. In line with the Land Industrial Strategy, and the need to create a strong resilient national supply chain, we are proud to say over 95% of the supply chain is sourced from our UK industrial partners, of which a considerable amount are SMEs. Shortly, the production line will pivot to the production of the JACKAL 3 extenda (J3e), which is the extended (or 6×6) version of the JACKAL, offering increased payload and mobility whilst the JACKAL 3 is fielded to the Light Cavalry and other specialist units. Delivery of all 123, JACKAL 3 and JACKAL 3e will be complete by Christmas 2025. The JACKAL 3 vehicles and an active production line, are strategic assets to the National Arsenal and Land Industrial base. Supacat seeks to support the in-service fleets and other UK Land Mobility Programmes, such as 120mm Mortar and GBAD by providing a truly modular HMT chassis and reducing the British Army’s chassis types. We are also close to growing our global HMT fleets with further export orders, which will endorse the Army’s Land Industrial Strategy and illustrate the virtuous circle of investing in UK defence equipment. The JACKAL 3 / JACKAL 3e contract has created more than 250 jobs in the South West region, enabling the business to employ an additional 20 Apprentices supporting the production contract.” (Source: joint-forces.com)
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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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