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09 May 25. Australian Army stands up second M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tank squadron. The Australian Army has activated its second main battle tank (MBT) squadron and consolidated its heavy armour capabilities in Townsville, the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) said in a 1 May statement. According to the DoD, the formal establishment of D Squadron within the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2 CAV) is a significant milestone for the Royal Australian Armoured Corps, representing the first time in the corps’ history that a regiment has two tank and cavalry squadrons positioned in the same location.
“This places us as one of the first pieces on the chess board in the 3rd Brigade’s armoured realisation,” said Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Josh Higgins.
“We now have 36 of the world’s best tanks, complementing the combat reconnaissance vehicle capability we have,” added Lt Col Higgins. “The other squadrons in the unit represent the eyes and ears, and now finally we have the talons of the bird of prey.”
The DoD noted that D Squadron will undertake further progression training throughout 2025 in preparation for its eventual assignment within the Australian Army’s armoured amphibious brigade. The Australian Army’s new M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams MBTs feature newly manufactured turrets with refurbished hulls. This newer variant is approximately 66 tonnes when configured for combat, around five tonnes heavier than the service’s previous M1A1 AIM MBTs The M1A2 SEPv3 also features the Kongsberg CROWS-Low Profile weapon station, offering its tank crews improved situational awareness as well as the ability to fire a machine gun from under armoured protection. The MBTs are also understood to be provisioned for the future installation of an active protection system (APS). Australia is procuring up to 75 M1A2 SEPv3 tanks under the LAND 907 programme. This renamed programme combines LAND 907 Phase 2 (MBTs) and LAND 8160 Phase 1 for M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicles (ABV), 17 M1074 Joint Assault Bridges, as well as six additional M88A2 armoured recovery vehicles. (Source: AMR)
08 May 25. More HUMVEEs and JLTVs to come despite DoD cancellation. AM General said it will continue to produce both vehicle types even though the US Army has abandoned them. The US Army dismissed Humvees and JLTVs as “excess ground vehicles” in a statement made at the end of April as part of the new strategic thinking within the Department of Defense (DoD). US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed a sweeping overhaul intended to eliminate wasteful and obsolete programmes. While some of these policies are ideologically motivated, such as the cancellation of DEI projects, the DoD will also look to reallocate funds to the most promising and lethal programmes. AM General, a heavy vehicle manufacturer based in Indiana, is a DoD contractor tasked with delivering both vehicle types. The Army has operated High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles, known colloquially as HUMVEEs, since 1989. Likewise, Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) have been in service since 2016. In 2023, the company supplanted Oshkosh, the original equipment manufacturer of the JLTV, to deliver the new A2 variant, which constitutes 250 engineering changes compared to the A1 version. Recently, the company told Army Technology that its new, 96-acre production facility for the A2 is already up and running, with plans to reach initial deliveries in this quarter. AM General will build 20,000 JLTV A2s and 10,000 trailers by 2057. The company aim to eventually meet a production rate of 15 vehicles per day, which is close to full rate production. In the meantime, the supplier noted a backlog for deliveries of vehicles through 2027 and the manufacturer remains committed to meeting its contractual delivery requirements. All of this has been thrown into question as the Army, prompted by a shift of priorities in the DoD, will cancel its orders.
No doubt rattled, but still composed, AM General offered the following statement: “As we work to understand the significance of the DoD’s recent communications, we will continue to operate our HUMVEE and JLTV A2 assembly lines and our Aftermarket Fulfillment facility as normal to meet our contractual requirements.” (Source: army-technology.com)
02 May 25. US Army to cancel planned Robotic Combat Vehicle award, pause howitzer competition: Sources. A day after the service unveiled a massive shake up, a two-star general’s email sheds light on additional ground combat vehicle cuts and plans to accelerate work on a Bradley replacement and future Abrams tank. An Army two-star general has told staff that the service expects to halt work on its embattled Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) program and pause a new howitzer competition, according to several service and industry sources. The news was delivered just hours after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and top Army leaders unveiled a massive service shake up that will combine Army Futures Command and Training and Doctrine Command, and stop production on the new light tank, the M10 Booker.
“Here’s what we believe is true of today, RCV will stop development. The future of the robotic software program is unknown,” Program Executive Officer for Ground Combat Systems Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean wrote in an internal Army email Thursday, according to one of the industry sources. Four other sources told Breaking Defense they were aware of or saw the email.
An Army spokesperson did not immediately respond to questions about this letter or new details about expected program cuts. However, three Army sources confirmed that RCV would not move forward, despite a previously expected contract award. In early March, Breaking Defense first reported that industry sources had been notified that Textron Systems’s Ripsaw 3 had won the RCV competition and the service was preparing to ink a deal with the victors. But around that same time, Army leaders identified RCV as one program to cut as part of the 8 percent budget drill to realign funding toward higher priorities, one service official told Breaking Defense.
“We need robotic combat vehicles, but we want a consortium of vendors to bring their robotics and the best software folk,” that first Army sources explained today. “We don’t want to downselect just to one vendor and pay almost $3 m per copy.”
A second Army source confirmed that rationale, noting that the idea is to select the “absolute best next-generation robotic for the warfighter,” and the decision was made to open it up industry again. (This was a second go around, of sorts, for the RCV program after the service revamped the acquisition strategy).
Matt Magaña, president, Defense & National Security, Voyager Technologies explains how we must reshape the Aerospace and Defense industrial supply chain to make it stronger, smarter and more resilient.
From Matt Magaña, president, Defense & National Security, Voyager Technologies
Dean’s email also included a line saying that “Artillery modernization is still on ‘pause’ for the moment,” which appears to be a reference to a potential competition for a new self-propelled howitzer that has been closely watched by industry. After cancelling work on its Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) platform last year, the Army started a globetrotting roadshow evaluating existing self-propelled howitzers. Service officials decided they wanted to forgo another foray into developing their own and will launch a full and open competition. The plan had been to release a Phase I request for proposal in mid-February, Dean previously told Breaking Defense, but that document still has not been published. It is unclear if the Army will launch forward with the competition later than expected but clarity may only come once the fiscal 2026 budget request is released.
“In an era where technological advancement is rapidly changing, the character of war and threats are covering globally, our eight decades of experience has tailor-made SOF for strategic competition’s return,”
Other Programs Impacted
In addition to the RCV hit and howitzer still up in the air, the Army announced Thursday it will stop producing Humvees and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles.
In his email, Dean confirmed the fate of several other programs affected.
“M10 Booker will not move into full-rate reproduction, and it is unknown if the Army will field the systems currently in production or buy any additional [low-rate initial production] quantity,” he added. “AMPV [Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle] production will be reduced to minimum sustainment rate but mitigated by Ukraine buyback. Stryker will not award further production orders in accordance with the AROC [Army Requirements Oversight Council].
As Dean wrote in his email, it is not clear what the service will now do with the 80-plus Bookers it has acquired. They could be fielded in a limited quantity or even stripped of sensitive components and sold to foreign countries. Speaking to reporters at the Pentagon on Thursday, Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll called the Booker acquisition decision “a classic example of sunk cost fallacy, and the Army doing something wrong.”
“We wanted to develop a small tank that was agile and could be dropped into places our regular tanks can’t. We got a heavy tank,” he added.
While these are the programs negatively impacted, it’s not all bad for planned modernization programs, with Dean saying the service wants to “accelerate” development of the Bradley replacement — dubbed the XM30 — and development of the future M1E3 Abrams main battle tank. Even before the Trump administration was sworn in, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George was outspoken about his desire to cut programs he viewed as ineffective or too costly.
“I’m tied to overall capability,” the four-star general told Breaking Defense during a March interview at Ft. Irwin, Calif. “How we do that is probably going to change … [and] with what equipment.”
“Look at how much has changed in technology just in the last couple years, it would make sense that we probably wouldn’t buy the same things that we’ve been buying for a long time,” George added.
Defense contracts from all sectors have been bracing to see how this pans out with the ground vehicle sector preparing for the worst. (Source: Breaking Defense.com)
05 May 25. KNDS France has forged two major partnerships with METLEN and SARACAKIS. METLEN will be responsible for local chassis production — thanks to a technology transfer for aluminum welding — and final integration of the PHILOCTETES® weapon system. SARACAKIS will handle fleet maintenance to ensure the highest level of vehicle availability. Other companies such as MILTECH HELLAS and MEVACO will also contribute to the local supply chain. With full support from France, the French Procurement Agency (DGA) will provide expertise throughout all phases of quality control, testing, and acceptance, enabling Greece to gain immediate operational capability. Extended cooperation for a highly European IFV The PHILOCTETES® program is not only about delivering an infantry fighting vehicle; it also provides a way to strengthen Franco-Greek defense cooperation, both militarily and industrially. It forms part of broader European-level industrial defense cooperation and aligns with KNDS France’s ambitious proposals under the ReArm Europe strategic initiative. As such, this extended cooperation is not limited to the Greek market: the ambition is to make the Hellenic Republic the birthplace of the program, paving the way for potential exports. All local partners would benefit from future opportunities.
PHILOCTETES®: the advanced evolution of a combat-proven system
PHILOCTETES® refers to the hero of the Trojan War and keeper of Heracles’ arrows — essential to the Achaeans in their conquest of Troy. The VBCI PHILOCTETES® combines operational feedback from the French Army (Afghanistan, Mali, Lebanon, Central African Republic…) with the needs expressed by the Hellenic Army. It incorporates the latest advancements in all core combat functions:
- A remotely operated 40mm turret similar to that of the JAGUAR,
- An AKERON MP anti-tank missile pod,
- Enhanced all-around protection, Optimized ergonomics to ensure long-term operational effectiveness for the onboard infantry squad.
It covers a wide range of threats — from drones and aircraft to light vehicles and main battle tanks. It also comes in several variants: command post, ambulance, recovery vehicle, and a version equipped with Thales’ 2R2M mortar.
Thus, the VBCI PHILOCTETES® is far more than just an infantry fighting vehicle: it is the most suitable direct-fire platform for Greece’s operational environment, ensuring its territorial sovereignty in the Aegean, while standing as a truly European system. (Source: Defense Arabia)
05 May 25. Romania to sign €2.5bn contract in 2025 to equip up to 15 battalions with modern infantry fighting vehicles. As reported by Defence Industry Europe on May 4, 2025, the Romanian Ministry of National Defence (MApN) is expected to sign a contract in 2025 for the acquisition of 246 tracked infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). The agreement is part of a two-phase program aimed at procuring nearly 300 IFVs in total. The first phase, which includes training simulators and initial logistical support, is estimated to cost over €2.5bn, while the complete procurement of 298 vehicles could approach €3bn. The new IFVs are intended for the Romanian Land Forces and are expected to be delivered over an eight-year period. The Ministry has categorized this program as a priority, specifically designed to enhance the mobility, firepower, and battlefield protection of mechanized infantry units. Romania currently operates approximately 142 tracked IFVs, most of which are MLI-84s and MLI-84M “Jderul” variants. The MLI-84 was developed during the 1980s based on a Soviet BMP-1 chassis, while the MLI-84M upgrade program was launched in the mid-1990s to bring the platform closer to NATO standards. Despite these upgrades, the platforms are now considered technologically outdated, and the Ministry has assessed that their replacement is necessary to meet current operational requirements and NATO interoperability standards. The objective of the program is to increase the number of tracked IFVs in service by approximately 50%, with the final figure projected at nearly 300 units. The initial procurement of 246 vehicles is the first stage of a phased approach. The replacement of the MLI-84 and MLI-84M platforms is considered necessary due to their aging design, declining maintainability, and limited protection and systems integration capacity. Romania intends to use this procurement to establish local industrial capabilities in tracked vehicle production, maintenance, and overhaul. The Ministry stated that this will be pursued through technology transfer, localized production, and the creation of a domestic MRO base. The offset component of the procurement is currently being discussed by national institutions and will need to be approved by the Supreme Council of National Defence. Only after this approval will the bidding process formally begin. According to DefenseRomania, discussions are underway to define the scope of domestic industrial involvement and offset obligations. At least four major international defense companies have expressed interest in the Romanian IFV program. During the BSDA 2024 exhibition held in Bucharest, Rheinmetall (KF41 Lynx), BAE Systems (CV90), Hanwha Aerospace (Redback), and General Dynamics European Land Systems (ASCOD 2) displayed their proposals. Other companies have also shown interest, including Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) with the Borsuk IFV and Türkiye’s Otokar with the Tulpar vehicle. These companies have existing or previous defense cooperation with Romania. PGZ confirmed its interest in the program during the MSPO 2024 exhibition in Kielce, Poland. Otokar also indicated interest, although the specific technical configurations proposed have not yet been disclosed. Rheinmetall participated in BSDA 2024 under the brand Rheinmetall Automecanica, shortly after acquiring a majority shareholding in two companies from the Automecanica Mediaș group in Romania. Hanwha Aerospace is currently producing 54 K9 self-propelled howitzers under a 2024 contract signed with Romania. The K9 platform, marketed domestically as K9 “Tunetul”, is being assembled in Romania and shares key components—such as the chassis, engine, and transmission—with the Redback IFV. GDELS manufactures the PIRANHA 5 armored personnel carrier in Romania, while BAE Systems was involved in the delivery and modernization of the naval vessels Regele Ferdinand and Regina Maria. All companies have worked with Romanian authorities on other defense programs, which may be relevant when evaluating integration and logistics capabilities. The Romanian Armed Forces plan to use the new IFVs as the primary maneuver asset within their future mechanized infantry brigades. Analysts have indicated that, together with newly acquired tanks, the tracked IFVs will form the operational nucleus of Romania’s Land Forces. If fully implemented, the program is expected to equip 10 to 15 mechanized infantry battalions with modern combat vehicles. These formations would operate under NATO doctrine and be capable of interoperability with allied forces in regional or multinational missions. The MLI-84 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) was developed by Romania following the 1968 Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia, which Romania did not support. This event led the Romanian leadership to prioritize domestic military production. In 1982, Romania obtained a license from the Soviet Union to produce 178 BMP-1 vehicles with modifications tailored to local industrial capabilities. This license was provided free of charge for vehicles intended for Romanian use and also permitted design changes. The resulting vehicle, designated MLI-84, featured a domestically developed 8V-1240-DT-S engine rated at 360 hp, designed by the National Institute for Thermal Engines in Brașov with AVL (Austria). The longer and wider hull accommodated the larger engine and increased internal fuel capacity to 600 liters. Production took place between 1984 and 1991 at Uzina Mecanică Mârșa, resulting in 178 units.
In 1995, a modernization decision was made to align the IFV with NATO standards. The upgrade program began in 1996, involving Romanian entities including ACTTM, MFA Mizil, Romarm subsidiaries, Pro Optica, and others, along with foreign companies such as Rafael, Caterpillar, Rheinmetall, General Dynamics, and EADS. The upgraded vehicle was designated MLI-84M “Jderul”. The program aimed to enhance firepower, mobility, protection (including laser/radar warning, smoke launchers, fire suppression, and air conditioning), and command and control systems. The Romanian Land Forces ordered 99 vehicles to equip three mechanized infantry battalions. The first MLI-84M units entered service with the 282nd Mechanized Brigade in 2005. As of 2009, 26 MLI-84s remained operational, and in 2008, 81 were recorded in UN reports. The modernization program is still ongoing. The MLI-84M weighs 17.6 tonnes, has a length of 7.320 meters, a width of 3.3 meters, and a height of 2.942 meters. It has a crew of three (commander, driver, and gunner) and carries eight soldiers. The vehicle is powered by a 400 hp Caterpillar C9 turbocharged diesel engine, liquid-cooled and electronically controlled, delivering a specific power of 23.4 hp/ton. It has a maximum road speed of 65 km/h and an operational range of 550–600 km. The suspension system includes torsion bars and hydraulic shock absorbers on the first, second, and sixth road wheels. Ground clearance is 400 mm. Armor provides protection against 12.7 mm heavy machine gun fire. The MLI-84M is armed with a 25 mm Oerlikon KBA-07 rifled autocannon mounted in an OWS-25R overhead turret, a coaxial 7.62 mm PKT machine gun, and either a Maljutka-2T or Israeli Spike anti-tank guided missile system. The autocannon is stabilized on two axes (vertical and horizontal) and has a firing rate of 600 rounds per minute, with an effective range of 4,000 meters. Additional systems include thermal smoke generators, 81 mm smoke grenade launchers, and laser/radar warning sensors. Due to increased weight and size, the vehicle’s amphibious capability requires special preparation and is more limited compared to the original BMP-1. Unlike the BMP-1’s four roof hatches, the MLI-84 has three, with a 12.7 mm DShK machine gun installed near the left rear door, operated by a soldier seated next to the door. This configuration prevents simultaneous infantry dismounting and machine gun operation on that side. The original MLI-84 was followed by several derivative versions. The MLI-84M “Jderul” introduced the OWS-25R turret, thermal and smoke countermeasures, and ATGM launchers for either Maljutka-2T or Spike missiles. Another variant replaced the turret with a high superstructure, forming the MLI-84M Punct de Comandă Batalion, equipped as a mobile battalion command post. The MLI-84M TEHEVAC is a recovery version with an external hydraulic crane, rear-mounted winch, and additional storage boxes. The MLI-84M MEDEVAC has a similar superstructure and is adapted for medical evacuation and first aid. Based on the same chassis, Romania developed the Model 89 self-propelled howitzer by integrating a 122 mm gun and turret from the Soviet 2S1 Gvozdika onto a modified MLI-84 hull. A total of 42 units were assembled using turrets delivered via Bulgaria, and the guns were manufactured by Arsenal Reșița. These systems were designated OAP 122 and withdrawn to storage in 2005. Another variant, the Tun Antitanc Autopropulsat Model 1985, was intended as a tank destroyer to replace the SU-76 but did not enter production. (Source: Google/armyrecognition.com)
02 May 25. Edge Group delivers Ajban 442A vehicles to Maldives. United Arab Emirates’ (UAE’s) Edge Group has delivered an unspecified number of 4×4 Ajban 442A armoured vehicles to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). In a footage published by President of Maldives Mohamed Muizzu’s official social media channel, five Ajban 442As were identified participating in the MNDF’s 133rd anniversary parade on 19 April. However, Edge Group did not provide any details about the number of the vehicles delivered. Speaking to Janes, an Edge Group spokesperson confirmed that the company signed a contract in February with the Maldives Ministry of Defence (MoD) to deliver Ajban 442A vehicles to the MNDF. The Ajban 442As were delivered under the contract in early April, the spokesperson added. Maldives is the first customer of the Ajban 442A outside the UAE, the spokesperson said. The Ajban 442A is a “ballistic and blast-protected light tactical patrol vehicle”, the spokesperson said. The vehicle features a V-hull unit and has a maximum speed of 110 km/h and a cruising range of 700 km while travelling at 80 km/h. It is powered by a 360 hp engine and can carry five dismounts, according to Edge Group’s product literature. According to Janes Land Warfare Platforms: Armoured Fighting Vehicles, the standard configuration of the baseline Ajban 440A carries a slip ring fitted with an unprotected machine gun that would be selected by the customer. The vehicle is fitted with an open electronic architecture that can accommodate alternative weapon systems as well.(Source: Janes)
02 May 25. Togo parades new Kasser II MRAPs. Togo’s independence day parade on 27 April included Kasser II mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles, making it the third apparent operator of a vehicle promoted by the International Golden Group (IGG), a company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Television coverage of the event showed 12 MRAPs that the military commentator identified as new Kasser IIs that would be used by the Togolese Armed Forces for counter-terrorism operations. The Kasser II was first displayed at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) held in Abu Dhabi in February 2021 by a previously unknown company called M4 Industries. There was speculation that it could have been based on the Reva V, an MRAP developed by South African company Integrated Convoy Protection (ICP). Several Kasser IIs were then seen in media coverage when Emirati Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Sultan bin Ahmed al-Jaber visited Tawazun Industrial Park, a cluster of defence manufacturing facilities west of Abu Dhabi city, in August 2022. A completely different vehicle was displayed as the Kasser II by IGG, which traditionally supplies foreign defence products to the UAE Armed Forces, during IDEX 2023. Janes confirmed that the vehicle was a superficially modified Kirpi II, an MRAP made by Turkish company BMC. Kasser IIs were probably next seen in a video released by the UAE National Guard in February 2024 to show a riot-control exercise, although the vehicles were not seen clearly. Confirmation that the National Guard was operating both the original Kasser II and Kirpi II came on 2 December 2024, when a significant number of both types were included in a large military parade in Abu Dhabi. (Source: Janes)
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