Sponsored by TEK Military Seating Limited
http://www.tekmilitaryseating.co.uk/
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12 Jun 25. Spain’s EM&E Group delivers UGVs to Singapore Armed Forces. Spanish defence company EM&E Group has delivered its unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in partnership with Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) to the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). EM&E Group collaborated with the DSTA to enhance its aunav.NEO HD robots under an agreement signed at the Singapore Airshow in February 2024, and supplied an undisclosed number of the UGVs to the SAF, the company announced on 11 June. The collaboration with the DSTA has supported the advancement of multimission capabilities of aunav.NEO HD, including improving its ability to transport heavy loads while navigating challenging obstacles such as stairs and debris, EM&E Group said.
“EM&E Group developed the UGV concept in casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) and logistics basket configurations, while [the] DSTA integrated the systems with the Robotics-enabled Command, Control, and Communications (ReC3) System, allowing a single user to control multiple robots seamlessly during live trials,” the company added.
According to EM&E Group, aunav.NEO HD can be used to support explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), and operations to limit and manage improvised explosive device (IED), and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. aunav.NEO HD’s “variable geometry” feature allows its width to be adjusted automatically in a matter of seconds. The UGV also incorporates a set of operator assistance features, including a “horizontal platform system and a stable centre of gravity, which guarantee automatic stabilisation of the platform in real time, without the need for manual intervention”, EM&E Group said. (Source: Janes)
11 Jun 25. Daimler Truck receives major order from Bundeswehr’s mobility service provider BwFuhrparkService.
- BwFuhrparkService GmbH, the German Bundeswehr’s mobility service provider, has awarded Daimler Truck the contract to supply a mid-three-figure number of logistics vehicles
- Mercedes-Benz Arocs with all-wheel drive and special military equipment ordered
- All vehicles will be delivered within one year, by the end of May 2026
Daimler Truck has won a major contract from BwFuhrparkService, the Bundeswehr’s mobility service provider. The order comprises the delivery of a mid-three-digit number of Mercedes-Benz Arocs logistics vehicles. In accordance with the current procurement strategy of the German federal government, the trucks are to contribute to improving military transport capacities for national and alliance defence. The vehicles are to be delivered by the end of May 2026.
Franziska Cusumano, CEO Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks and responsible for Daimler Truck’s defence business: “This order is a strong sign of BwFuhrparkService’s confidence in our technology and reliability in a challenging security policy environment. Following recent orders from other NATO countries, such as Lithuania and Canada, we are delighted that we have now also been awarded the contract by BwFuhrparkService in this tender. As usual, we are relying on our Franco-German production network to implement this major order.”
Daniel Zittel, Head of Defence Sales, Daimler Truck: “Within a year, we will produce a mid-three-digit number of Mercedes-Benz Arocs for BwFuhrparkService and equip them for the needs of the Bundeswehr together with our partner, Sonntag Fahrzeugbau. We will then provide support with our services for many years to come to ensure that the vehicles are always ready for the tasks of the troops. Because for the soldiers, a truck is more than just a means of transportation – it must always work without compromise, even in off-road terrain, under time pressure and in sometimes unpredictable conditions. With our Mercedes-Benz Arocs, we are supplying a robust and field-tested logistics vehicle that impresses with its off-road capability, equipment and operability – in short, that our armed forces can count on.”
The Mercedes-Benz Arocs: vehicle configurations for demanding operations
The Mercedes-Benz Arocs is designed for operations with a high off-road component, such as on construction sites or for logistical tasks in the defence sector. With high ground clearance and a robust chassis, it provides a heavy-duty basis for various applications. The vehicles ordered by BwFuhrparkService are the Arocs 6×6, a three-axle logistics truck with all-wheel drive and a payload of up to ten tons. The steel-sprung truck has a water clearance of up to 0.9 meters for operations in swampy areas or for driving through rivers. The tried-and-tested OM 470 engine delivers 335 kW (455 hp) and a torque of up to 2200 Nm. All vehicles also feature the PowerShift 3 automated manual transmission and meet the current EU Euro VI emissions standard. The commissioned Mercedes-Benz Arocs 6×6 are standard commercial trucks that have a limited amount of special military equipment (so-called hümS vehicles). This includes, for example, the camouflage livery. HümS vehicles are an addition to the military vehicle fleet, as the near-standard design in combination with specific equipment elements opens up a wide range of possible uses. Civilian remarketing after initial use is therefore also possible. With the 15-foot interchangeable platform body from Sonntag Fahrzeugbau GmbH, the vehicles can be used to transport material in difficult terrain. The body remains stable even when tackling extreme terrain, which can cause severe twisting in the vehicle frame. This allows the load to be transported gently to its destination. With this transport solution, the swap-body platform can be loaded or unloaded in just a few minutes or quickly transferred to various carrier vehicles such as trucks, trains or ships in combined transport. Thanks to the compact dimensions of 15 feet, the manoeuvrability and off-road capability of the Arocs as a basic vehicle are retained as far as possible.
Production in the Franco-German production network
The Arocs 6x6s ordered will be manufactured in the Franco-German production network. The axles come from the Mercedes-Benz plant in Kassel, while the transmissions are supplied by the Mercedes-Benz plant in Gaggenau. The heart of the drive unit, the OM 470 engine, comes from the Mannheim engine plant and is installed in the vehicle frame at Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ largest truck plant. The “marriage”, the connection between the driver’s cab and the chassis, is also carried out as usual at the Wörth plant. In Molsheim, France, less than 100 kilometers away from Wörth am Rhein, the manufacturer then equips the vehicles with military-specific equipment. In addition, a base coat is applied there that is resistant to chemicals and reduces visibility in night vision devices and thermal imaging cameras.
Thanks to the division of labor in assembly at two locations, the core competencies of the two plants – efficient series production in large quantities and the implementation of individual customer requests in the manufacturing process – can be optimally combined. This has a positive effect on production capacity and delivery speed.
The scope of work carried out by Sonntag Fahrzeugbau GmbH in Sauerland includes the construction of the container swap frame with swap body, the military-specific equipment of the driver’s cab and the final paint finish in camouflage.
About Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks
Within Daimler Truck, Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks is the business unit for special vehicles and is responsible for the defence business as well as for the firefighting and disaster relief segments, among others. Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks offers a wide range of complete vehicles for military logistics applications, from the tried-and-tested Actros and Arocs to the high-terrain Unimog and the Zetros. Heavy-duty tractor units and chassis for protected superstructures are also part of the portfolio. Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks produces in Wörth am Rhein and Molsheim with high capacities for large orders and also realizes special customer requirements with tailor-made solutions.
11 Jun 25. Marshall and Norway’s STORM Adapt agree to explore manufacturing and distribution partnership. Marshall and STORM Adapt, a leading Norwegian engineering specialist, have agreed to explore a broad manufacturing and distribution partnership focusing on STORM’s highly successful vehicle mounted Rapid Adapt and Deploy Systems (RADS).
The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding defining key areas for potential cooperation, including manufacturing and distribution.
Taking the RADS success story to the next level
RADS is STORM’s patented system of clip-on modules designed to rapidly and seamlessly transform civilian and military vehicle capabilities to meet a variety of mission requirements. The frame system takes one hour to install on a vehicle, and the modules, which can be used on or off vehicle, are deployable within minutes thanks to ease of handling and attachable legs.
“Given the unprecedented success of RADS in the defence marketplace, we will likely need to grow our engineering, manufacturing and distribution capability at pace,” said Geir-Arne Remmem, CEO of STORM Adapt. More information can be found at marshallgroup.com
“We are keen to work with Marshall to understand how their well-established manufacturing footprint and engineering knowhow could help us scale in line with anticipated demand.”
In addition to potentially supplementing STORM’s manufacturing capacity, the two companies will examine options for Marshall to distribute and market RADS to existing and potential new customers within its own network.
Spanning the entire vehicle spectrum
While STORM’s RADS product line has focused on solutions for light and medium vehicles including 4WD pickups and 6×6 ATVs, Marshall is primarily known for its vehicle integration work on large-body vehicles and 10 ft/20 ft ISO containers. Under the new agreement, both companies will investigate whether these distinct strengths and capabilities could be mutually complementary if combined, enabling Marshall and STORM together to offer a cohesive range of best-in-class solutions across the entire vehicle spectrum.
“Marshall and STORM are already working with some of the same defence customers, but on different ends of the light-heavy capability spectrum,” said Andy Smith, Director of Marshall’s Vehicle & Missions Systems business line.
“As new light and heavy vehicle programmes come online in next few years, this agreement could allow us to approach customers with a mutually compatible family of solutions, extending all the way from UAV and canine transport through to troop carriers and ground-based air defence.” More information can be found at marshallgroup.com
Strengthening Marshall’s footprint in Norway
This new agreement further extends Marshall’s scope of work with Norway, building on a well-established legacy of working with Norwegian customers and partners. Key programmes to date include supporting the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s fleet of C-130 Hercules airlifters since 1977, developing and delivering deployable land-based and airborne medical facilities, and providing a range of shelter systems to Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace. This initial agreement between Marshall and STORM represents a first step, specifying the scope and scale of collaboration at the highest level. The teams will begin work immediately on identifying specific initial projects, with further details to be shared when they progress from concept to maturity.
11 Jun 25. American Rheinmetall Secures $107.5m T-158 Track Order to Support U.S. Army Modernization. American Rheinmetall, a trusted leader in advanced military vehicle systems and components, has definitized a military track order valued at $107.5 m (€94.1 m) under a landmark 5-year long-term contract. An undefinitized contract was awarded in August of 2024, allowing American Rheinmetall to begin production while final price negotiations continued. The 5-year contract is for the production and delivery of T-158 military track for the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank, reflecting the U.S. Army’s trust and confidence in American Rheinmetall to meet critical supply demands and further advance modernization production efforts. The expedited timing of the original long-term contract award highlights the urgent need for sustainment military track to maintain readiness and support future operations.
Supporting Military Modernization
The T-158 military track system is an integral mobility component of the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank, renowned for its heavy-duty design and replaceable track pads that ensure peak performance under the most demanding conditions. With a steadfast commitment to delivering advanced mobility solutions, American Rheinmetall’s portfolio boasts six distinct types of track, including T-158 and the T-161 military track system, which is designed for medium-sized tracked vehicles, such as the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV), Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV), M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), and M109A7 howitzer.
“Securing $107.5 m worth of orders for the first year of this pivotal contract demonstrates American Rheinmetall’s dedication to supporting the U.S. Army’s modernization goals,” said Matt Warnick, CEO, American Rheinmetall. “This achievement underscores our commitment to equipping the men and women in uniform with reliable, high-performance systems that enable mission success.”
Enhancing U.S. Manufacturing Capabilities
American Rheinmetall’s manufacturing facilities have undergone significant enhancements to meet demand requirements of this high-volume contract. The Plymouth, MI facility has ramped up machining capabilities to produce track shoes and metal pins, while the St. Marys, OH facility has reactivated dormant processes for rubber preparation, curing, and assembly. These upgrades have not only increased production capacity but also created employment opportunities in both communities.
Strengthening Military Readiness
The long-term contract award comes at a time of heightened demand for T-158 tracks to replenish depleted inventories and maintain operational readiness. American Rheinmetall’s timely deliveries directly support the Army’s efforts to ensure the M1 Abrams fleet remains combat-ready during a time of evolving global challenges.
“Winning and executing this substantial contract marks a major milestone for American Rheinmetall as a U.S.-based OEM of mission-critical equipment,” said Jim Schirmer, Sr. Vice President of Sales and Marketing, American Rheinmetall. “Our team’s focus on quality and performance ensures that the U.S. Army’s track systems are built to withstand the rigors of modern warfare.”
Commitment to Excellence
With this long-term contract, American Rheinmetall reaffirms its role as a leading supplier of durable and value-based military track solutions for the U.S. Army. By leveraging advanced technologies, streamlined production capabilities, and a customer-first approach, American Rheinmetall is paving the way for the next generation of military mobility solutions.
11 Jun 25. Indonesia outlines BMP-3F upgrade intent. Indonesia has revealed an intent to upgrade its fleet of Russian BMP-3F amphibious infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). The Indonesian Navy said in a social media post on 6 June that it has agreed to upgrade the armour fitted to its in-service BMP-3F IFVs. The decision followed an inspection of the vehicles.
“The additional armour kit [will] consist of a combination of slat armour and armour plate screens on the front and side projections of the hull and turrets of the vehicle,” the Indonesian Navy said.
According to Janes World Armies, the Indonesian Marine Corps operates 54 BMP-3F IFVs, which were procured from Russia in two batches in 2008 and 2012. The Indonesian Ministry of Defense (MoD) signed a contract with Russian export agency Rosoboronexport to procure a third batch in 2019. However, the number and delivery status of the third batch are unknown. The BMP-3F IFV is an amphibious variant of the BMP-3 family of tracked IFVs, manufactured by Russian company Kurganmashzavod. According to Janes Land Warfare Platforms: Armoured Fighting Vehicles – Tracked, the hull of the baseline BMP-3 is built from aluminium, which is then covered with bolt-on hardened steel armour. Additional armour kits can be added to the system for protection. The BMP-3 IFV is armed with a 2K23 fighting module, which is a circular manned turret equipped with an automatically loaded 100 mm gun, a 30 mm co-axial cannon, and a 7.62 mm machine gun (MG). The vehicle weighs 12 tonnes and can carry a payload of 6.6 tonnes. It can operate up to Sea State 3. (Source: Janes)
10 Jun 25. US Navy Secretary Advocates for Sailors’ ‘Right to Repair’ Equipment. Navy Secretary John Phelan told senators during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill today that he believes sailors should be able to repair the hardware they are trained to operate without having to wait for contractors to do the work. The issue concerns contract agreements that often contain language preventing service members from performing repairs themselves because of intellectual property rights. In the private sector, the movement to allow owners of equipment to repair it themselves, rather than being forced to have the manufacturer perform the work, is known as the “right to repair.”
“I am a huge supporter of ‘right to repair,'” Phelan said, explaining his support comes after observing the issue in the fleet.
“I went on the [USS Gerald R. Ford] carrier; they had eight ovens — this is a ship that serves 15,300 meals a day,” Phelan said. “Only two were working. Six were out [for repair].”
The secretary said he was surprised that on a ship with so many people and with so many mouths to feed, there wasn’t someone on board with the ability to repair the broken ovens. It turns out, he said, the sailors could fix the ovens but weren’t allowed to do so; instead, they had to wait for the contractor to do the work.
Similarly, Phelan told lawmakers that when elevators stopped working aboard the ship, the manufacturer had to be called in.
“They have to come out and diagnose the problem, and then they’ll fix it,” he said. “It is crazy. We should be able to fix this.”
Phelan said intellectual property issues related to military hardware are a concern.
“We end up paying for a lot of things that we don’t control, and we need to change that,” he said. “And, so, contracting, in general, is something we’re looking at very hard, and we need to really try to ensure going forward we control our IP, and we have the ability to fix things because if we’re in a fight, how do we … fix it then?”
In April 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued guidance regarding the transformation of the Army. Part of that guidance included direction for the Army to attempt to include “right to repair” provisions in existing and future contracts, creating a potential roadmap for the Navy. On Capitol Hill, June 4, 2025, before the House Armed Services Committee, Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll explained how the Army is addressing this challenge.
“On a go-forward basis, we have been directed to not sign any contracts that don’t give us a right to repair,” Driscoll said. “On a go-back basis, we have been directed to go and do what we can to go get that right to repair. … We hope that anyone listening to us who hopes to pitch us a contract going forward will look back at their previous agreements they’ve signed with us, and if they’re unwilling to give us that right to repair, I think we’re going to have a hard time negotiating with them.” (Source: U.S. DoD)
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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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