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04 Sep 25. Three business units of General Dynamics will be among the exhibitors at Defence and Security Equipment International September 9 to 12, 2025, at the Excel Centre, in London, England.
Following is a list of General Dynamics’ products and solutions that will be displayed at Stand N3-210.
HIGHLIGHTS
• LAND
• Global launch of a new AJAX variant
• Ford Ranger Super Duty, AJAX BLACKJAX, and Foxhound CUAS will all be on display and available for tours
• MESHnet communication and information system (CIS) integrated on all display vehicles
• UK TacCIS Tactical C4i Demonstration: A Connected Battlefield featuring ASGARD capabilities
• AIR
• UK debut of the ENVOY remotely piloted aircraft system
• SEA
• Distributed Anti-submarine warfare demonstration
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
• Guided tours of the vehicle platforms, battlefield communications and distributed ASW demonstrations
• Interviews with senior leadership and engineers
• Insights into UK-based manufacturing and innovation
SOLUTIONS DEMONSTRATED
General Dynamics Land Systems
General Dynamics Land Systems is a leading provider of armoured and tactical vehicle solutions to the British Army and allied forces. With a heritage of engineering excellence and a long-standing presence in the UK defence sector, General Dynamics Land Systems supports sovereign capability and strengthens the nation’s defence industrial base from its facilities in South Wales. At DSEI 2025, it will present:
• AJAX armoured fighting vehicle
• The latest variant in the AJAX family of vehicles will be unveiled on the opening day of the show. The new variant represents a significant advancement in British armoured capability. In addition to the launch of a new AJAX variant on the General Dynamics Land Systems stand, another reconfigured AJAX platform will be showcased in the Land Platform Zone, where visitors will be able to engage with the vehicle in a realistic operational context. Furthermore, an AJAX variant will be displayed in the Ministry of Defence VIP area, highlighting its strategic relevance and continued investment by the UK Government.
• BLACKJAX technology demonstrator
• This next-generation concept vehicle exemplifies the principles of spiral development. Designed to enhance battlefield lethality through agile and iterative capability evolution, BLACKJAX serves as a platform for exploring future technologies and operational concepts.
• Foxhound light protected patrol vehicle
• This modified Utility variant of Foxhound features a mounted RIwP turret from Moog, an extended crew cab and a 10-tonne gross vehicle weight uplift. These enhancements demonstrate the platform’s adaptability and its continued relevance to the British Army’s operational needs as an agile, survivable platform for light infantry and specialist units. Separately, a Foxhound Command Vehicle, which is now entering service with the British Army, will be exhibited in the MoD VIP area. This variant reflects the platform’s evolution to meet command-and-control requirements in complex operational environments.
• Ford Ranger Super Duty militarised variant
• Completing the stand lineup is the Ford Ranger Super Duty, a rugged and versatile platform adapted for military use. The militarised variant on display will highlight the vehicle’s class-leading payload capacity of up to 2,000 kilograms, alongside an integrated mortar system and a reconfigured interior designed for warfighting readiness. These modifications illustrate how the platform can be rapidly adapted to meet a variety of mission profiles, offering a low-unit cost solution that is both supportable and sustainable through life. The Super Duty’s flexibility makes it a candidate for logistics, command and support roles across a range of operational contexts.
General Dynamics Mission Systems
General Dynamics Mission Systems is delivering the battlefield communications, airborne computing solutions, air and naval sonar systems, and autonomous platforms needed to support the British Armed Forces and allied forces worldwide in this critical era for defence. The General Dynamics booth will highlight the following solutions:
• MESHnet
• A UK-manufactured end-to-end vehicle communication and information system (CIS) solution designed to connect disparate battlefield communications systems and support dispersed operations. Using a single-IP network, MESHnet enables secure, real-time information exchange and the integration of traditional and non-traditional bearers – like SATCOM, LEO, 4G/5G – to keep warfighters connected in contested combat environments.
• Compact Tactical Gateway (CTG)
• A lightweight, portable system – designed and manufactured in the UK – the CTG enables secure tactical information exchange. This portable, ruggedised system delivers enhanced processing power while protecting critical battlefield communications from unauthorised access and cyber threats.
• Tactical Cross Domain Solutions (TACDS)
• A cross-domain solution that provides warfighters with secure, real-time access to mission-critical information while enforcing robust boundary protection between networks operating at different security levels. Designed to safeguard communications and data from unauthorised access and cyber threats.
• Integrated Sonar Suite
• An integrated air and naval sonar systems suite incorporating towed array and hull-mounted sonars, sonobuoys, dedicated intercept sensors and more to support missions in some of the world’s most challenging waters. Our sonar operator tools support the full mission lifecycle from advanced training and simulation to pre- and post-mission analysis and everything in between. An open-architecture sonar information system uniquely enables this sonar suite for remote operations on uncrewed platforms.
• Airborne Mission Computing
• Capabilities for crewed and uncrewed fixed and rotary-wing aircraft that simplify the complexity of airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance processes. Using extensive experience gained from many years of developing ruggedised avionics computing solutions, we have developed a family of adaptable, low Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) processing products for tactical platforms.
• Secure Data Recorder
• The Secure Data Recorder ensures reliable, high-capacity capture of mission-critical sensor data – including high-definition EO/IR camera systems and electronically scanned radars while meeting the highest standards of security. With modular, off-the-shelf options, the full product range delivers trusted data protection in tactical environments.
• Stores Management Systems
• The Stores Management Systems are engineered for seamless integration across both crewed and uncrewed air platforms delivering reliable carriage and release capabilities with reduced size, weight and power requirements to support multiple mission types.
• NetLink
• A Tactical Data Link solution, NetLink enables multi-domain and multi-link connectivity supported by in-house Command and Control applications.
• ENVOY Remotely Piloted Aircraft System
• A multi-mission remotely piloted aircraft system capable of performing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, logistics, weaponisation, communication relay and more. With the ability to do automatic take off and landing at sea, ENVOY is positioned to enable dispersed maritime operations.
• Bluefin Robotics unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV)
• Designed to support mine countermeasures, intelligence collection and environmental monitoring. With scalable designs ranging from man-portable to large-class systems, they deliver flexible payload integration, extended endurance and precise navigation in complex subsea environments.
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems is a global leader in the design, engineering and production of munitions, energetics, weapons, armaments, and missile subsystems around the world. GDOTS empowers the U.S. military and its allies with an extensive range of overarching product segments applied across all levels of strategic and tactical operations, providing a cutting-edge advantage to our warfighters. GDOTS will showcase the following:
• Large and Medium Caliber Training and Tactical Ammunition
• GDOTS is a global leader in the manufacture of large caliber and medium caliber direct fire munitions. From training to tactical ammunition, GDOTS has systems integration expertise built on decades of high-quality munitions manufacturing, innovative munitions design and advanced R&D capabilities to provide our customer with the best value combat solutions available.
• Missile Subsystems
• GDOTS offers a variety of solutions to advance missile technology and serves as a one-stop shop for lethality, propulsion, and control solutions. From world-class modelling and simulation to development, qualification, and production, we offer concept-to-hardware capability to enhance precision and lethality for the warfighter.
• Hydra-70
• System integrator of the 2.75-inch (70mm) Hydra-70 family of rockets. GDOTS has produced over eight million Hydra-70 Rockets since 1996.
• 155mm Artillery Systems Integrator
• As a source of 155mm artillery Load, Assemble, Pack (LAP) capability, GDOTS is an end-to-end solutions provider of metal parts, HE explosive fill, Modular Artillery Charges (MACS), M119A2 Red Bags, and UBX Blue Bags for the artillery enterprise, as well as a full-spectrum systems integrator. This multi-mission suite of 155mm artillery munitions provides long-range, high-impact support to safeguard the warfighter in the most demanding combat environments.
04 Sep 25. G3 Systems establishes major European supply chain partnerships to support delivery of the WTB contract for the Netherlands Ministry of Defence.
G3 Systems Limited, a British company with 24 years of operationally proven expertise in the design and production of deployable infrastructure solutions, has established several major European supply chain partnerships. These partnerships will form the foundations for the delivery of the contract to supply the Netherlands Ministry of Defence with circa 700 flatracks and containers, as part of their Wissellaadsystemen, Trekker-opleggercombinaties and WielBergingsvoertuigen (WTB) programme.
The contract, consisting of a 30-month delivery phase followed by a 15-year support phase, was announced in May 2025. This announcement coincides with DSEI taking place 9-12 September 2025, Excel, London.
As part of an EU focused manufacturing approach, G3 Systems, as the UK-based prime contractor, systems engineer and design authority, has engaged Variel Defence (based in the Czech Republic) to provide the majority of the container systems, Zamet-Glowno (based in Poland) to manufacture the flatracks and Nordic Shelter (a Norwegian company with a production facility in Estonia) to manufacture the specialist POL container systems. Led by G3 Systems, the group will complete the necessary design, manufacture and certification required for the circa 400 general purpose flatrack units and associated equipment and 270 specialist containers for the storage and transportation of general stores, medicinal items, ammunition and POL & chemicals.
This is a key milestone in the design phase and allows G3 Systems to rapidly move towards production of the first systems, which should be achieved before the end of 2026.
Nick Rose, Managing Director of G3 Systems said, “It has been a super-busy year so far for G3 Systems, mobilising the necessary staff and partners to successfully deliver this significant contract whilst continuing to sustain and grow our core business segments. I am incredibly proud of all the efforts by the team to get us this far and very pleased to be collaborating so effectively with our European partners.” He added, “My heartfelt thanks and deepest appreciation to all who have been instrumental in establishing the necessary agreements to ensure this collaboration is effective and a success. I look forward to delivering the first units to the Dutch MOD in the near future and to building these relationships further into the future.”
03 Sep 25. BAE Systems has joined GM Defense and their partner NP Aerospace – as team LionStrike – to offer the UK Ministry of Defence a mobility solution to rapidly modernise its ground vehicle fleet. Team LionStrike will offer a combination of GM Defense’s world class vehicle portfolio, including commercial trucks, sport utility vehicles and their flagship Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) for the UK Ministry of Defence’s Land Mobility Programme. The Programme seeks to replace an aging fleet of military vehicles, with a focus on enhancing operational capabilities and cost efficiency. BAE Systems is working with GM Defense to enhance and upgrade commercial trucks and sport utility vehicles for military use. In addition, the companies will work with NP Aerospace to ensure that the vehicles comply with UK operational requirements. The work will be done by BAE Systems’ Weapon Systems UK business, which specialises in a range of world-class combat systems and plays a pivotal role in delivering solutions that meet the unique demands of UK and international operations.
John Borton, Managing Director, BAE Systems’ Weapons Systems UK business, said: “The combined capabilities of Team LionStrike enable us to lead the charge for the UK Government’s ambitions to revitalise and sustain vital UK defence capacity, and ensure the British Army has the best capabilities to support their evolving needs.
The team’s expertise in innovation, technical excellence, and proven capabilities will equip the British military with enhanced mobile combat capability–helping them stay unmatched in battle.”
Steve duMont, President, GM Defense said: “Soldiers in the United Kingdom, the United States and our allies are facing unprecedented complexity in the modern battlespace and need new tools to perform their mission with greater operational capability, higher performance and improved safety and reliability.
“We have formed Team LionStrike with BAE Systems and NP Aerospace to make the UK more secure with fast, flexible and effective mobility solutions that reduce the complexity, cost, and risks of training and deploying troops.”
James Kempston, CEO at NP Aerospace said: “We are proud to have been selected by GM Defense to join Team LionStrike, alongside BAE Systems. NP Aerospace is a trusted partner of the UK MoD, with a long history of integrating and supporting more than 18,000 in-service vehicle systems.
As the team’s proposed UK-based Design Authority, specialist integrator, and support provider, NP Aerospace brings proven expertise and a strong track record of delivery. This ensures that Team LionStrike can be relied upon to deliver future vehicle programmes, including LMV.
Importantly, Team LionStrike will help create and sustain skilled jobs at our Midlands base and generate new opportunities for our well-established UK supply chain, both domestically and internationally. This is a win-win for the MoD, industry, and the wider UK economy.”
Team LionStrike will be exhibiting at UK’s Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEi) in London, starting on 9th September 2025.
02 Sep 25. British Army to receive 128 Ajax-series armoured vehicles in 2025. UK government went on the record to add that no journalists have been invited to Ajax test sites since February this year. The UK’s armoured cavalry programme will deliver a further 55 Ajax-series armoured vehicles between July 2025 and December 2025, for a total of 128 units delivered over the course of the year, according to new official figures. Detailed in a parliamentary response on 1 September, the UK Ministry of Defence stated it was further anticipated that 110 platforms would be delivered in 2026, with the remaining 297 units deliverable by 2028. This tallies with the plan to deliver 180 Ajax-series armoured vehicles by the end of 2025, with 152 having been manufactured in 2024. As the lead variant, the majority of deliveries through the remainder of 2025 will be the turreted reconnaissance Ajax armoured fighting vehicle (AFV), equipped with a 40mm CTA main gun. Other variants to be delivered include the Ares protected troops transport (five), the Apollo repair platform (one), the Atlas recovery vehicle (ten), and the command and control (C2) Athena (13). There will be no deliveries of the Argus armoured engineer variant through the rest of 2025.
“The programme remains on track to deliver all 589 vehicles by September 2029 as contracted,” stated Maria Eagle, UK Minister for Defence Procurement.
Given the planned timeline, the final two delivery years will have to average nearly 150 units per year, a rate last seen in 2024. Of note, a separate 1 September parliamentary statement in response to a question from Conservative MP Mark Francois regarding media invites to the Ajax test site in Bovington, stated “there have been no Ajax-specific events to which to invite journalists” since 1 February 2025.
“Journalists are routinely present at events where Ajax is demonstrated and/or discussed,” stated Eagle.
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.
Tracked structure of the future British Army
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. 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 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 formations. (Source: army-technology.com)
02 Sep 25. Polaris Government and Defense, a division of Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII), has been awarded a two-year framework contract by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) for the supply of MRZR D light tactical vehicles valued at hundreds of millions USD. Contract options could extend the agreement up to five years, enabling NATO members and partner nations to acquire the MRZR D to enhance mobility and mission readiness across a range of operational environments. This procurement approach fulfills competition requirements, streamlining the acquisition process and eliminating the need for additional, time-consuming and costly trials and competitions. With this multi-year agreement, NATO member states and partner nations can call off MRZR D2 and D4 light tactical vehicles via the NSPA platform. MRZR Ds are currently fielded with more than 50 military and security forces worldwide, supporting expeditionary, rapid response and special operations missions. The MRZR D’s modular payload design, diesel powertrain, air and sea transportability make it a trusted platform for tactical mobility in complex terrain and contested zones. According to the NSPA, “Mobility and interoperability are key pillars of operational success in today’s multinational missions. Polaris’ MRZR D vehicles provide our allied forces with agile, mission-ready mobility to meet the evolving demands of modern operations. This contract further strengthens our ability to deliver critical capabilities to NATO and partner nations.”
In addition to bulk pricing benefits and expedited acquisition, NSPA enables interoperability, standardization and a reduced logistics footprint across NATO members and partners.
“Polaris Government and Defense has partnered with NSPA for several years, delivering tactical vehicles and mobility solutions to allied forces. The MRZR D has proven to be a highly adaptable and reliable platform for our NATO partners,” said Steve Canner, manager, EMEA, Polaris Government and Defense. “We are proud to continue our support of NATO missions with vehicles designed to perform in the world’s most demanding environments.”
Polaris first introduced the MRZR platform in 2012 and has continued to enhance the vehicle to meet the mission demands of the U.S. military, delivering gas and diesel variants to more than 50 allied forces worldwide. MRZRs feature a mission-flexible modular design, collapsible roll cage for internal tactical air transport, one meter fording capability, greater payload and extended range over commercial platforms. The MRZR D is combat-proven and transportable inside AW101 Merlin, CH-47 Chinook, V-22 Osprey and most in-service fixed wing aircraft, as well as maritime vessels, enabling rapid deployment and dispersal of forces from aircraft or ship-to-shore platforms into theater. It is a highly configurable platform that supports personnel transport, casualty evacuation, command and control and light cargo roles — all with a focus on speed, versatility and off-road capability. Since their introduction, MRZRs have been outfitted with counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), weapons and high-energy laser systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems, expeditionary command and control systems, autonomy packages, litters for medical and casualty evacuation, aircraft refueling systems and communication equipment. The MRZR D is part of Polaris Government and Defense’s broader portfolio of off-road mobility solutions that include the MRZR Alpha, MV 850, DAGOR and militarized snowmobiles.
28 Aug 25. Patria attends the global defence and security exhibition DSEI UK, in London on 9-12 September, 2025. At the event Patria exhibits a wide range of its state-of-the-art offering, which is divided into three branches – Protected Mobility, Defence and Weapon Systems and Sustainment Solutions. On the opening day Patria will launch a new vehicle on its stand, based on the FAMOUS concept vehicle prototype showcased for the first time at Eurosatory 2024. On the second day of the event, Patria hosts Nordic reception together with Kongsberg and NAMMO.
Extreme conditions embedded – Patria’s highlighted offering at DSEI UK 2025:
Protected Mobility
- Patria 6×6 is modular and high-performance wheeled vehicle, but at the same time simple, robust and affordable to provide this tactical capability in larger fleet quantities. It provides modern protection and high mobility. Patria 6×6’s modular design allows a wide variety of specific configurations for diverse missions. Patria 6×6 is perfect choice for any troop transportation and combat support roles. Within the multinational Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme Patria has already received orders for almost 1000 Patria 6×6 vehicles and has delivered more than 220 vehicles. The programme is open to European countries with similar equipment requirements, by mutual consent of the participating countries. At the event Patria has two Patria 6×6 vehicles present. One at Patria’s own stand configured as C2 variant, and another as troop transport vehicle on Babcock’s stand.
- Patria AMV XP 8×8 is a state-of-the-art modular, and robust armoured wheeled vehicle providing superior firepower, protection, and mobility. Our combat proven AMV family has gained experience from various operations and has become the trusted solution to protecting nations and soldiers. Patria AMV has been contracted already to nine nations, over 1600 pieces sold.
Defence and Weapon Systems
- Patria TREMOS is a mobile version of traditional mortar responding to the need of current and future warfighting requiring enhanced mobility, firepower and accuracy. With its integration module and recoil system it can be integrated and fired from many types of 6×6 and 4×4 vehicles without any ground support or vehicle enhancement. It can utilise existing 120 mm or 81 mm mortar tube, ammunition and ballistic tables. Patria TREMOS is showcased at Patria stand.
- Patria NEMO is a compact and flexible turreted mortar system for the needs of modern warfare and crisis management, which calls for mobility, protection, and accuracy. It is an indirect fire support system, but due to its direct fire capability, it can also be used for self-defence. It has also fire-on- the move and MRSI capability both direct and indirect fire.
- Patria CANDL provides a single data link solution for communications requiring high reliability, such as UAS payload data and C2. It enables air-to-air and air-to-ground Ad Hoc Networking as well as relaying for BLOS capability, thus enabling capabilities such as MUMT – Manned UnManned Teaming and LVC – Live Virtual Constructive training.
- Patria ARIS is a remotely operable ELINT system for interception, recording and analysis of modern and increasingly complex signal environment. It provides an extensive set of high-performance tools for operator-driven ELINT signal analysis. Patria ARIS & ARIS-E are showcased on Patria stand configured in Patria 6×6 C2 variant.
- Patria CATCHR is the next generation ESM/ELINT surveillance system offering superior situational awareness. Patria ARIS and CATCHR are showcased at Patria stand configured in Patria 6×6 C2 variant.
- Patria MUSCL is a passive radar system providing resilient, covert and easily deployable air surveillance in standalone mode as well as in networked mode using multiple MUSCL stations. The system provides operational relevancy in various applications such as air surveillance, early warning, border control and critical infrastructure protection by detecting, locating and tracking silently full-range of aerial threats in modern battlefield including also the stealth ones.
Patria Drones
- Patria SKY is a versatile multi-mission long-range UAV system designed in cooperation with professional security industry operators for demanding and high-level security use. The typical payload of Patria SKY is a camera gimbal, which video and image data is used, for example, in indirect fire control and locating enemy troops.
- Patria ONE drone has a modular structure, allowing payloads to be changed according to needs. If necessary, the device can be controlled by fibre optics, preventing enemy electronic interference. The typical use of Patria ONE is to transport explosives to the desired location.
- Patria GEO is a drone designed for terrain mapping. Thanks to its flight time of up to 74 minutes, it can map an area of over 100 hectares in one flight.
Sustainment Solutions
- Patria OPTIME covers a broad range of services and solutions impacting the fleet availability, such as fleet maintenance, upcoming modification projects and needed integrations in the later stages of the lifecycle as well as supply chain management and training services. Now powered also by ILIAS, Patria OPTIME service concept for the sustainment of military equipment combines engineering expertise with efficient data utilisation in a modular and tailored way and it is set up in phases together with the customer.
- With over 30 years of dedicated service to the defence sector, ILIAS Solutions excels in providing off-the-shelf commercial software solutions focused on military needs. ILIAS Defense Platform orchestrates supply, inventory, maintenance, training, deployments and operations across land, sea and air. Designed by military subject matter and IT experts, this 5th-generation platform equips military commanders with comprehensive tools for managing complex assets, executing processes, and promoting data-driven decision-making. ILIAS integrates seamlessly with existing systems, ensuring minimal disruption while avoiding bespoke development for core military requirements. Patria announced the acquisition of cutting-edge Belgium-based digital defence platform provider ILIAS Solutions in early 2025. (Source: joint-forces.com)
29 Aug 25. Up to 150 jobs under threat at British Army vehicle supplier. A British Army supplier has warned that up to 150 jobs are under threat amid a “feast and famine” approach to military equipment purchases. Supacat, based near Honiton in Devon, said roles were at risk as it comes to the end of contract to deliver 123 all-terrain Jackal vehicles to the Ministry of Defence with no certainty around future orders.
Nick Ames, the company’s chief executive, said it was an example of the stop-start approach to British military procurement that often causes the revenues of small to medium-sized defence firms to fluctuate wildly each year.
The Ministry of Defence’s land industrial strategy in 2022 previously vowed to end this practice and create a “steady drumbeat of orders”.
But Mr Ames said: “The potential closure of the line threatens the jobs created by the production run and is counter to the land industrial strategy that seeks to move from feast and famine.”
Supacat’s Jackal contract is expected to end early next year, putting jobs at risk unless fresh orders are placed. Vulnerable roles include around 40 roles at Supacat itself and more than 100 at Babcock’s facility in HMNB Devonport, the Royal Navy base where the majority of Jackals are manufactured.
Supacat has also been told it will not be awarded a contract to maintain the vehicles throughout their service lives. The situation underline the difficulties many small and medium-sized defence companies in Britain face despite the Government’s pledges to ramp up military spending and boost the domestic industry. Members of the Nato alliance, including Britain, have agreed to increase spending to 5pc of GDP, including 3.5pc on “core” defence and 1.5pc on related areas such as cyber security and infrastructure needed to mobilise their armed forces. Ministers also singled out defence as a key pillar of manufacturing in the national industrial strategy earlier this year, with a more detailed strategy focused on the sector expected in September.
Supacat, founded by engineer David Clayton and Nick Jones, is a British defence stalwart that made its name during* (sic: ED after) the Falklands War, (in the Jura Trials, after which), when it supplied the Army with highly-versatile ATMP 6×6 utility vehicles, for the airborne forces and now 24 Airmobile Brigade. The ATMP has also been used by Jeremy Clarkson on his Diddly Squat farm and featured in his television series Clarkson’s Farm. The ATMP has also been used by Jeremy Clarkson on his Diddly Squat farm and featured in his television series Clarkson’s Farm. In the 2000s, the company was called upon to provide an urgent replacement for Land Rovers being used in Iraq and Afghanistan, which soldiers had branded “mobile coffins” because of their light armour and vulnerability to roadside bombs. (See BATTLESPACE Comment)
The Jackal has since become a widely-used Army reconnaissance and patrol vehicle, capable of carrying around two tonnes of cargo and equipped with a machine gun or grenade launcher. It typically carries a crew of three, including one gunner. More than 600 were ordered for use in Iraq and Afghanistan with Supacat and Babcock successfully rushing them into service in just three years. Since then, another 123 have been purchased by the MoD. These include 70 of the 4×4 variant and 53 of the 3×3 “Extenda” variant.
On Friday, manufacturing lobby group Make UK called on the Government to provide “long-term certainty” to the defence industry.
Andrew Kinniburgh, of Make UK Defence, said: “We support the Government’s Defence strategy to support UK-based business, whose capabilities have helped our UK Armed Forces around the world, supported Ukraine, and generated high quality UK based jobs. To maximise the benefits of increased defence spending, industry needs long-term certainty from the Ministry of Defence to deliver private investments in infrastructure, skills, and British jobs.”
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said the army was “committed” to the Jackal and said: “The upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy will set out how we will further drive defence as an engine for economic growth, building a resilient, high-growth industry and ensuring the defence dividend reaches every part of the UK. All contracts for equipment or support packages go through an open and fair commercial process, which is open to industry to compete for. This includes the recent delivery of 70 Jackal 3 platforms from Supacat to the Army.” (Source: Daily Telegraph)
BATTLESPACE Comment: The HMT, which became the Supacat HMT, was designed by Val De Bryan of HMT Vehicles Ltd, who developed the vehicle with an idea from the Duke Of Hamilton and Nick Ames’s uncle David Clayton who sadly died, using investments from Cambridge University and the Hamilton Estates for a high speed cross country military vehicle. Angus Hamilton held the world diesel speed record. HMT offered Supacat the build rights when the vehicle was put forward for the Special Forces Pink Panther replacement and the ACMAT vehicles under Project Minacity in 1982, not as a replacement for the Land Rover SNATCH as the Feature says. SNATCH was replaced by the Foxhound now built by GD in Wales. I worked for SMC Engineering who built the Land Rover 6×6. We no bid the RFI given the high spec. The Chief Engineer at SMC said, “The only think this vehicle can’t do is fly!” Supacat ticked all the boxes and they had to be bailed out by Babcock who took over the build and Lockheed Martin who bought the suspension rights, which Supacat later bought back. The demise of Supacat is the end of a long line of small niche MoD vehicle suppliers such as Penman, Jankel, Dosco, Stonefield, Hotspur and AutomotiveTeknik who all struggled wit the MoD’s stop start in buying small amounts of vehicles over many years.
28 Aug 25. FFG Debuts Multi-Role Support Tank. Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG) is once again looking ahead to the future of armoured combat vehicle battlefield needs, this time with a multi-role support tank. Its Condor development aims to offer both short-range counter-air/drone and ground close fire support. It uses the Leopard 1 tank chassis with the unmanned Turra 30 – SA turret from the Slovakian firm EVPU. The turret is armed with a 30 mm dial-feed automatic cannon capable of firing various ammunition types, including programmable airburst, high-explosive, and armoured-piercing discarding sabot, which can effectively target a range of ground and air threats. It also features a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a launcher for Spike and Konkurs anti-tank missiles. The system further incorporates a multi-mission radar, acoustic gunfire detection sensors, and electro-optical target acquisition and fire control systems. Condor is capable of supporting manoeuvre forces and providing covering fires against light armoured vehicles, suppressing ground threats, including in urban combat, and detecting, engaging, and destroying drones and aircraft. The vehicle itself has been modernised with additional modular armour, a fully digitalised architecture, and a new powertrain. The latter is the Rolls-Royce Power Systems 8V199TE23 diesel engine, producing up to 1,080 hp, combined with a modified ZF 4 HP 250 automatic transmission and a new FFG-developed two-cycle cooling system.
FFG Managing Director Jörg Kamper stated, “Our goal was to create a readily available system for the necessary rapid expansion of air defence capabilities. The EVPU turret system also allows the Condor to provide fire support to infantry troops.”
The introduction of the FFG Condor appears to draw several lessons from the experiences in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict:
- First, tanks and armoured combat vehicles cannot expect to operate alone without supporting units, which provide cover against drones and entrenched anti-tank teams.
- Second, a shift is underway that requires greater focus on engaging and neutralising both ground and air targets over main battle tanks, which had previously been the primary focus.
Systems like Condor, capable of engaging multiple targets, play an increasingly important role on the battlefield. FFG will showcase Condor at the upcoming DSEI. (Source: Armada)
28 Aug 25. Tyron Runflat Unveils Latest Innovations at DSEI UK. Tyron Runflat is launching the world’s lightest rubber Runflat band at this year’s Defence and Security Equipment International Show, DSEI UK 2025. Supporting the leading defence show of the year, Tyron has chosen DSEI as the backdrop for the launch of its groundbreaking innovation. Leading players across the defence sector will be able to see Tyron’s latest innovation at the show, experiencing first-hand the market-leading systems with live demonstrations. From supply chain vulnerabilities and digital transformation to security and cost pressures, the defence industry is experiencing a number of challenges. However, Tyron Runflat has made it its mission to provide life-saving safety solutions to ensure the sector remains ahead of the curve when it comes to keeping vehicles moving in challenging situations. As leaders within the industry for vehicle safety, Tyron is launching its latest innovation – the lightest single-piece runflat and a discreet defence wheel. The lightweight system is the first of its kind, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional, heavier runflat systems. The Leicestershire-headquartered business is also launching a new defence wheel which hides the runflat bolts on the outside of the wheel, which means its life-saving capabilities can be hidden from enemy eyes in a dangerous warzone. This hidden safety solution is plugging a gap in tyre safety within the defence sector by introducing the most subtle system to date. With extensive experience working in the defence industry, Peter Simson, Director at Tyron Runflat, comments: “The 2025 DSEI show is going to be huge for us. We invest in continuous innovation and product development, as proven by new patents being issued as recently as late 2024. We’re always looking at where we can ease the pain points for our customers, which is why we’ve focused on the weight and eco-friendly properties of our latest innovations. Offering a light single-piece runflat solution means the vehicle can have better handling and a lower unsprung weight, allowing the vehicle to react quickly to road imperfections, maintaining better tyre contact.
“We’ve been attending DSEI for more than 10 years, so we felt this show was the perfect backdrop to release our latest product directly to our target audience. Not only are our latest inventions a sign of great innovation for the Tyron brand, but they are also the first of their kind globally. We pride ourselves on offering market leading solutions, which means our R&D must remain one step ahead.
“We provide solutions for the defence, emergency services, civilian and commercial vehicle sectors. With over 30 years of experience in the defence sector, we recognise the challenges this industry faces and feel proud to be leaders in tyre safety across such an important industry.”
Peter added: “Our tyre safety systems give drivers the ability to get to a safe location, preventing catastrophic loss of control. We believe our solutions should be a requirement across all defence vehicles, especially if the vehicles tackle treacherous war zones. We currently supply to all UK Police sprinter vans, proving the real-life requirements. We have recently increased our testing capabilities which means we now test our rubber runflats and bands to 250km/h. This latest investment shows our dedication to providing reliable products that can be the difference between life and death for road users.”
Tyron is encouraging partners and customers to join them at stand number N3-220 at the DSEI show, located near the west entrance in the Land Zone.
28 Aug 25. Wescom Defence, a trusted provider of pyrotechnics, energetics and a wide range of reliable products and systems to global defence forces, will officially launch and showcase the ATMIS Multispectral Camouflage (ATMIS MSC) portfolio at DSEI 2025 in London. ATMIS MSC is a signature management solution that delivers adaptive, tactical, multispectral integrated systems designed for maximum operational effectiveness. Developed by BCB International, which is now part of Wescom Group following its acquisition in January 2025, the ATMIS MSC range provides flexible, modular, durable, and customisable components that minimise visibility across the visual, infrared, and thermal spectrums. This enhances force protection and delivers the concealment needed to fight, survive, and win in an increasingly contested, multi-domain battlespace.
“The integration of BCB International into Wescom Group has enabled us to deliver a truly world-class camouflage capability,” said David Griffiths, VP Defence Sales, Wescom Defence. “By combining proven protection across multiple spectrums with adaptable, field-ready configurations, ATMIS MSC gives forces the tactical edge required for modern operations and emerging threats.”
ATMIS MSC includes materials specifications such as:
- ATMIS Flex: Lightweight, pliable multispectral fabric providing proven protection across the UV, visible, infrared, thermal and radar spectrums.
- ATMIS Crinkle: 3D creased texture for terrain mimicry.
- ATMIS MK8 2D: Durable, heavy-duty multispectral material.
- ATMIS MK8 3D Leafed: MK8 with precision cut 3D leafing for advanced disruption.
The full product line-up supports static, mobile and individual solutions, from lightweight personal cloaks to vehicle-mounted and semi-permanent systems. Individual systems are designed for tactical deployment by dismounted users, offering enhanced concealment without compromising agility. The ATMIS CNDS (Combat Net Defence System) combines multispectral camouflage with Dyneema and aramid materials to deliver scalable concealment and kinetic protection against drone strikes, loitering munitions and thermal detection. ATMIS MSC products are designed to meet NATO standards. They are field ready and adaptable to specific mission requirements. ATMIS MSC will be demonstrated live at DSEI 2025, with a full showcase available at Stand N5-150 and Stand N3-305, with Stand N3-305 being the main camouflage and concealment focus. The full product line-up includes:
- ATMIS Flex 2D – Ghillie.
- ATMIS MK8 2D – Basha.
- ATMIS Crinkle 3D – Patrol Cloak.
- ATMIS Crinkle 3D – SF Patrol Cloak.
- ATMIS Crinkle 3D – Sniper Patrol Cloak.
- ATMIS MK8 2D – Pilot Pod.
- ATMIS MK8 3D Leafed – Stargazer.
- ATMIS Crinkle 3D – Garaging System.
- ATMIS MK8 3D Leafed and Crinkle – Mobile Camouflage System.
- ATMIS MK8 2D – SERE Cloak.
- ATMIS MK8 3D Leafed – Combat Net Defence System (CNDS).
¤ About BCB: With over 160 years of heritage and three decades operating under an MHRA GMP licence, BCB combines manufacturing expertise with a focus on innovation and quality. Capabilities span design, testing, and supply chain management, delivering multispectral camouflage systems, trauma kits, marine survival gear, and eco-friendly fuels like FireDragon. Guided by the CANEI (Continuous and Never Ending Innovation) philosophy, BCB adapt rapidly to meet mission and societal needs worldwide.(Source: joint-forces.com)
08 Aug 25. HMG Paints, the UK’s leading independent paint manufacturer, announces its return to DSEI UK (Defence and Security Equipment International) 2025, taking place from 9 – 12 September 2025 at ExCeL London. Visitors are invited to connect with HMG’s team of experts at Stand N3-112 to discover the latest advancements in defence coatings.
HMG Paints Key Highlights for DSEI 2025.
Building on its strong reputation for innovation and bespoke solutions, HMG Paints will be showcasing exciting new projects currently underway with leading Primes and OEMs. These collaborations highlight HMG’s capability to deliver tailored coatings that meet the evolving demands of the defence industry. HMG are proud to say their products are made in Britain and trusted worldwide.
Visitors to the HMG stand will gain exclusive insight into HMG’s latest product innovations, including a new primer designed to offer enhanced performance and protection for critical defence applications. A pioneering preventative fire-retardant coating with multiple applications across various defence assets, including vehicles, machinery, and advanced composites & armour systems.
The HMG Paints technical support and research and development team will be on hand throughout the exhibition to provide personalised technical advice and discuss specific project and product requirements. This is an invaluable opportunity for engineers and specifiers to find the perfect coating solutions for their needs, from CARC and IRR coatings to more bespoke formulations.
“We are thrilled to be back at DSEI 2025 and eager to showcase our continued innovation and commitment to the defence sector,” said Alan Sharples, Defence Sales Manager. ” The renewal of our JOSCAR accreditation, coupled with our exciting new projects and groundbreaking fire-retardant coating, demonstrates our dedication to providing cutting-edge, Made in Britain solutions. We look forward to engaging with industry professionals and discussing how HMG Paints can support their defence projects.”
Made in Britain, Trusted Worldwide
As a British-based manufacturer, HMG Paints offers fast delivery across its entire range, ensuring minimal lead times for essential defence coatings. All HMG Defence coatings, including its Def Stan 80-225 system, are Made in Britain accredited.
HMG Paints has also renewed its JOSCAR (Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register) supplier accreditation. This continued recognition underscores HMG’s commitment and credentials within the defence, aerospace, and security sectors, and helps streamline procurement for major industry purchasers reducing project time.
Attendees can book meetings in advance with the HMG Paints team by emailing or visit the stand to pick up the 2025 Defence Coatings Guide which contains a list of products and their related Def Stan and NSN numbers. The team will also be available for discussions directly at Stand N3-112 throughout the exhibition. Or for more information on HMG’s range of defence coatings visit https://hmgpaint.com/products/landing/Defence
31 Jul 25. ST Engineering Antycip, European leader in simulation and training solutions, is proud to announce its role in delivering an AI-enhanced virtual training environment, based on MAK ONE and its VR-Forces simulation engine, for the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) as part of the Joint Command and Staff Trainer (JCAST) programme. The project brings together three core strengths: Operational and strategic command and control (C2) systems integration expertise from MASS, cutting-edge AI from Hadean, and high-fidelity simulation technology from Antycip, powered by VR-Forces, part of the MAK ONE suite platform developed by MAK Technologies, Antycip’s sister company. At the heart of the JCAST system lies VR-Forces, deployed and supported by Antycip. This computer-generated forces (CGF) platform enables the creation of rich virtual environments populated with intelligent autonomous agents ideal for tactical to strategic training, mission rehearsal, and experimentation with AI-driven decision-making. By combining VR-Forces with Hadean’s AI platform, the system modernises military training, enabling defence personnel to run complex, adaptive combat scenarios that support safe, efficient training, analysis and iteration beyond traditional limitations.
“This project is a strong example of what happens when open-architecture simulation platforms like MAK ONE meet the power of AI. We’re proud to play a key role in enabling the UK MoD to evolve its training capabilities and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow,” says Colin Chester, partner solutions architect at Antycip. “This new training capability represents more than a technological upgrade – it’s a step-change in how defence organisations prepare for uncertainty, complexity, and joint-force operations.”
This collaboration reflects Antycip’s growing role as a trusted simulation integrator for defence organisations across Europe. Known for delivering both technical excellence and operational insight, Antycip supports the deployment of simulation solutions that are modular, interoperable and aligned with NATO standards. To learn more about Antycip’s role in the JCAST programme or to explore how simulation can support other organisations’ mission readiness, visit Antycip at DSEI 2025, taking place in London from 9–12 September.
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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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