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08 Sep 25. Bundeswehr approves new training system for Infantry Fighting Vehicle Puma. A highly modern simulation system for the Infantry Fighting Vehicle Puma has taken another major step within the German Bundeswehr. The Army Development Agency is adopting the new modular training system for the Infantry Fighting Vehicle Puma for simulating firings and combat training situations (German abbr. AGSP). This was preceded by an order placed at the Düsseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall to develop a completely new training system for mechanized infantry forces. The AGSP is a highly realistic simulator that replicates the operational battlefield of a mechanized infantry grenadier platoon. It consists of a command, evaluation and control station (LAKS) as well as of four reproduced vehicle cabins with are close to the original. The precise replication of essential elements such as vehicle logic, ballistics, haptics and aiming performance enables particularly realistic training – “train as you fight” is at the core concept.
Scalable training concept – from the individual operator to company level
The training with the AGSP begins in single mode focussing on the turret crew (gunner and commander). Subsequently, a full platoon can be trained in complex tactical scenarios. Once an interactive networking with other simulators has been verified, exercises at company level can also be conducted. In addition, a rifle unit can also be depicted either mounted or dismounted with the ES equipment for the modern infantry soldier as part of the mechanized infantry system. The system is fully relocatable and housed in twelve 20-foot containers. Its modular architecture allows for maximum flexibility: all central components, such as server racks and driver cabins, are mounted on rail systems and can be quickly replaced or upgraded as needed. Furthermore, maintenance and repair work has been vastly simplified, as main systems are now accessible from the outside. This eliminates the need for costly return transport to the factory, and significantly reduces downtime and logistics costs for the troops.
State-of-the-art software
The training software was developed by Rheinmetall and is customized precisely to the new system.
Among other things, the Rheinmetall firing and combat simulation platform offers a complete and detailed replica of the Puma’s functionalities, including all visual and operational assets. It also includes the ES-modern infantry soldier system, the Battle Management System and comprehensive evaluation and monitoring functions. In the operator’s perception, the boundaries between the real Puma and the simulator are reduced to a minimum. For the presentation of the scenarios, Rheinmetall relies on Bohemia Interactive Simulations’ globally proven VBS4 simulation software. It offers users maximum flexibility in designing the database and creating combat scenarios. The combination of the VBS4 software, which is widely used throughout the German Armed Forces, and Rheinmetall’s customized solution, has resulted in the most powerful training system of its kind to date. A key element of the project is the close cooperation between the armed forces, the procurement office, and the industry. User requirements and optimization suggestions could therefore be integrated and implemented at an early stage.
Bernd Packulat, Land Simulation Sales at Rheinmetall: “There are many technical innovations in the AGSP, but the actual stand-alone aspect is the intensive collaboration with experts from the German Armed Forces. This has led to a system that precisely echoes the operational demands of the user – developed with and for the forces, not neglecting their requirements”.
By taking over the AGSP for the Infantry Vehicle Puma, another milestone in the field of digital training has been achieved. Rheinmetall is thus once again positioning itself as a reliable partner for state-of-the-art training solutions for the armed forces.
08 Sep 25. Patria delivered first 6×6 vehicles to Denmark within the CAVS programme. Patria has delivered the first Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) 6×6 armoured vehicles based on Patria 6×6 to Denmark and kicked off the related training programme. Denmark completed the final steps in the multinational CAVS programme in July this year and similarly ordered 129 vehicles. The vehicles will be manufactured in Finland and further vehicle deliveries will continue to take place during 2025.
“Patria and the CAVS programme have yet again proven the huge benefits of this multinational initiative. The excellent cooperation between the member nations and Patria enabled the very quick first delivery, only two months from the initial order. This is an undeniable proof of the efficiency for utilization of common vehicle platform between allies,” says Mats Warstedt, Vice President, Nordics of Patria.
Patria, that has more than four decades of experience in developing and delivering state-of-the-art protected troop transportation and system integration, leads the 6×6 armoured vehicle system development as the prime contractor within the CAVS programme. The vast majority of supply of the vehicles is conducted by utilizing the member nations’ local industry capabilities and every new nation is inherently reinforcing the security of supply for the whole collaboration system. Patria has already received orders for nearly 1,000 Patria 6×6 vehicles and has delivered more than 250 through the programme. The CAVS programme is open to countries with similar equipment requirements, by mutual consent of the participating countries.
07 Sep 25. Milrem Robotics Launches ARCOS-Next Gen Command Suite for Collaborative Robotic Operations at DSEI 2025. Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer, will launch ARCOS (Autonomous & Robotic Control Suite) at DSEI 2025. ARCOS is a next-generation software suite that enables the synchronised control, mission planning, and real-time management of multiple unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and their payloads, redefining how operators manage robotic fleets on the battlefield. As the number of unmanned systems in combat increases, forces face a growing need for improved situational awareness, streamlined planning, and enhanced fleet coordination. ARCOS addresses these needs with a modular and customisable platform that enables operators to recognise threats, plan missions, command assets, and take control of operational scenarios.
“ARCOS is more than just a software suite—it’s a force enabler,” said Patrick Shepherd, acting Chief Product Officer at Milrem Robotics. “In a landscape where speed, coordination, and clarity define success, ARCOS gives commanders the tactical edge they need to make faster, more informed decisions while managing an increasingly complex array of autonomous and robotic systems.”
Designed to complement and integrate seamlessly with existing Battle Management Systems (BMS) and Command and Control (C2) platforms—or function independently—ARCOS offers a unified interface for managing robotic assets and manned-unmanned teams (MUM-T). It ensures uninterrupted control and operational flexibility, whether deployed from command centres or mobile terminals.
ARCOS provides real-time visualisation of UGV and payload data, enabling a single operator to monitor and manage multiple assets. It organises field observations and filters out unnecessary battlefield data, helping operators concentrate on mission-critical information.
Its mapping tools enable dynamic creation, adjustment, and sharing of operational layouts, giving field teams immediate access to accurate, actionable data. Seamless MUM-T integration allows for mixed-fleet operations, increasing the combat effectiveness of manned and unmanned assets.
For planning, ARCOS provides tools that simplify setup and execution, independently or in conjunction with legacy systems. Its asset management capabilities allow operators to easily locate, assign, and monitor UGVs across diverse deployment scenarios.
Engineered for rapid deployment, ARCOS is quick to install and configure, ensuring robotic units are mission-ready with minimal downtime. The user interface is intuitive, adaptable, and customizable to meet specific client needs or integrate with existing solutions.
07 Sep 25. The British Army Land Mobility Programme. The UK Ministry of Defence’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) is a major strategic initiative to modernise and streamline the British Army’s fleet of land vehicles. The project looks to replace over a dozen legacy vehicle types with new, more capable platforms while drastically cutting the current 16 vehicle types to about five designs. More specifically, the LMP aims to deliver modern, digitally enabled, and adaptable utility and protected mobility vehicles for the British Army and Joint Force. The programme is structured around three main vehicle classes: Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV), Light Protected Mobility (LPM), and Medium Protected Mobility (MPM). The LMV seeks to replace the legacy Land Rover and Pinzgauer vehicles, which are due to be retired by 2030. The LPM aims to provide vehicles with a gross vehicle mass of up to 10,000 kg, whereas the MPM is designed to replace legacy platforms such as the Mastiff, Ridgeback, and Wolfhound, with an Initial Operational Capability slated for between 2029 and 2030. The aim is to acquire around 500 heavy, 2,000 medium, 2,500 light, and 3,000 utility vehicles to meet the British army’s needs. The initial invitations for the LMP programme began with a Prior Information Notice (PIN) issued in September 2024, which was followed by a Request for Information (RFI) in January 2025. The formal tendering process is currently expected to occur in late 2025 or 2026. The budget for the LMP is £2.2bn over its first ten years. Hardly surprisingly, given the scope and budget of the project, a large number of defence industry players have noted their intention to compete for the various categories. Space precludes giving the full list of interested parties here, but they include such well-known multinational corporations as Supacat, General Dynamics UK, Babcock International, and KNDS, among others. Most of these have entered alliances to fulfil the requirements, such as the recently announced ‘Team Lion’ comprising BAE Systems, GM Defense, and NP Aerospace. Focusing on the potential candidates for the MPM requirement gives a taste of what might be on offer. The Turkish company Nurol Makina has established a manufacturing base in the UK to position itself for a bid, which might be based on its adaptable 4 x 4 series. Finnish company Patria is likely to offer a vehicle based on its 6 x 6 troop carrier model, while German conglomerate KNDS will be pushing its Dingo series as a real contender.
Let’s have a closer look at KNDS’ Dingo as it gives a good illustration of what the MPM version could look like. Initially introduced into service with the Bundeswehr in 1999, Dingo has seen operational service in Afghanistan, Maili, and Ukraine, with 1,200 vehicles in service with ten user nations including Austria, Czech Republic, Norway, Belgium, and of course Germany. The original Dingo 1 model has benefitted from continuous improvement and development, and the current Dingo 3 iteration is in contention for the UK LMP MFP solution. The Dingo 3 in its 6×6 configuration claims to be the best protected vehicle in the under 20 tonne class, able to resist small calibre rounds, artillery shrapnel, IED and mine blasts, and chemical, radiological, and nuclear contamination as one would expect. It also boasts first-class mobility, with the chassis provided by Mercedes-Benz in its famous, tried and tested, and upgraded Unimog configuration. This configuration features independent suspension on all wheel stations, run-flat tyres, and a central tyre inflation system adaptable for all terrain and ground conditions. The Unimog has been in production since 1949, and over 375,000 units have been manufactured so far. Using a commercial off-the-shelf chassis for Dingo clearly simplifies operations, training, and logistic support.
Perhaps Dingo’s most exciting feature, though, is its adaptability. Of modular construction, the basis chassis can be configured for a wide variety of uses, including troop carrying, ambulance, and command post versions, among others. Although the exact British requirements are unclear, the platform will be able to cover most of the bases.
KNDS has indicated that a British army order for Dingo would facilitate the establishment in the UK of a similar manufacturing solution already in place for the local production of Boxer. Such a facility would not only produce vehicles for the UK order but also for other export customers, and bring roughly 1,000 direct jobs, as well as another 28,000 in an estimated 100-plus supply chain associated manufacturers.
Now, others competing for the orders will have their own strengths and weaknesses, and clearly, the KNDS product is only indicative of what might be achieved. But one has to ask what’s not to like about a mature, combat-proven, logistically-sustainable, and locally produced platform along the lines of Dingo?
Above all else, the British MoD will want to avoid at all costs the slow-motion car crash that has been the introduction of the Ajax armoured cavalry vehicle, now slowly trickling into British army service some ten years late.
Choosing a proven and capable platform with all the advantages of economies of scale seems to make sense to me, always providing that the MoD doesn’t fall into the old trap of attempting to gold-plate an already acceptable solution by ordering the myriad of changes to the initial requirement that have plagued recent procurements of Ajax and Boxer.
We await the formal MoD invitation to tender (ITT) with bated breath! (Source: ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
05 Sept 25. AM General, is showcasing the revolutionary HUMVEE Saber and the next generation Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV A2) protected mobility platforms at the Defence Security and Equipment International (DSEI) tradeshow held at the ExCel London Exhibition Centre September 09 – 12, 2025, booth S4-310 in the U.S. Pavilion. This comes as the Company prepares to finalize a partnership selection with a leading UK defense contractor in anticipation of the upcoming United Kingdom Land Mobility Programme (LMP) solicitation. The Saber offers similar protection levels of much larger vehicles in the same footprint of the battle-proven HUMVEE platform.
“We are extremely excited to attend DSEI this year as we announce our intent to participate in the UK’s LMP solicitation,” said Jim Cannon, AM General President and CEO. “We have the extraordinary opportunity to showcase our robust mobility portfolio and convey how AM General can support the UK’s defense readiness and operational safety for their troops. As we move to finalize our UK collaboration, we aim to demonstrate our commitment to long-term UK defense alignment through industrial, operational, and capability partnerships.”
On display will be the JLTV A2, a next generation light tactical vehicle that features over 200 improvements over the previous model, including better corrosion protection, significantly reduced exterior and interior operational noise, and a simplified electrical architecture for easier accessibility and maintenance. AM General will also showcase the Saber light tactical vehicle – built on the battle-proven HUMVEE platform that is transforming survivability with increased levels of protection from its patented cab design. The company’s proprietary technology allows the Saber to have 360-degree kinetic energy threat protection as well as blast threat protection with improved ride quality to excel in any terrain. Both vehicles along with the iconic and still-in-demand HUMVEE trucks will be a part of a demonstration for the UK MoD happening in October 2025. (Source: PR Newswire)
05 Sep 25. Rheinmetall unveils Lynx KF41 Skyranger 35. Rheinmetall unveiled the KF41 Lynx Skyranger 35 (SR35) in a video on 4 September and will display the mobile ground-based air-defence system at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2025 exhibition being held in London from 9 to 12 September. The company described the tracked system as “highly mobile, modular, and scalable, [as well as] increasingly important for NATO’s collective defence”. Rheinmetall displayed a KF41 Lynx Skyranger 30 (SR30) at Eurosatory 2024, where it also showed an SR35 integrated on a Leopard 2A4 main battle tank hull. (Source: Janes)
05 Sep 25. GTR Composites Group, one of the UK’s leading specialist composite design and manufacturing companies, has teamed with NP Aerospace, the global armour manufacturer and vehicle integrator to serve the growing composite demands from defence prime contractors, high technology unmanned systems suppliers and other emerging defence partners. The partnership will bring together the respective and complementary strengths of both companies – where performance composites will meet protection, and joint capability will add to combined capacity. This announcement coincides with the DSEI exhibition taking place in London, 9-12 September 2025.
GTR Composites Group has its engineering roots embedded in the upper echelons of motorsport and performance automotive but also operates across a wide spectrum of other sectors, including marine, aerospace and defence. GTR brings the highest levels of composite technology, design, manufacture, precision and quality to this new partnership, reaching into a proven pedigree designing and building composite components for the world’s premier motorsport teams and other high-performance applications. As well, GTR has impressive and expansive composite production facilities including 12 autoclaves that will bring additional production capacity, volume and scale to the partnership.
NP Aerospace is a fully-established and trusted defence industry contractor and a leading supplier of armour products and vehicle integration and support services, globally. As well as their existing proven capabilities and significant composite production capacity, NP Aerospace bring their experience in winning and delivering large defence programmes to a cross sector of global government clients, such as the UK MoD. NP Aerospace also has in place the requisite trusted partner relationships with the major defence primes and their supply chains, that will allow the team, together, to reach the right audiences with this joint offering. As a specialist in composite armour products, such as body armour and EOD protection, NP will add their sector know-how, capacity and reach to GTR’s specialist technical prowess, creating a mutually beneficial and effective team that will benefit their collective client base, across defence.
Richard Dove, CEO at GTR said: “we have the technology, the capability and the capacity to bring something new to defence, but we don’t yet have the deeper experience or specialist resource to truly deliver into the defence sector. Teaming with NP Aerospace is an obvious choice for us at it brings together the best parts of both companies with the sum being greater that the individual parts. With so many high tech and advanced technology requirements needing composite design and manufacture right now, such as drones and lightweight armour, we see this partnership as a win-win for everyone involved, particularly our joint customers.”
James Kempston, CEO at NP Aerospace said: “NP Aerospace has been designing and building composite armour products for many years and we’re a fully established and trusted supplier to defence customers, globally. With this new partnership we see an opportunity to bring the highest levels of composite technology, precision and know-how across from motorsport to defence to enhance what we do and also, to combine our individually impressive production capacities to ensure that, together, we’re best placed to deliver that joint capability. This partnership also aligns perfectly with the UK’s Strategic Defence Review themes of harnessing dual-use technologies and seeding innovation.”
04 Sep 25. Supacat received its first export order from Czech Ministry of Defence for eighteen (18) High Mobility Transporter (HMT) similar to that of the UKs Jackal 3 Extenda, a versatile platform developed for use by global Special Forces, to be used by the Czech’s 601st Special Forces Group. The extenda variant of this world-renowned cross-country vehicle, which will be on display next week at the Defence & Security Equipment International Show (DSEI) at Excel, London, is capable of speeds of 120 kph. The vehicle system will be deployed to 601st Special Forces Group, the Czech Armed Forces’ premier special operations unit, and an elite rapid response and strategic asset capable of special reconnaissance, offensive actions, and a wide range of support and other operations replacing their aging Land Rovers. This export contract follows on the heels of major UK orders over the past two years, proving that investment from the UK MoD greatly helps with export opportunities and crucial as the British Army exploits the flexibility and versatility of a vehicle built as it is on a common base platform for multiple applications. The HMT Mk3 Extenda (Jackal 3E) is the latest development of the operationally proven, highly capable HMT platform. Delivering superior payload capacity with exceptional off-road performance and operational transportability, the HMT Mk 3Extenda is in a class of its own. Supacat’s modular design philosophy provides a range of configuration options at production and the flexibility to re-role the base platform throughout the lifetime of the vehicle with a variety of mission modules and protection levels available to meet changing demands. In service with Special Forces across the world, the HMT Mk3 Extenda offers an entirely unique capability that allows the user the choice of either a 4×4 or 6×6 wheel drive vehicle delivered by one platform in either left- or right-hand drive. This highly versatile design enables the configuration of the system to meet specific mission-based demands.
Mr Miroslav Zizka, Managing Director of LPP – Supacat’s Czech partner – described the order as a win for both the Czech armed forces and Czech industry: ‘The 601st will get the best ruggedized vehicle on the market while the Czech economy will benefit from the substantial share of industrial participation which Supacat has entrusted to us.’
Named ‘Jackal’ by the British Army, the HMT series of mobile platforms is a supremely versatile system which was brought into service under urgent operational requirements (UOR) to provide British forces in Afghanistan with an off-road patrol and fire-support vehicle with increased performance, replacing variants of Land Rover which previously fulfilled the role. Since then, the British Army’s fleet has fully utilised the HMT platform in both 4×4 and 6×6 configurations, becoming integral to its land tactics and operations. Supplied with mine blast and ballistic protection kit, the HMT platform can also be fitted with a variety of mission specific load beds, weapons, communications, ISTAR, C-UAS (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance) and force protection equipment to suit a wide range of operational roles.
Mr Phil Applegarth Director, Head of Supacat, the British manufacturer of Supacat vehicles, expressed the company’s delight at the Defence Committee’s endorsement: ‘This announcement vindicates our unwavering conviction that the Supacat Extenda provides the Czech armed forces with not only the best combat performance but also substantial industrial partnerships. Supacat has battle-proven capability, is 100% trusted by British and other Special Forces across the globe in its various iterations since the early 2000s and continues to operate and develop the platforms for the modern battlefield, including lessons from Ukraine and other territories.’
Mr Zizka noted that the Czech government is getting very good value for money: ‘The price for the vehicle platform is no more than that was paid by the British Army, Supacat’s largest customer and benefits from a mature supply chain and economies of scale from their current production line.’
Comments Nick Ames, CEO of Supacat’s parent group SC Group “This is terrific news. We have been developing our relationship with a range of European defence forces who are attracted to the vehicle system’s incredible performance and flexibility, and value for money, but also by a system which, in these unstable times, is 100% designed, developed and proprietary to the UK.
09 Sep 25. Patria TRACKX – the ultimate all-terrain tracked vehicle – launched at DSEI UK in London The vehicle is designed to conquer the most challenging environments with ease. Patria introduced a new tracked all-terrain vehicle, Patria TRACKX, at the DSEI UK exhibition in London on September 9, 2025. It is engineered to navigate the toughest terrains silently and swiftly, ensuring smooth operations in any condition. Enhancing the mobility and performance of land forces is a key priority for EU countries as they advance their long-term defence strategies. In response to these growing capability needs, Patria has developed a new tracked vehicle Patria TRACKX within the framework of the multinational EDF-funded FAMOUS development programme, in collaboration with its industrial partners and programme member nations. “Patria is very proud to have launched this new exceptional all-terrain tracked vehicle, Patria TRACKX, on the market. This vehicle aligns perfectly with the high-level requirements established by the FAMOUS programme member nations, and it offers an optimal solution for various applications that demand high mobility standards for military units”, says Jussi Järvinen, Executive Vice President, Protected Mobility at Patria. “We have already tested this vehicle extensively and the aim is for Patria TRACKX to be ready for serial production in 2027.”
Enhanced mobility in any condition
Patria has developed a tracked vehicle that stands out in its class when operating in demanding environments and terrain types, offering excellent tactical and operational mobility. Patria TRACKX is designed to transport 12 soldiers with equipment and to perform on roads, in dense forests, steep hills, wet bogs, and deep snow without compromising its protection. Patria TRACKX is capable of smooth cooperation with other tracked vehicles and will serve as a platform for various role variants in the future. The product launch has been preceded by thorough research and design work, resulting in a new tracked vehicle that can handle the threats of the modern battlefield and enables the integration of different systems according to user needs. In recent years, the vehicle has been extensively tested on roads, in forests, bogs, and snow. Key design principles of Patria TRACKX have included mass efficiency, wide rubber tracks, low ground pressure, a low and centrally positioned center of gravity, independently adjustable hydropneumatic suspension for each track wheel, and an almost flat underside without torsion bars. The Patria TRACKX tracked vehicle revolutionizes the market as a modern and cost-effective alternative to currently used light tracked vehicles, targeting especially the 13–18 tonne weight class.
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Contact: Paul Fleming
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