Sponsored by TEK Military Seating Limited
http://www.tekmilitaryseating.co.uk/
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23 Sep 25. GDELS on a Growth Path: Extensive Investments in the Kaiserslautern and Sembach Sites. As part of its “24/500” strategy recently announced by Dr. Thomas Kauffmann, Managing Director of GDELS-Germany, at the Handelsblatt conference “Economic Factor Defense” GDELS is driving forward the expansion of its manufacturing and service capacities in Germany. In addition to the two new production facilities currently under construction in southern Germany, over ten m euros have already been invested in the sites in Rhineland- Palatinate this year. As an integral part of its Germany strategy, the long-established systems integrator GDELS– Bridge Systems is now announcing a further comprehensive expansion of its production sites in Kaiserslautern and Sembach. With investments totaling over 20 m euros in the coming year alone, as well as the creation of around 400 new jobs by 2029, the company is sending a strong signal of its long-term commitment to Rhineland-Palatinate and in particular to the Kaiserslautern region as a business location.
“We are clearly committed to the region and are investing specifically in infrastructure, production capacities, and the creation of long-term, qualified jobs. By involving the local and regional supplier industry and service providers, we generate high added value for Rhineland- Palatinate,” emphasizes Dr. Christian Kauth, Managing Director of GDELS–Bridge Systems and GDELS–Germany.
As President of the M&E Employers’ Association Pfalzmetall, Dr. Kauth continues: “Our investment decision for this location must not distract from the fact that politicians need to remain committed to improving the conditions for industry in Germany as quickly as possible.” Among the key projects is the conversion of production hall K16 of the Opel site in Kaiserslautern. A production facility for floating bridges, among others, is being built here on over 10,000 square meters. At the same time, production capacities for the M3 amphibious bridge and ferry system are being doubled at the headquarters in Kaiserslautern.
22 Sep 25. The first Patria AMV XP 8×8 vehicle to Japan Self-Ground Defense Forces. The first Patria AMV XP 8×8 armoured vehicle within the Japan Wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier (‘WAPC’) 8×8 programme has been delivered by Japan Steel Works (‘JWS’) to Japan Self-Ground Defense Forces (JSGDF) in Japan. The delivery followed a hand-over ceremony held on September 2, 2025 at JSW’s Muroran plant in Hokkaido, Japan. Patria contracted the local WAPC programme in August 2023, and since then Patria and JSW have cooperated deeply including technology transfer to Japan.
“Japan has become already the ninth user nation of Patria AMV vehicles and joined the international AMV community. This significant milestone demonstrates true and close cooperation between Patria, Japan Self-Ground Defense Forces, and Japan Steel Works, with successful results. Discussions are ongoing with the Japan Self-Defense Forces and local industry regarding new opportunities, and Patria is very committed to a long-term strategic cooperation with Japan,” says Jussi Järvinen, Executive Vice President, Protected Mobility of Patria.
Janne Räkköläinen, Vice President, Market Area World of Patria continues: “The Patria AMV 8×8 XP has been selected to replace JSGDF’s fleet of Type-96 8×8 vehicles providing excellent mobility, protection, and modularity to support wide range of JSGDF’s needs. We are confident that Japanese soldiers will be extremely satisfied with the latest generation performance, after the deployment of first armoured vehicles.”
Patria AMV XP 8×8 is an a state-of-the-art modular, and robust armoured wheeled vehicle providing superior fire power, protection, and mobility. Patria’s combat proven AMV family has gained experience from various operations and has become the trusted solution for protecting nations and soldiers. Patria AMV XP is a cost effective and future proof solution for arising demands where sovereignty is at stake. Technology transfer and local manufacturing concept is a natural part of Patria’s business model. Besides now making technology transfer to Japan, Patria has already performed successful technology transfer as industrial participation and local production for AMV 8×8 for example in Poland, Croatia, and South Africa. Currently Patria is making technology transfer also to Slovakian AMV 8×8 programme.
19 Sep 25. General Dynamics Land Systems and Daimler Truck commit to a strategic partnership. Daimler Truck and General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) today announced the formation of a strategic partnership to allow for future cooperation in the development, production and service of military logistics vehicles in select markets. In a recently signed agreement, the two companies committed to strengthening their collaboration in this field. The agreement aims to expand the already tried and tested cooperation they experience within the framework of the Canadian Government’s Logistics Vehicle Modernization (LVM) program, a major contract awarded to them as part of the LVM power team in 2024. The LVM program will deliver more than 1,500 off-road logistics trucks to the Canadian Armed Forces. The two enterprises intend to tailor their product portfolio even more closely to the requirements of potential customers in other regions and business areas globally and prepare for long-term support with replacement parts and services in the regions concerned.
Franziska Cusumano, CEO Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks: “With General Dynamics Land Systems at our side, we want to offer comprehensive solutions for armies worldwide, from basic vehicles to tailor-made equipment and chassis, to comprehensive long-term service and support. Our successful collaboration on the Canadian LVM contract has already shown the potential of this partnership.”
Dave Paddock, President of General Dynamics Land Systems: “Our collaboration with Daimler Truck on Canada’s LVM program has shown us that we have the knowledge and experience to take our tried-and-tested model internationally with the objective of offering the right solutions for militaries on both sides of the Atlantic.”
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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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