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07 Oct 25. Advanced Motion Sensing Solutions Empowering Autonomous Robotics in Military Operations. Defense Advancement highlights AMCORIS’ motion sensing technologies for autonomous systems and robotics in military, defense, and government sectors. AMCORIS, a specialized spinoff brand from Channel Microelectronic, is an expert provider of advanced motion sensing technologies for autonomous systems and robotics within the military, defense and government sectors. As a supplier partner, Defense Advancement is showcasing innovative solutions and capabilities across the AMCORIS supplier profile. Acting as a distributor for Epson’s sensing systems, AMCORIS’ product portfolio serves OEMs and systems integrators who require the utmost in performance and reliability for both current and future navigation, stabilization and control applications. AMCORIS’ high-performance MEMS IMUs (Inertial Measurement Units) provide precision three-axis angular velocity and linear acceleration measurement in miniature and low-power packages, with excellent stability thanks to a unique quartz crystal element design. The innovative sensors incorporate a suite of correction functions that maximize accuracy under demanding real-world conditions, including temperature, alignment, sensitivity and offset compensation.
Accelerometers
AMCORIS’ quartz accelerometers offer a range of advantages over standard MEMS technologies, including enhanced accuracy and stability, and provide digital outputs for easy integration into sensor systems. The product range includes IP67-rated models for operation in harsh environmental conditions, as well as options for SPI/UART, CAN and serial interfaces.
Vibration Sensors
AMCORIS’ vibration sensors utilize innovative quartz micromachining technology to provide precise and stable three-axis measurement of velocity and displacement associated with vibration. They feature a small form factor design and digital outputs for easy integration into existing systems, and a water- and dust-proof IP67-rated model is available for harsh-environment deployments.
Gyro Sensors
AMCORIS quartz gyro sensors are designed with a unique double-T structure crystal element, resulting in precision angular velocity outputs with stability levels that rival those of more expensive high-end gyroscope technologies.
To find out more about AMCORIS and their advanced motion sensing technologies, please visit their profile page: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/company/amcoris/ (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
09 Oct 25. Fenris UGV Hits One-Year Milestone with Expanding Global Demand. Crow Industries marks one year of its Fenris UGV, securing U.S. DoD adoption, expanding global demand, and unveiling new configurations to enhance multi-domain, mission-critical autonomous operations. Crow Industries has reached the one-year milestone for its Fenris unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), the first American-made dual-use Group 2 UGV. Fenris is designed to enhance operational efficiency and reduce risk for United States and Allied military organizations by enabling command-and-control of multi-vehicle operations for critical battlefield tasks and accelerating decision-making. Fenris is engineered as a force-multiplying Group 2 UGV to deliver tactical advantage while safeguarding personnel. It is payload-agnostic up to 500-lbs for various mission scenarios, including human-machine integrated formations, intelligence gathering, remote sUAS deployment, and one-way kinetic missions, utilizing both teleoperated and autonomous control. Within eight months of its debut, Crow Industries secured a military sale with the U.S. Department of Defense. The company is continuing to see global interest in the system from defense organizations, including those within NATO, Ukraine, Israel, and Australia. Fenris is the sole U.S. solution in the critical Group 2 UGV category and has received interest from over sixteen U.S. military organizations, including the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The momentum has led to immediate Allied military demand for hundreds of units in recent weeks.
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
The company also collaborated with HavocAI to demonstrate Fenris’ ability to coordinate with teams of Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), showcasing how land and maritime autonomous systems can operate together.
“Fenris has proven itself as the benchmark for American-made Group 2 UGVs by delivering breakthrough capabilities and operational readiness that support the U.S. military’s next generation of tactical battlefield operations,” said Dr. James Crowell, Founder and CEO of Crow Industries. He added that the milestone reflects “not only the strength of our technologies, but also the growing trust our defense and industrial partners place in purpose-built American robotic systems tailored for their most demanding missions.”
Crow Industries has expanded the UGV’s capabilities with three new configurations: Heavy Duty, Sub-Terranean, and Tactical. The company has successfully tested Fenris in multi-domain robotic teams operating in underground environments with front-line military groups. Sub-Terranean Fenris is specifically designed for confined and GPS-denied operations, aiming to provide defense and industrial teams with uninterrupted communication and situational awareness below ground.
The Heavy Duty Fenris is scheduled for public demonstration this Fall as Crow Industries has been selected as a Finalist in the U.S. Army’s xTechOverwatch competition. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
07 Oct 25. ZeroAlpha Solutions & AZAK Collaborate on Next-Generation Ground Mobility Technology. ZeroAlpha Solutions partners with AZAK to integrate next-generation all-terrain mobility systems, combining the S26 wheel technology with advanced modular design to enhance mission flexibility and operational resilience for defence forces. ZeroAlpha Solutions is collaborating with AZAK, a developer of advanced ground mobility technologies designed for both remote operation and autonomous applications. As the market lead for AZAK across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, ZeroAlpha Solutions will support the integration and deployment of these systems alongside its established portfolio of advanced energy, communications, and tactical infrastructure solutions for light forces. This partnership brings together AZAK’s advanced mobility solutions, centred on its S26 wheel system, with ZeroAlpha’s proven market position and deep understanding of the operational requirements within these key territories. The S26 wheel technology is a leap forward in all-terrain mobility, delivering superior traction, load-handling, and adaptability across diverse environments. Whether operating in soft sand, rocky trails, urban debris, or steep gradients, the S26 system ensures uninterrupted mobility in conditions that challenge conventional platforms. All roles are delivered through a single modular system, from logistics and resupply to surveillance, reconnaissance, casualty evacuation, and specialist payload deployment, enabling armed forces to adapt quickly to changing mission requirements without the need for multiple dedicated platforms. As AZAK’s market lead in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, ZeroAlpha Solutions is positioned to ensure defence customers can rapidly access and integrate this next-generation capability into their operations. Together, ZeroAlpha and AZAK are focused on accelerating the adoption of advanced ground mobility solutions, enabling defense customers to achieve more, sustain longer, and operate with great flexibility. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
08 Oct 25. AM General, leading global military mobility solutions provider, hosted a capabilities demonstration of its light tactical vehicle portfolio for the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence (UK MoD) at the UTAC Millbrook Proving Grounds. The Company also announced that it will collaborate with Marshall Land Systems, a premier UK defense contractor, as it prepares for the upcoming United Kingdom Land Mobility Programme (LMP) solicitation.
“We couldn’t be more excited to show the UK MoD what our light tactical vehicles are capable of,” said John Chadbourne, AM General Executive Vice President of Business Development, “This demonstration along with our collaboration with Marshall Land Systems are just the beginning of our efforts to support the UK Armed Forces and their mobility capabilities.”
At the all-day experience, the UK MoD had the opportunity to learn more about AM General’s and Marshall Land Systems’ core corporate competencies. They also participated in a ride and drive experience of three of the Company’s platforms – the iconic HUMVEE, the revolutionary Saber, and significantly improved Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV A2). The vehicles were put through their paces at UTAC Millbrook proving grounds, handling a series of tough terrain and obstacles to showcase each platform’s adaptability, ruggedness, and handling performance. It was important for AM General to demonstrate to the MoD that its tactical vehicle platform options cover the weight, capability, and protection spectrum, all built with the highest quality to meet their mission requirements. Additionally, the planned strategic collaboration between AM General and Marshall Land Systems is expected to enable subject matter expertise growth for both organizations and establish regional development through long-term ecosystem participation in the UK. Marshall’s exceptional experience with vehicle assembly, systems integration, and in-service support for the Armed Forces of the UK coupled with AM General’s best-in-class manufacturing and engineering expertise, aftermarket support, and quality products will set the stage for a formidable offering to meet the UK Ministry of Defence’s needs for mission readiness.
“Together with AM General we are developing a compelling case for a collaboration that will combine the best of our respective capabilities,” said Marshall Land Systems CEO Gareth Williams. “This demonstration day is an ideal forum to outline our shared vision for a new generation of mobility for the British Army as we continue to build on our ongoing support for the UK Armed Forces and our proven pedigree of successful industry partnerships, based on more than a century of British engineering excellence.”
The UK MoD Land Mobility Programme solicitation has not been determined; however, AM General expects an industry brief in November 2025. (Source: PR Newswire)
09 Oct 25. AimLock, a pioneer in autonomous targeting and engagement systems, today announces a partnership with Overland AI, the leading provider of ground autonomy for defense. The partnership integrates AimLock’s systems into Overland’s unmanned ground vehicle (UGV)—an autonomous, mission-ready ground vehicle built for the battlefield—to deliver multi-mission solutions for the warfighter using a human-in-the-loop approach.
With ground operations demanding new capabilities in the autonomous battlefield, this partnership aims to deliver:
- Autonomous Mobility and Kinetic Effects: Overland AI’s UGV is built to support the modern warfighter. It is modular, attritable, and designed to operate beyond line of sight in contested environments, with unmatched mobility and combat power. Now, with AimLock’s proven systems, its UGV can extend effects across contested environments, such as GPS-denied zones, jammed communications, and beyond.
- Multi-Mission Support on the Ground: AimLock’s systems, which are powered by the company’s Core Targeting Modules—called Keystone (CTM)—will support Overland’s UGV in delivering decision-accelerating kinetic solutions across key mission sets in Counter-UAS, Force Protection, Direct Action, Integrated Defense, Strike Anti Armor, and Support by Fire.
- Flexibility with AimLock’s Suite of Systems: Overland AI’s UGV is compatible with the majority of AimLock’s systems, including the Spur, Rampart, Summit, Switchback, and ROLS, and can be fitted according to the end user’s specific kinetic requirements.
“The evolution of autonomy on the battlefield is changing the very nature of ground operations as we know it, and our systems are at the forefront of helping the warfighter prevail against the enemy,” said Bryan Bockmon, CEO of AimLock. “We are proud to be partnering with Overland AI on bringing AimLock’s autonomous systems to its UGV and to support their mission of equipping our armed forces with the most advanced, dependable autonomy solutions to increase ground power and save lives.”
“Overland AI is transforming our warfighter’s capability through robotics and artificial intelligence increasing their safety and effectiveness on the battlefield,” said Byron Boots, co-founder and chief executive officer of Overland AI. “We are especially proud to partner with AimLock, whose multi-mission solutions exemplify the versatility of our payload integrations and give the Armed Forces a decisive advantage across every terrain and domain.”
Overland’s UGV integrated with AimLock’s systems will be on display at AimLock’s booth at AUSA this year in Booth 4345, Hall ABC.
08 Oct 25. DARPA unmanned vehicle undergoes first integration with US Army MICLIC. A US Army engineering unit will be the first to integrate an M58 Mine Clearing Line Charge (MICLIC) with a new Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) in a demonstration at the end of October, officials told Janes on 2 October. For the first time, a DARPA UGV will be incorporated into the Machine Assisted Rugged Soldier (MARS) autonomous breaching demonstration, which soldiers in the36th Engineer Brigade have been rehearsing since 1 October, soldiers told Janes in interviews at Fort Hood, Texas. Brigadier General Geoff Van Epps, deputy commanding general maneuver of the III Armored Corps, invited DARPA to participate in the exercise at the end of 2024, Stuart Young, DARPA programme manager for Robotic Autonomy in Complex Environments with Resiliency (RACER), told Janes. Young said this is the first time the RACER Heavy platform, which is based on the Textron M5, was able to tow a trailer behind the vehicle. “You have to make some adjustments to the parameters of the control of the vehicle so that you donʼt flip the vehicle, flip the trailer over,” he added. Overland AI also made adjustments to the user interface that soldiers deployed during the exercise, Young said. It took about an hour for contractors to go over the basics of the operating interface, Corporal Lameka Bird told Janes on 2 October as she directed the UGV to return to its base after a rehearsal for the breaching operation. Cpl Bird, who is certified to drive the M1150 assault breaching vehicle, compared the operation of the UGV to “a video game”.(Source: Janes)
08 Oct 25. Mack Defense announced today that it will feature the Mack Pioneer model in its booth #8333 at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition, Oct. 13-15, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
“Mack Defense has long supported the U.S. military, providing equipment on the battlefield since World War I,” said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “We bring a unique capability to these customers with commercial innovation, internal investments and superior product offerings to help our warfighters win. The Mack Pioneer represents a breadth of commercial technology available to the U.S. military as they look to modernize their tactical wheeled vehicle fleet with militarized commercial solutions.”
Mack Defense is ready to incorporate advanced vehicle technologies into future fleets, and proven commercial platforms can provide rapid, cost-effective modernization. Integrated advanced technologies, like active safety features, enhance warfighter safety and efficiency while alternative propulsion solutions improve fuel economy. Drive-by-wire-enabled vehicles allow for autonomous kits of all levels to more easily be incorporated. Hartzell continued, “Next-generation military vehicles require the superior mobility and versatility across all terrains and missions that Mack military trucks deliver. And now, more than ever, the U.S. Department of War needs trusted manufacturers it can rely on to deliver proven, low-risk solutions, backed by a comprehensive lifecycle support for sustained readiness.” Mack Defense’s partnership with the U.S. Armed Forces provides tactical, logistics, commercial and specialty vehicles including armored and unarmored platforms. Most recently, the U.S. Army has awarded the company a contract for the M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck (HDT), which is built on the Mack® Granite® chassis and enhanced to meet the rigorous requirements of the military. Key modifications include all-wheel drive, heavier-duty rear axles, increased ride height and other ruggedized features for tactical use. Leveraging a commercially proven platform like the Mack® Granite® allows the Army to benefit from American manufacturing, an established supply chain, proven durability and easier lifecycle support across a wide operational footprint with global support in more than 190 markets.
08 Oct 25. GM Defense will highlight tactical power at every echelon with its portfolio of advanced military solutions, including the groundbreaking ISV-Heavy (ISV-H), at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting & Exposition. Media are invited to visit the exhibit and encouraged to schedule exclusive interviews and learn more about how our commercial technology can help our militaries modernize quickly and efficiently thanks to our industry-leading trucks, our propulsion technologies, energy storage solutions, and manufacturing expertise. GM Defense will display its cutting-edge mobility and energy solutions, demonstrating how its proven commercial technologies are being leveraged for military applications:
- ISV-H: A diesel-powered heavy duty hybrid vehicle based on the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD ZR2, featuring Silent Drive, Silent Watch and Export Power capabilities.
- Silverado 2500 HD ZR2 Bison: Showcasing the commercial DNA of the ISV-H and commercial parts that meet defense requirements.
- ISV-Utility with Mission Power: A highly mobile, light tactical vehicle that provides power production, storage, and distribution when needed.
- X-PEM: A tactical microgrid power solution designed for austere environments that reduces noise, heat signatures, and fuel usage.
- Augmented Reality Experience: A demonstration on how GMD uses commercial tactics during the vehicle development process to build military mobility solutions faster and more efficiently.
GM Defense leadership including Steve duMont, president, JD Johnson, vice president of Government Solutions and Strategy, Partners and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will be available to discuss how the company is innovating to meet the evolving needs of the military, power generation, and future battlefield mobility. October 13–15, 2025 – GM Defense Booth 8127, Hall E
08 Oct 25. The Zetros by Arquus: A New Franco-German Dynamic Serving Tactical Mobility for Armed Forces. At the 2025 Forum Entreprises Défense, Arquus unveils the Zetros by Arquus, the result of an unprecedented partnership with Daimler Truck. This new military truck, designed for the most demanding environments, combines the robustness of Daimler Truck’s permanent 6×6 Zetros chassis with Arquus’ expertise in militarization and systems integration.
Complementary strengths
This unique Franco-German industrial partnership reflects a shared ambition: to provide French and European forces with the best mobility solution — reliable, competitive, and sovereign — based on the versatile Zetros military tactical chassis, while strengthening Europe’s Defence Industrial and Technological Base.
The truck for demanding armies
Having gone into service with international armed forces including Canada, Lithuania and Ukraine in recent years, the Zetros now enters the French market with Arquus’ significant added value: militarization, integration of equipment and weapon systems, versatile configurations — armoured or unarmoured, for troop transport or logistics— and full support provided within French territory. Designed for severe operating conditions, the truck accommodates two crew members in the front cabin with optimal comfort and protection. It consistently delivers a payload capacity of over 6 tons, regardless of the integrations or cabin type.
We want French Forces to have confidence in a robust and proven military truck, with upper-end tactical performances and a high proximity to the units for In Service Support operations.
Emmanuel Levacher, General Manager of Arquus
This Zetros, developed as part of our partnership project, combines Daimler Truck’s proven vehicle platform with Arquus’ military expertise regarding equipment and protection. Together, we can provide French and European forces with a reliable vehicle that strengthens operational readiness and industrial sovereignty of our neighboring countries.
Daniel Zittel, Head of Defence Sales at Daimler Truck
Responsiveness through engaged teams and centres of excellence
Both companies have a strong footprint in France. As a leader in land mobility solutions and a long-standing partner of the armed forces, Arquus operates five centers of excellence in France – Limoges, Saint-Nazaire, Garchizy, Satory, and Lisses – where more than 2,000 employees are committed every day. Arquus has nearly 25,000 vehicles of all types in service with the French Army, 20,000 of which are supported by the company. Daimler Truck assembles its military vehicles in Wörth am Rhein, near the French border, and at its plant in Molsheim (Alsace, France). The Molsheim plant is part of Daimler Truck’s industrial activities in France, which directly employs more than 3,000 people in the country. Since 2008 more than 15.000 Zetros trucks have been sold. Thanks to this complementarity and these strengths, the partners can rapidly scale up production, with the capacity to manufacture several hundred trucks per month. This provides the flexibility needed to address operational priorities — from urgent deployments to major defense programs. Further information on Daimler Truck is available at : newsroom.daimlertruck.com and https://special.mercedes-benz- trucks.com/en/mercedes-benz-defence- trucks/general.html Further information on Arquus is available at : www.arquus-defense.com
09 Oct 25. GDLS-UK and Ricardo Join Forces to Develop Vehicle for the UK’s Army’s Light Mobility Programme. General Dynamics Land Systems–UK and Ricardo announced a strategic collaboration established to develop a bespoke vehicle to support the British Army’s Light Mobility Vehicle Programme (LMV) — a key component of the Army’s broader Land Mobility Programme (LMP). Built on the 5-Star NCAP-rated Ford Ranger family of trucks, the vehicle seamlessly integrates General Dynamics and Ricardo technology to offer a best-in-class Off-The-Shelf (OTS) platform that meets the Army’s requirements for payload, mobility, and through-life support. With militarised 4×4 and 6×6 variants on display at DSEI, the partnership demonstrates innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.
Global Strength Meets UK Defence Needs
Utilising the recently launched 2025 Ford Ranger Super Duty, the partnership has fully integrated its upfit system while maintaining the class-leading safety, payload of up to 2,000kg, enhanced powertrain options and advanced trailer technology of the heavy-duty Ranger platform to meet the military’s demanding operational requirements. Its relevance to the UK MoD lies in its scalability, durability, and compatibility with defence-grade modifications. The partnership brings together the extensive UK-based capabilities of General Dynamics Land Systems–UK and Ricardo to deliver a solution that meets the British Army’s operational needs while driving national prosperity. With significant manufacturing, engineering, and support operations across the UK, this partnership represents a major investment in British industry. The Ford Ranger—Europe’s leading pick-up truck—is ideally suited for Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) conversion, and its integration into the LMV programme aligns directly with the principles of the Land Industrial Strategy (LIS), supporting job creation, supply chain resilience, and long-term economic growth across the defence and automotive sectors.
The partnership recently showcased a range of demonstrator vehicles—including militarised 4×4 and 6×6 variants—on the General Dynamics and Ricardo stands at DSEI, highlighting the platform’s adaptability and readiness for defence applications.
Scott Milne, Vice President & General Manager at General Dynamics Land Systems-UK, said: “General Dynamics Land Systems–UK is excited to be working with Ricardo to develop a bespoke Ford Ranger for this important programme. Our partnership brings together the best of UK defence and automotive engineering. By combining General Dynamics’ programme leadership and Ricardo’s technical innovation on a proven Ford platform, we are delivering a solution that is not only fit for purpose but also aligned with the Army’s Land Industrial Stategy. This programme will be delivered from our facilities in South Wales—supporting UK jobs, industry, and capability.”
Paul Tarry, Head of Defence & Special Vehicles at Ricardo, said: “We are extremely pleased with the latest 4×4 and 6×6 Ford Ranger conversions. These platforms offer a proven, capable, and flexible solution that performs reliably in demanding environments. The HEX 6×4 and 6×6 conversions are being developed effectively with single, extended, double cab and Super Duty variants while maintaining the base vehicle’s warranty, providing customers a cost-effective, flexible means to significantly improve the payload and mobility of the base product.
This partnership represents a powerful union of defence expertise, automatic innovation, and industrial commitment—ready to deliver a next-generation light mobility solution for the British Army. (Source: ASD Network)
07 Oct 25. Mack Defense announced it has received an initial order for 86 M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDTs) from the U.S. Army as part of a new five-year contract awarded June 24, 2025, for up to 450 trucks with value up to $221.8m. This order is the first under the new contract and follows the successful completion of Mack Defense’s original seven-year contract awarded in 2018.
“We are proud to continue supporting the U.S. Army with proven, reliable vehicles tailored to the demands of military operations,” said Derik Beck, senior director of sales, business development and marketing at Mack Defense. “This new order and the new contract overall both reinforce the critical role the M917A3 plays in sustainment missions and reflect the trust the Army has placed in our team, our truck and our American manufacturing operations. Leveraging a commercially proven platform like the Mack® Granite® allows the Army to benefit from an established supply chain, proven durability and easier lifecycle support across a wide operational footprint.”
Funding for the 86 trucks comes from the 2025 Department of Defense Budget, a signal of continued federal support for tactical vehicle modernization and U.S. industrial base readiness. The trucks will be used across a wide range of operational environments in support of critical infrastructure and construction efforts, including airfields, roadways, landing strips, supply facilities and motor pools. The M917A3 HDT is based on the Mack Granite commercial platform, enhanced to meet the U.S. Army’s rigorous requirements. Key modifications include all-wheel drive, heavier-duty rear axles, increased ride height and other ruggedized features for tactical use. Each truck is also equipped with modern control systems, ABS and advanced safety technology, providing operators with improved handling, performance and mission flexibility. All vehicles are assembled at the Mack Experience Center (MEC) in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where Mack Defense established a dedicated production line in 2021 following a $6.5 m investment. The facility has passed stringent government inspections and quality audits and represents a key component of Mack Defense’s support for the U.S. industrial base. The M917A3 continues to serve as a core asset for the Army Engineer Regiment, delivering the durability, mobility and engineering capability needed to execute demanding missions across a broad range of environments. Mack Defense remains committed to delivering high-performance, mission-ready equipment that supports the evolving needs of the U.S. military – today and into the future. Production of the HDTs began in March of 2021. The production line helps fulfill the M917A3 contract, while allowing Mack Defense to produce other vehicle variants.
06 Oct 25. TRACER, FFLAV, FRES, BOXER now CAVS(+), will the British Army ever decide which wheeled APC it requires, it doesn’t look that way! After years of indecision, the British Army eventually selected soe source the BOXER vehicle, which it had dropped many tears before as too large, after years of failures of FRES and bns of ponds in wasted money. Now, sources suggest that the international CAVS Patria vehicle being built by Babcock is now the focal centre of attention for many battlefield roles previously envisioned for BOXER where there are a reported 550 engineering changes required at a price uplift from ARTEC, nothing comes free! The BOXER numbers now look to be 400 with the vehicle being looked at less front line roles with the Overwatch MBDA Brimstone missile variant dropped. CAVS, originally purchased for the Stormer replacement is now envisaged for other roles albeit wit the swimming capability dropped with added Stanag level 4 Armour, un from STANAG Level 2. Now CAVS is envisaged as the replacement for the ageing FV430 Series of vehicles. Eyes should now turn to IAV and DVD for statement from the Army and DE&S.
06 Oct 25. USMC retire ‘workhorse’ Assault Amphibious Vehicle after 50 years. From the shores of Grenada to the deserts of Iraq, the Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) shielded and carried Marines from ship to sea to shore for over 50 years. Now, after a Sept. 26 ceremony, the famous “workhorse” has been officially decommissioned. Col. Lynn Berendsen, commander of the Assault Amphibian School at Camp Pendleton, California, noted during the ceremony that the AAVs were intertwined with the legacy of the Marines that operated them.
“The AAV gave Marines both mobility and armored protection, allowed them to close with the enemy and seize objectives at speed,” Berendsen said. “In the desert, just as in the Pacific beaches decades earlier, [the AAV] showed it was more than a connector — it was a fighting vehicle at the heart of the Marine Air Ground Task Force.”
Assault Amphibious Vehicles are being replaced with a newer model — an eight-wheeled vehicle known as the Amphibious Combat Vehicle, or ACV, which has been in the field for the past several years. The Sept. 26 commemoration, however, saw the official sunsetting of the historic vehicle.
“The AAV-P7 has been many things, a ship to shore connector, an armored fighting vehicle, a troop carrier, a logistics platform and even sometimes a live boat,” Berendsen said. “Most importantly, it was in a place where Marines made their mark in combat in service and in sacrifice.”
In 1972, the AAV became part of the Marine Corps lethal repertoire after United Defense (a former division of FMC Corporation, now part of BAE), was awarded a $78.5 m contract for it. The AAV is a tale rooted in amphibious warfare and its inevitable evolution. It replaced the storied Landing Vehicle, Tracked (LVT), which first saw combat in August 1942 in Guadalcanal. From Tarawa to Inchon and through the Vietnam War, the LVT delivered Marines to beachheads far and wide while under enemy fire. Over its nearly five decades of service, the AAV underwent several iterations — improving its maneuverability, firepower and protections to meet the evolving needs of modern combat. However, service officials decided in 2018 that it was time for the workhorse to be retired, replaced by a more modern vehicle that is more suited to expeditionary and large-scale combat operations. Then in 2020, the AAV came under intense scrutiny after eight marines and a sailor were killed after their vehicle sank off the coast of California during an exercise. A command investigation into the incident revealed that the sinking was a result of poor training, a vehicle in “horrible condition” and lapsed safety procedures in a rush to deploy an operational AAV platoon. A second Marine Corps investigation resulted in the firing of Maj. Gen. Robert Castellvi as Inspector General of the Marine Corps because of failures in his prior position as commander of the 1st Marine Division to ensure the Marines from 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, and 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion were properly trained before attaching to the MEU.
The ACV has had setbacks of its own since its was first fielded in late 2020.
From September 2021 to January 2022, the Marine Corps paused waterborne operations with the amphibious combat vehicle because of a problem with the tow rope. Then, in July 2022, a vehicle rollover prompted the Corps to suspend it again. The vehicles returned to the water in late September 2022, but a mishap a few weeks later led the service to cease most training with the vehicle in choppy waters. Finally, in May 2024, the ACV made its official debut overseas in a live-fire exercise in Oyster Bay, Philippines. While the ACV has four variants, the vast majority of its fleet will be of the personnel carrier versions — 400 of them, Task & Purpose reported. As for the AAV, Berendsen said, “Its legacy is not only in its capabilities but also in the countless Marines who operated it and relied on it to accomplish their missions.” (Source: Defense News)
04 Oct 25. SAPS receive a dozen Marshall internal security vehicles to enhance riot control capability. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has officially taken delivery of a dozen new Marshall internal security vehicles from Paramount, and will use them to enhance its public order policing (POP) capabilities. The vehicles, along with two new Airbus H125 (Squirrel) helicopters, were formally handed over to the SAPS on Friday morning (3 October) at the Police College in Pretoria in a ceremony attended by Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, and National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola. According to Paramount, the initial batch of 12 vehicles marks the first phase of a staggered delivery programme. Cachalia said the acquisitions were done with Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA) funding and are part of an ongoing procurement process, but did not elaborate on what further equipment will be acquired. Derived from experience with Paramount’s Maverick internal security vehicle (used by Brazil, Ghana, Togo, and Zambia, amongst others), the Marshall was adapted to SAPS requirements and underwent extensive testing and refinement ahead of delivery. On behalf of Paramount, the company’s Dr Mathews Phosa said the Marshall is a proudly South African product and can be maintained locally. “As Chair of Paramount South Africa I’m proud to hand this equipment to you,” he said to Cachalia and Masemola.
“This is a proud moment for South Africa. The Marshall is more than a vehicle – it is a symbol of our ability as a nation to design, engineer, and manufacture advanced solutions that directly address our country’s challenges. Working hand-in-hand with SAPS, we have created a platform that will protect our police officers, embolden their capabilities, and ultimately safeguard our communities,” said Lindiwe Tshabalala, CEO of Paramount South Africa. “Paramount has supplied internal security solutions to many countries across Africa and globally, but it is especially meaningful to deliver this capability here at home. The Marshall demonstrates that South Africa’s defence industry remains a global leader – creating jobs, developing skills, and showcasing innovation that places our country at the forefront of security solutions worldwide,” she added.
Cachalia said the 12 armoured vehicles and two helicopters inaugurated on Friday will make an important contribution to the fight against organised crime and will help with public order policing. He said the acquisition is part of a long term effort that began in 2018, to refurbish resources necessary for policing in South Africa. “Such efforts to modernise equipment are part of efforts to improve safety and enhance the police service.”
Cachalia said that the SAPS is in the process of implementing the Farlam Commission’s recommendations (in the wake of the Marikana massacre), with public order policing being restructured accordingly. “It is important police are equipped to ensure peace and order in protest action that unfortunately in our country often turns violent.”
The Acting Police Minister touched on the issue of gang violence, especially in the Western Cape, and revealed that a gang violence plan has been finalised for the province. It will take some time to implement, but it is now in place, he said, and may be rolled out elsewhere such as the Eastern Cape. In his speech, Masemola thanked the manufacturers for delivering the “much-needed resources” and said their acquisitions will play a critical role in enhancing the SAPS’s operational capacity and capability as well as strengthening national security. “It will enable us to improve our service delivery and increase efficiency in fulfilling our Constitutional mandate of preventing, combating, and investigating crime just to name but a few.” The Commissioner aid the new resources will help the SAPS respond to crime scenes and also play a critical role in putting the SAPS at an advantage position in the execution of Operation Shanela II crime fighting activities. Operation Shanela II, which is a weekly nationwide operation targeting serious and violent crimes in hotspots across the country through raids, roadblocks, and stop and search among others, has been producing “good results” since its launch. “Just this week we arrested more than seventeen thousand suspects —17 247 to be exact — for various offences ranging from illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and substances, among others. This is the results of the work of the men and women in blue across the country,” Masemola said.
The Marshall vehicle provides ballistic and blast protection to STANAG 4569 Level 1, with a monocoque hull and “smart floor” technology enabling rapid reconfiguration for missions ranging from riot control and tactical response to high-risk prisoner transport. With a kerb weight of 12 500 kg, a payload of 2 500 kg, and the ability to transport eight personnel at speeds up to 110 km/h, the vehicle also integrates a 360-degree camera system, public address system, advanced sensor and vision technology.
“Beyond supporting SAPS, the Marshall underscores South Africa’s position as a global exporter of advanced defence technologies, proven by Paramount’s track record of supplying armoured solutions to police and military forces to more than 20 countries around the world,” Tshabalala said. “Paramount has long been committed to building sovereign defence capacity, ensuring that the design, engineering, and assembly of these advanced vehicles directly benefits the local economy.”
Paramount’s long history of supplying comprehensive internal security solutions to many countries across Africa spans internal security armoured vehicles, aerial solutions for police air wings, pilot training, unmanned aerial vehicles, reconnaissance and surveillance systems, as well as a wide range of protective gear for police forces. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
03 Oct 25. Australian military inducts its final Hawkei. The final Hawkei – referred to as the Protected Mobility Vehicle – Light (PMV-L) by the Australian military – was handed over on 23 September. Thales Australia produced 1,100 of these vehicles. The final Hawkei was formally delivered to No. 2 Security Forces Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force. This unit’s duty is to protect air bases and associated equipment. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) reported that this “final Hawkei PMV-L has been officially handed over to the Australian air force at RAAF Base Amberley by Defence’s Land Systems Division, marking the completion of a major ADF capability rollout”. It added, “This delivery completes the allocation of this critical capability across the air force, with vehicles now delivered to its units.” The major Hawkei user remains the Australian Army. The Hawkei, designed and manufactured in Australia, sits between the G-Wagon and the Bushmaster PMV in terms of capability in the ADF vehicle fleet. The Department of Defence had signed a US$980m contract for 1,100 Hawkei vehicles and 1,058 single-axle trailers in October 2015. However, the Hawkei endured a difficult gestation. It achieved an initial operational capability in July 2021, but even before that its rollout had been adversely affected by anti-lock braking system (ABS) issues. This caused the ADF to stop accepting vehicles just three months after series production commenced in September 2020. Consequently, hundreds of Hawkeis were left parked up at the Bendigo production facility. On 16 July 2024, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the brake problem had been resolved. “The latest advice around the ABS braking is that Thales has identified the cause of the problem. They’ve identified a solution,” he said. Conroy further noted, “That solution has been deployed to a number of the Hawkeis, and the results in the field have been very positive and so planning has begun…to roll out the rest of the Hawkeis for a mediation programme to have the fits installed and then rolled out to units throughout the country.” Thales Australia’s Bendigo facility also builds the Bushmaster PMV-Medium 4×4 vehicle. The most recent contracts asked for 78 new-builds in November 2023, 15 command variants in July 2024 (to support HIMARS in the 10th Fires Brigade), plus another 44 for the same brigade ordered in January 2025. The Bushmaster is utilised by nine countries worldwide, and Fiji ordered 14 Bushmasters in October 2023, and New Zealand now has 43 Bushmaster NZ5.5 variants in service. Australia gifted some 120 units to Ukraine too. The ADF is expected to upgrade part of its extensive legacy Bushmaster fleet under Project Land 4111. Work package 1 will integrate and retrofit technologies on around 100 Bushmasters in 8th/9th Battalion of the 7th Brigade. Improvements are expected to include electronic countermeasures, remote weapon stations, digital radios, adjustable radio racks, reinforced hull front and rear, external composite armour attachment points, improved battery and alternator, and seat and flooring upgrades to improve protection. These activities could begin in July 2026, and run through till the end of the decade. Command variants will also gain an auxiliary power unit. Work package 1 will also offer funds to inform the acquisition of a Bushmaster successor. A request for information could come in around 2029, allowing full-rate production of a successor to commence in 2032. The embryonic Project Land 4111 work package 2, worth perhaps A$2.1bn (US$1.39bn), will see replacement of the oldest Bushmasters in the early to mid-2030s. Vehicle deliveries could proceed till around 2039-40. At this nascent stage it is unknown what the army’s requirements are, but it presumably still wants a wheeled vehicle. Whether it seeks an amphibious capability remains to be seen. This project is likely to be open to international contenders, although one option might still be a heavily upgraded Bushmaster. (Source: AMR)
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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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