Sponsored by TEK Military Seating Limited
http://www.tekmilitaryseating.co.uk/
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14 Nov 25. Team LionStrike demonstrates their light vehicle line up in UK, for the first time. LionStrike, a team established between GM Defense, BAE Systems, and NP Aerospace yesterday demonstrated their light vehicle line up for the first time in the UK, at a VIP and media Ride and Drive event. Showcased to invited guests at the Millbrook Proving Ground, the demonstrated vehicles are being offered to meet the requirements of the UK MoD’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) and specifically, the lighter General Support Utility Platform (GSUP) and Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) requirements, expected to be selected in 2026. Team LionStrike was announced in early September 2025 followed by the GM Defense GSUP vehicle being revealed on static display at the UK DSEI exhibition later that month. Now, for the first time in UK, guests and media have had the opportunity to ride and drive and see all three variants up close and in detail. Demonstrated were three proven, Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) light and utility military vehicles:
- GSUP – based on the Chevrolet S10 Work Truck, delivering capacity for 4 crew, flexible and modular cab/utility configurations, 207HP diesel, and a payload of 1116 kg.
- Silverado 1500 ZR2 – a light duty, more powerful variant delivering capacity for 5 crew, flexible and modular cab/utility configurations, 305HP diesel, and payload of 705kg.
- Infantry Squad Vehicle- Utility (ISV-U) – based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 platform, delivering capacity for up to 5 crew, open-top utility and tactical configurations.
All three demonstrated vehicles are backed by Team LionStrike, that is focused on offering the UK MoD a mobility solution to rapidly modernise its wheeled vehicle fleet. Team LionStrike will deliver economic growth as part of the Land Industrial Strategy, and significant export growth potential. Team LionStrike is building a sustainable supply chain and delivery ecosystem in the UK. LionStrike will be supported by GM’s leading UK team members, NP Aerospace and BAE Systems and is also anchored by GM’s worldwide parts distribution system.
J.D. Johnson, vice president of GM Defense Government Solutions and Strategy, said it was an “honour” for GM Defense and its U.K.-based LionStrike team members to demonstrate their COTS-based platforms at Millbrook to invited guests. “I truly believe that what makes Team LionStrike different is the fact that GM, with our history and proven capability, is embedded into the procurement and support solutions offered here, as the vehicle Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM),” Johnson said. “Having the OEM so intimately involved provides capability, efficiencies and crucial assurance, confidence and support to the U.K. Armed Forces, through life.”
Johnson added that the company is “very proud of what our Team LionStrike strategy and plan will bring to U.K. industry, U.K. economy and potentially, future U.K. exports.” He concluded by drawing a line from history to the present: “As we’ve prepared for this event we have been able to look back and note with pride the level of support and involvement Chevrolet and GMC trucks played in the British military campaigns dating back to World War II. That successful heritage firmly underpins what we’ve been demonstrating here today.”
13 Nov 25. Chaiseri launches four new military vehicles. Thai military vehicle manufacturer Chaiseri has unveiled a series of new platforms at the Defense & Security 2025 show in Bangkok. The new vehicles comprise the Guardian-T 8×8 armoured fighting vehicle (AFV), the Jackal 4×4 high-mobility armoured vehicle, the Ridgeback 4×4 high-mobility vehicle, and the Hisaar 4×4 mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle. A Chaiseri official told Janes that the Guardian-T, Jackal, and Ridgeback are all being developed in response to requirements outlined by the Royal Thai Armed Forces, particularly the Royal Thai Army (RTA). The Hisaar MRAP vehicle is being produced for the Pakistan Army. The Guardian-T – the prototype of which was completed in 2025 – is based on Chaiseri’s 8×8 Armoured Wheeled Amphibious Vehicle (AWAV), which was unveiled by the Thai company in 2023 and is operated by the Royal Thai Marine Corps (RTMC). The Guardian-T prototype displayed at Defense & Security 2025 is integrated with a stabilised turret, a 105 mm low-pressure gun, and an autoloader. It is also fitted with a 7.62 mm co-axial armament and four anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). However, suppliers for some of the vehicle’s core systems – including its turret and gun – have not yet been finalised. The vehicle is also yet to start trials with the Thai military, although Chaiseri indicated that testing could start soon with the RTA. Chaiseri also sees an opportunity to supply the vehicle to the RTMC. According to Chaiseri, Guardian-T can accommodate a crew of six (including the driver) and provides STANAG level 2 ballistic and mine protection. The vehicle measures 7.6 m in length and 3 m in width, and it has a height of 2.58 m. (Source: Janes)
13 Nov 25. Vendors’ push to drone-proof vehicles with nets goes beyond Ukraine. The widespread use of anti-drone netting on armored vehicles to protect against low-altitude drone attacks in Ukraine is driving defense manufacturers in different locales to develop their own cloaks. Among them is United Arab Emirates-based TAC Armored Vehicles, which recently rolled out its new TAC-Q-Net, a lightweight “cable mesh” designed to defend against low-altitude drone strikes. The Emirati company released a picture showing a Jedi armored personnel carrier equipped with the countermeasure, reminiscent of other improvised vehicle protection systems seen on the battlefield in Ukraine. These have included everything from metal cages to flexible nets. It is intended to serve as an additional physical barrier, preventing direct contact with the vehicle or causing drones to deflect. The use of cable mesh, netting and similar protective systems on vehicles have proven effective in Ukraine. However, experts say that the risk is lower in other parts of the world. UAE-based TAC Armored Vehicles has developed a Q-NET anti-drone net kit fitted on its Jedi armored vehicle, designed to counter low-altitude drone threats. (TAC photo)
“The UAE faces a much lower probability of encountering FPV threats within the country itself, but both environments — Ukraine’s humidity and Abu Dhabi’s dry, sandy conditions — present challenges to the robustness of the system and will require maintenance,” Federico Borsari, non-resident fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, said.
He highlighted that the utility of the cable mesh is primarily to provide last-resort protection against drones, complementing other countermeasures — it will not, by itself, make a vehicle drone-proof.
“It’s also important to note that the effectiveness of the mesh or netting declines with multiple strikes; if the second or third drones do not disable the vehicle, the fourth or fifth ones are even more likely to succeed,” he said.
A highly-proficient drone pilot could exploit the gaps and holes that connect parts of the netting and strike these parts of the vehicle, Borsari added.
Other manufacturers offering similar systems include British company QinetiQ, which developed its Q-Net over a decade ago. Using a net design, the technology was first deployed in Afghanistan in 2010 and is used on over 14,000 platforms in active combat to protect lightly armored vehicles against rocket-propelled grenades. (Source: Defense News)
13 Nov 25. Supacat signs MOU with KNDS for UK-based production of combat vehicle range. Devon-based defence engineering company Supacat is to enter into a partnership agreement with KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG (KNDS) to make a range of light and medium protected vehicles which could bring hundreds of jobs to Devon and the South West where Supacat is based. The potential multi-m-pound order book could run into many hundreds if not thousands of military vehicles to be made here in the UK. Under the agreement, which is a collaboration on the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Land Mobility Programme (LMP), the two companies will work together to offer solutions in the light and medium/ Heavy protected mobility categories, centred on the proven Dingo 3 platform and Armoured Command and Liaison Vehicle (ACLV) variants. The collaboration will focus specifically on delivering a family of vehicles to meet the MoD’s future requirements for Troop Carrying Vehicle (TCV), Ambulance, and Command roles. This partnership brings together KNDS’s extensive experience as a Tier 1 prime contractor, including its current delivery of the Boxer vehicle from its UK facility in Stockport, with Supacat’s agility, innovation, and local manufacturing expertise. The combination of KNDS’s technical pedigree and Supacat’s engineering excellence provides the MoD with a robust and flexible industrial team, capable of rapid adaptation to evolving operational demands. As part of the MoU, Supacat will lead UK-based manufacturing, design adaptation, and integrated support solutions from its new state-of-the-art production facility in Devon. This approach ensures that vehicle production, integration, and through-life support are conducted within the UK, delivering significant economic and industrial benefits. The collaboration also provides the opportunity for the world class HMT platform, the preferred Special Forces vehicle around the world, to be presented, through a leading European Union Defence partner to the European Union countries as part of a collaborative purchase. The partnership directly aligns with the UK Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) by strengthening sovereign manufacturing capability, supporting high-value engineering jobs, and developing export opportunities from a UK base. Vehicles produced under this collaboration will be manufactured in Devon, with potential for international sales through the KNDS global network. The combination of UK and European collaboration also fits neatly into the UK MOD’s Land Mobility Programme, a major strategic initiative to modernise, digitise and rationalise the British Army’s land vehicle fleet, which will replace a large number of legacy vehicle types (utility, light mobility and protected mobility) with fewer, common platform families – such as Supacat’s world-beating HMT Jackal Series – that are more adaptable, maintainable and cost-effective. LMP serves the wider defence objective of improving operational readiness, global deployability, and fleet sustainability over the full lifecycle of the platforms. KNDS brings to the partnership its extensive experience developing and supporting combat-proven armoured vehicles, such as the Dingo family, which has seen operational service with ten NATO and allied nations. Supacat, known for its highly mobile HMT series vehicles in service with UK and international armed forces, adds deep understanding of British defence requirements and a track record of delivering bespoke vehicle solutions.
Commenting on the MOU partnership, Nick Ames, chief executive of parent SC Group said “This promises to be a transformational opportunity on a number of levels, not least for Supacat which has been at the fore of UK innovation in defence vehicle design and manufacture, but for the South West region which is steeped in rich military expertise and knowhow. The opportunity for jobs, pan-European collaboration and shared economic development are enormous.”
12 Nov 25. Czech Special Forces Sign Contract for 18 HMT Extenda Vehicles. On a sunny Monday morning in Prague, the British Ambassador Matt Field and Defence Attache, Col Jonny Kitson, kindly hosted Supacat and their Czech partner, LLP, to sign a contract for 18 HMT Extenda vehicles for the Czech special forces. The HMT (High Mobility Transporter) Extenda can be converted from 2-axle to 3-axle configuration to suit mission requirements. Using the HMT variable height air suspension system, Extenda matches the capabilities of the 400 and 600 series sister platforms yet can be configured as a 4×4 or 6×6 to meet the operational need by fitting or removing a modular, self-contained third axle unit. The hamper has also been designed as a modular system to enable rapid conversion. This signing is a major step in strengthening UK-Czech defence ties and a strategic milestone capable of opening doors to new European customers. (Source: ASD Network)
11 Nov 25. Edge positions for THeMIS opportunity in Thailand. The Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) is close to finishing trials with the Royal Thai Army (RTA) before a potential procurement programme. Speaking to Janes at the Defense & Security 2025 show in Bangkok on 11 November, an official from Edge Group, which is the majority shareholder in THeMIS developer Milrem Robotics, said RTA trials of the UGV are expected to conclude shortly. The Thai THeMIS programme is being jointly pursued by Edge and the Defence Technology Institute (DTI), an agency under the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in Bangkok.
“We partnered with DTI some time back,” said Miles Chambers, Edge’s senior vice-president of international business. “We have had an extensive programme of test and evaluation, together with DTI, on the THeMIS platform.”
He added, “Now we are in user trials including active deployment, and that’s ongoing. We hope that this will conclude in the coming months, and on the back of that we are confident we will see a larger programme of acquisition.”
Miles also confirmed that the THeMIS Combat variant on display at Defense & Security 2025 is the configuration that is being promoted to the RTA. This configuration features Slovenian company Valhalla’s LOKI remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS) integrated with the 7.62 mm gun. The LOKI RCWS supports weapon calibres from 5.56 mm to 12.7 mm and, according to Edge, can effectively engage targets at distances of up to 2,000 m and can also undertake a counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) role. (Source: Janes)
10 Nov 25. Indonesia’s PT SSE today officially launched the P2 Tiger, a new 4×4 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) developed for Indonesia and built for export markets, during the Defense & Security 2025 exhibition in Bangkok. Developed in record time with mobility partner Texelis (France), the P2 Tiger is Indonesia’s most advanced land platform to date. First unveiled in January 2025 at PT SSE’s headquarters in Tangerang, the vehicle has since successfully completed a full series of road trials and is now making its international debut at Asia’s largest defence exhibition. Defense & Security Thailand is the right platform for the commercial launch of the first vehicle of its kind in the region – the first 4×4 armoured vehicle built specifically for the highest technical requirements. Fully compliant with NATO standards in terms of mobility and ballistics protection, the P2 Tiger is a very modern, potent and versatile vehicle. Designed for the needs of the Indonesian market, the P2 Tiger is also probably the first armored vehicle with an export potential for all of South-East Asia and beyond. Fully compliant with NATO standards for mobility and ballistic protection, the P2 Tiger combines modern technology, high survivability, and adaptability to diverse operational needs. Its modular design and large internal volume enable seamless integration of mission-specific systems, making it ideal for range development. An modern vehicle, it integrates the Celeris high-performance platform from Texelis, designed, tested and produced with the most recent technology and with no compromise on performance, especially in terms of crossing, off-roading, systems carrying and payload, but also and maybe even more importantly, in terms of vehicle stability, handling, security and comfort for troops inside. With these native qualities and its sturdiness, the P2 Tiger can operate in the most difficult environments and conditions in full autonomy. It can thus operate on low-quality fuel and maintenance has been specifically designed with ingenuity in mind, guaranteeing simplicity for the maintenance personnel and uptime for the operators. In its current APC configuration, the P2 Tiger can easily fit 2+8 personnel, including a crew of 2 (a driver and a vehicle commander), one full gunner station, one specialist/systems operator, and 6 operators. Its very large internal space and open architecture allow for the loading and integration of several equipment and kits. Thanks to the trailing arm technology used by Texelis for the rear axle, the P2 Tiger benefits from a fully flat floor, without any intrusion of suspension triangles inside the hull, which means no waste of space and no weak point in the armored hull, a design choice which turns into a key differentiation factor. The armored hull, developed by PT SSE with the support of Bima Bisalloy, offers a STANAG 4569 Level 2 protection (7.62x39mm) with variants already available for Level 3 (7.62x51mm /7.62x54mm) and Level 4 (14.5x114mm). Several variants and internal configurations have already been developed and are ready for specialized troops and missions: cavalry, anti-drone, ambulance, Special Forces…
Combat and export-ready
At Defense & Security 2025, it is presented with a complete array of systems illustrating its payload, systems carrying capability, interoperability with the most modern systems, as well as PT SSE’s willingness to provide its customers not only with a very potent vehicle, but also with some recommendations for proven solutions, already in service and already presented with P2 Tiger. These solutions are easily integrated thanks to the 18-ton GVW of the P2 Tiger, which offers space to work with as well as a mobility reserve for future developments and adaptations which will happen during the vehicle’s life cycle. Such an array integrates the ARX30 weapon system from KNDS, offering 360° protection against armored and non-armored threats. The ARX30 is already qualified and notably serves as an anti-drone system in the French Army as part of the Serval LAD (anti-drone) variant. PT SSE also integrated Metravib’s Pilar V, the renowned acoustic threat detection system. Designed to be mounted on armored vehicle, it is used to identity and localize enemy activity and can feed this information into any protection or weapon system for maximum efficiency. For quick protection against threats, the P2 Tiger is equipped with Lacroix’s GALIX smoke grenade launchers, allowing for an instant deployment of a smoke screen and protection against visual identification, direct fire and missile launches. The vehicle is fitted with anti-blast seats from UAE-based Advanced Armor Engineering fixed to the hull, offering protection against mine/IED threats. To further enhance its tactical capabilities, the P2 Tiger also embarks an Advans Ursa inertial navigation system. This series offers reliable navigation in GNSS-denied environments and for all mission profiles.
Last but not least, PT SSE also requested the integration of Elno’s intercoms in P2 Tiger. This plug-and-play solution enables quick, efficient and secure communication both in embarked and disembarked configurations to maximize the efficiency of the vehicle’s crew and their coordination with troops aboard. This outstanding line of partners, combined with the P2 Tiger’s native qualities, make for a powerful and mature product, already imagined for actual tactical use and for the soldiers’ needs. An agnostic platform, the P2 Tiger can be fitted with several other pieces of equipment and solutions to fully match the users’ needs, demands and currently used sensors and effectors. The P2 Tiger is fully ready to conquer the world of armoured vehicles. The new symbol of the Indonesian defense industry The P2 Tiger is a truly Indonesian, 18-ton GVW vehicle, designed and produced by Indonesia’s leading private company PT SSE in their plant in Tangerang. PT SSE is an Indonesian defense manufacturer specializing in the design, development, and production of advanced land systems for both domestic and export markets. With the P2 Tiger, its most advanced armoured vehicle, PT SSE has emerged as a first-rate designer and manufacturer of vehicles and a leading force in the private sector. With their agility, speed and knowledge of tactical vehicles, PT SSE are the right partners to create state-of-the-art, high-end vehicles for the most demanding forces to master the most difficult terrains.
Texelis and PT SSE: a full transfer of technology, a true partnership
The P2 Tiger is an Indonesian vehicle, the first to benefit from such a large technology transfer. It has received the best of French technology as far as mobility is concerned, with the most advanced product on the market. It truly is the best that France could offer. This partnership is a win-win cooperation which could go way beyond the Indonesian 4×4 market. As proven by Security and Defense show in Bangkok, but also on an everyday basis, Texelis and PT SSE work together to create new export successes for the Indonesian industry, both in Asia and in the whole world.
Built on trust and speed
P2 Tiger is the first vehicle completed on Texelis’ Celeris mobility solution. Introduced in 2023 and actively marketed since 2024, Celeris has already scored two customers outside of France, PT SSE being the first to present their new vehicle. For Texelis, the success of P2 Tiger is the proof that Celeris is the right solution to develop fully military platforms in record time and with a guarantee of success. Texelis’ reactiveness in delivering the mobility kits in less than 4 months, PT SSE’s will to push the program forward, and both partners’ excellent collaboration have allowed a fast track for P2 Tiger, just a year from contract signature to prototype presentation, and a year and a half to successful road trials. It is now a fantastic platform for further development, with MoUs already signed with KNDS France and MBDA, as well as significant discussions with other industry majors and cutting-edge suppliers.
What is Celeris?
Celeris is the only fully military mobility platform currently on the market. It is a unique offer through which Texelis takes care of the whole mobility system for their clients’ vehicles, from initial design to qualification and production. Celeris comprises several off-the-shelf, already developed, proven and in production kits covering the whole mobility package, plus tailored electronics, a full support package, as well as a complete transfer of technology and Texelis experts to ensure the swift assembly of the first prototypes and prepare the launch of serial production. That support can include consultancy on how to set a production facility and training of the teams for maximum efficiency. Celeris is more than just hardware: it is a promise, a promise that when the assembly process is completed and the vehicle is started, everything works. Since the successful trials of P2 Tiger, Celeris is no longer a promise: it is a guarantee of success, with proven experience in Indonesia, and the presentation of another Celeris-based vehicle next week in Milipol Paris with INKAS from Canada.
10 Nov 25. Patria and the Finnish Defence Forces have renewed their strategic partnership agreement. This agreement ensures that the military aviation equipment, naval defence systems and command systems used by the Finnish Defence Forces remain operational throughout their lifecycle in all security situations. Strategic partnership is the deepest form of cooperation between the Finnish Defence Forces and a service provider, through which the Defence Forces secure critical services and capabilities in the long term. A strategic partnership means a close and long-lasting collaborative relationship based on agreements, focusing on shared long-term development goals, preparedness for various phases of readiness during peacetime, and operations under exceptional circumstances. The new strategic partnership agreement was signed by Major General Tero Ylitalo, Chief of Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command, and Esa Rautalinko, President and CEO of Patria.
“To ensure continuity of operations in a changing environment is an important part of strategic partnership. The partnership agreement that has now been signed supports this objective,” says Ylitalo.
Rautalinko comments: “Patria is committed to maintaining the operational readiness of the military equipment of the Finnish Defence Forces in the long term, both in times of peace and crisis. The agreement includes also, as a new component, a technology partnership, which enables the development of new capabilities in close cooperation with the Defence Forces.”
The close cooperation between Patria and the Finnish Defence Forces began over a hundred years ago. In the 2000s, the term strategic partnership was introduced. The services produced by a strategic partner enable the Defence Forces to fulfil their core missions. Partnership includes extensive information exchange, preparedness, and close cooperation in developing services, operating models, technologies and new capabilities during peacetime for the various stages of increased readiness. With a strategic partner, a wartime economy agreement is also always made, guaranteeing the availability of personnel, facilities and production capacity even under exceptional circumstances.
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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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