Sponsored by TEK Military Seating Limited
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19 Dec 25. Sweden to procure modifications from Patria on previous generation armoured 6×6 vehicles. The Swedish Armed Forces have tasked the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) with procuring modifications for the Pansarterrängbil 203 (Patria XA 203) vehicles from Patria. These vehicles will be upgraded, including with Remote Weapon Station readiness to be executed at Patria’s facilities in Hämeenlinna, Finland. The project is scheduled to commence in early 2026 and includes modification of 58 vehicles. Originally delivered to the Swedish Armed Forces in the early 2000s, these vehicles are part of Patria’s ongoing mid-life upgrade project for the entire PATGB203 fleet. “Sweden’s decision to modify PATGB203 vehicles reflects a strong confidence in Patria’s ability to execute complex modifications of heavy armoured vehicles. This contract enhances the capabilities of the Swedish Armed Forces’ PATGB203 fleet and aligns with Patria’s goal to serve as a strategic partner to both the Armed Forces and the FMV across the lifespan of delivered products,” says Mats Warstedt, Vice President of Market Area Nordics at Patria.
26 Dec 25. TASL starts WhAP armoured vehicle deliveries to Moroccan Army. The local assembly of WhAP 8×8 vehicles marks a step in Morocco’s strategy to expand domestic defence production capacity. Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has begun delivering WhAP 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicles to the Royal Moroccan Army following the commencement of local manufacturing operations in Morocco. The initial batch of these vehicles, jointly developed by TASL and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), were delivered on 24 December. The agreement enabling local production was signed between Morocco and TASL in 2024, leading to the establishment of a manufacturing facility in the Berrechid region. The plant, which covers approximately 20,000m², began operations three months earlier than planned. According to information released by TASL, these vehicles are being produced locally. The WhAP 8×8 armoured vehicle is designed for roles including infantry transport, command and control, and combat support. The platform can be configured with different remote weapon stations or anti-tank guided missiles to meet specific operational requirements. The local production arrangement aims to increase workforce development and supply chain localisation in Morocco while providing maintenance and lifecycle support for the fleet over time. Current reports indicate that around one-third of the vehicle’s components are manufactured domestically, with plans to further raise local content in subsequent production runs. Officials inaugurated the Berrechid facility in September 2025. TASL described the WhAP 8×8 programme as a long-term industrial partnership rather than a single delivery contract. TASL sharing about the milestone on X said: “First lot of WhAP 8×8 handed over to the Royal Moroccan Army, Kingdom of Morocco. Strengthening partnerships. Delivering proven capability. Made in Morocco.” The programme aligns with Morocco’s efforts to expand its domestic defence industry capacity and modernise its armed forces through collaborations with international partners. (Source: army-technology.com)
23 Dec 25. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that it has sought legal advice from the Government Legal Department on the troubled Ajax armoured vehicle programme, following a direct question from Mark Francois MP.
In a written parliamentary answer, Defence Minister Luke Pollard said simply: “I can confirm that legal advice has been sought from the Government Legal Department on Ajax.”
Armoured Vehicle Parts
The response came after Francois, the Conservative MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, asked whether ministers had ever turned to the Treasury Solicitor’s Department for legal guidance on the programme.
While brief, the confirmation is notable given the renewed scrutiny surrounding Ajax in recent weeks. The programme has again been paused for Army training after around 30 soldiers reported noise and vibration symptoms during a November exercise, triggering a fresh safety investigation and a new ministerial-led review. Pollard has previously confirmed that all Ajax use for training and exercising has been halted pending the outcome of those investigations, and that an independent review, including external experts such as Malcolm Chalmers, is assessing how effectively earlier recommendations were implemented and whether further action is required on safety.
Alongside safety concerns, MPs have raised questions about workmanship, quality control at General Dynamics’ Merthyr Tydfil facility, medical impacts on crews, and the evidential basis on which Initial Operating Capability was declared earlier this year. Ministers have repeatedly stressed that safety assurances were sought in writing from senior officials before IOC was announced, and that no symptoms reported to date required hospitalisation.
The admission that legal advice has been taken adds another layer to the picture, suggesting that the department is formally examining its position as it navigates the programme’s next steps. However, Pollard’s answer did not set out when advice was sought, what issues it covered, or whether it relates to contractual, safety, or liability matters. With Ajax already subject to multiple reviews, parliamentary pressure continuing from across parties, and further decisions pending on training, acceptance and rollout, the programme remains one of the most closely watched and politically sensitive elements of the Army’s modernisation effort. (Source: UKDJ)
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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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