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GM Defense Accelerates Growth and Global Mission-Ready Capability at AUSA

Monday, October 12th, 2026

Rapid technology transfer, 22-day manufacturing turnarounds and strategic global partnerships propel GM Defense’s record expansion
WASHINGTON, D.C. — October 12, 2026 — Today at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition, GM Defense LLC, a subsidiary of General Motors, showcased the rapid acceleration of its global business model. Guided by a “customer-first, technology-transferred” approach, the company is bridging the gap between commercial innovation and tactical military deployment at unprecedented speeds.

“The modern defense landscape demands advanced capability, rapid fielding and sustainable scale,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “We do not begin with a blank sheet of paper. By transferring GM’s world-class engineering, supply chain and manufacturing scale directly to the service member, we are transforming customer needs into mission-ready capability faster than ever before.”

Business updates and growth pillars

Infantry Squad Vehicle expansion

The U.S. Army’s planned requirement has grown from an initial order of approximately 649 vehicles to nearly 12,000 units. Responding directly to feedback, GM Defense closely collaborated with the customer to identify a clear operational gap, then self-funded development of the Infantry Squad Vehicle Utility (ISV-U) prototype. By delivering seven early prototypes for unit-level military assessments at no cost to the Army, GM Defense successfully engineered a highly versatile five-soldier variant that is now expected to field across 39 active-duty and National Guard mobile brigades.

22-day turnaround with Lockheed Martin

Illustrating a revolutionary boost to the defense industrial base, GM Defense delivered its first batch of mission-critical PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) housing components to Lockheed Martin just 22 days after signing the contract. The contract was signed on August 6, and the components were delivered August 28. This milestone demonstrates that GM’s advanced casting and precision-fabrication capabilities can immediately scale critical air and missile defense systems.

Next-generation autonomous and hybrid platformsGM Defense unveiled its Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) concept, built on a rugged Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD dual-rear-wheel skateboard architecture to support silent logistics and casualty evacuation, with functional trials targeted for 2027. The company also showcased the EPIQ Hybrid prototype, a customer-inspired 60-kilowatt/100-kilowatt-hour expeditionary energy storage system paired with an onboard generator to lower thermal and noise signatures in austere environments.

Deepening allied commitments

Furthering its strategic expansion, GM Defence UK is advancing its Light Mobility Vehicle program proposal. Partnering through Team LionStrike with NP Aerospace and BAE Systems, the consortium delivers low-risk, high-quality, commercially based solutions at the speed and scale required by allied forces. With proven vehicles, global scale and an operating model built around rapid technology transfer, GM Defense is demonstrating that commercial manufacturing disciplines can successfully solve the military’s most complex and immediate challenges.

For more information, visit gmdefensellc.com.

Posted in AUSA, Mobility, Power, Press Release | No Comments »

AM General Building a Strong Foundation with Mission-Ready Technology at the AUSA Annual Meeting 2026

Friday, October 9th, 2026

SOUTH BEND, Ind., Oct. 9, 2026 — AM General, global leader in military mobility solutions, will showcase platforms that are building foundational capabilities for Warfighter success at the Annual Meeting and Exposition of the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) Oct. 12 – 14, 2026, Booth #1925, Hall B, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The company is featuring the next generation, more powerful, and redesigned HUMVEE platform, the fully autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) with advanced AI technology, and the JLTV A2 integrated with the latest drone and C-UAS technology.

“I’m looking forward to this year’s AUSA as there is no better time to demonstrate our evolving capabilities to our longstanding customer, the US Army, and how we are adapting to the speed of change in the modern battlefield,” said AM General President and CEO, John Chadbourne. “From a new powertrain to advanced autonomous capabilities and increased lethality, our systems provide a strong foundation for the Warfighter and their mission.”

On display at the show will the AM General UGV with an integration with the defense technology company, XTEND (NYSE: XTND). XTEND Nest is a XOS-powered mobile launch pod designed to enable aerial robotic capabilities to deploy from a fixed or mobile location. XOS is XTEND’s system for Physical AI. On the AM General UGV, the NEST enables the vehicle to carry an aerial system forward and establish a mobile launch point closer to where the capability is needed. This allows Warfighters to stay farther away from potentially dangerous areas. On the floor, the UGV will carry the Scorpio 1000 gesture-controlled system for precise missions in complex or GPS-denied environments and can deliver ISR and reconnaissance with rapid deployment.

Also at the show will be the JLTV A2 featuring added lethality and C-UAS capabilities from Rafael Systems Global Sustainment (RSGS), LLC. The JLTV A2 is the next generation light tactical vehicle currently being delivered to the US Army and boasts significant improvements from the A1, including a new powertrain, added corrosion control, and more sound reduction in the cabin. At the show, The JLTV A2 will integrate the RSGS Samson 30mm Remote Weapon Station and the Iron Wasp autonomous, vehicle-launched C-UAS aerial drone system. The RWS is part of the combat-proven SAMSON RWS family which has been integrated into thousands of tracked and wheeled vehicles worldwide. The Iron Wasp drone is designed for armored and tactical vehicles to intercept enemy drones and loitering munitions while stationary or on the move and can interface with native or stand-alone sensors. Both RSGS systems can be easily integrated on the flexible JLTV A2 platform and add to the robust capabilities of this formidable vehicle.

The company is also presenting the next-generation HUMVEE, showcasing the first step in a multi-phase modernization of the iconic tactical vehicle platform. The vehicle features a redesigned exterior, including a new hood and front grille engineered to support an upgraded powertrain, along with a long-travel suspension designed to deliver enhanced mobility and durability across the most demanding terrain. Production for Phase one of three of 3 is planned for late 2027. Subsequent phases will build on this foundation with enhanced crew ergonomics, a modern digital cockpit and vehicle electronics architecture, and integration of advanced autonomous and optionally manned capabilities.

At the heart of the upgraded platform is a new Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) engine producing 250 horsepower and more than 500 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This common powerpack is also being integrated across multiple AM General light tactical vehicle programs, including the AMG UGV and HUMVEE Hawkeye 105mm mobile artillery system. In addition to increased power and improved fuel efficiency, the powertrain features wide-ratio gearing and an electronic range selector that simplifies configuration for either left- or right-hand-drive applications. The common architecture is designed to increase performance, expand mission flexibility, and create greater commonality across AM General’s next generation of tactical vehicle platforms.

Posted in Armoured Vehicles, AUSA, Mobility, Press Release | No Comments »

Plasan and Asfir 4X4 to Unveil Stormer: A Light Tactical Special Operations Vehicle (SOV)

Thursday, October 8th, 2026

Designed to rapidly deploy up to 12 personnel with mission-configurable capability

AUSA | Washington, D.C. | September 12-14, 2026 | Booth #2407

Oct 7th, 2026, Plasan and ASFIR 4X4 will unveil the new STORMER, a highly modular light tactical vehicle designed to meet the evolving requirements of special operations forces, reconnaissance units, rapid-response teams, and other missions where mobility, payload capacity, rapid deployment, and operational flexibility are critical.

Modern military and special operations forces increasingly require a vehicle capable of rapidly transporting larger teams, mission equipment, and casualties across challenging terrain while remaining easy to deploy, maintain, and sustain.

To address this need, Plasan and ASFIR 4X4 developed STORMER, a versatile tactical platform that combines the logistical simplicity of a commercial vehicle with the capability and flexibility required for demanding military operations.

Designed to carry up to 12 personnel and more than 1,000 kg (2,200 lb.) of payload, STORMER combines a proven commercial vehicle platform with a reinforced chassis and driveline, high off-road mobility, and a highly configurable mission architecture. Designed for airborne transport and rapid deployment, the vehicle enables forces to move personnel and mission equipment across demanding terrain.

At the heart of STORMER is a rugged Jeep® Gladiator-based commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) platform, enhanced through Plasan’s automotive engineering expertise. The vehicle is powered by a 280-horsepower, 3.6-liter gasoline engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing the power and drivability required for demanding operational environments.

The vehicle’s reinforced chassis and driveline, including upgraded Dana axles, are designed to support increased payload and durability while maintaining the mobility expected of a tactical vehicle. A modular roll-over protection system (ROPS) provides enhanced occupant protection while supporting 360-degree visibility and situational awareness.

STORMER is designed to adapt rapidly to changing mission requirements. Its configurable rear platform can support troop transport, logistics, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), weapons, and specialized mission equipment, including radar, counter-UAS solutions, communications systems, and an electric winch. A three-position folding rear door enables rapid troop ingress and egress, secure transport of mission equipment, and a stretcher configuration for casualty evacuation.

The vehicle also incorporates a 24-volt electrical system, blackout driving capability, a communications console, and multiple antenna mounting points, supporting the integration of customer-specific mission systems. The extensive use of commercially available components is intended to simplify maintenance, logistics, and long-term sustainment.

STORMER builds on Plasan’s more than 40 years of experience in survivability, vehicle protection, and automotive engineering, as well as its proven track record with the SandCat family, which is in service across five continents. Developed in collaboration with ASFIR 4X4, STORMER combines Plasan’s defense engineering and survivability expertise with ASFIR 4X4’s extensive experience in off-road vehicle systems and components.

“STORMER was developed to address a growing operational requirement for a rapidly deployable platform capable of carrying larger teams and mission equipment without compromising mobility. By combining a proven commercial platform with Plasan’s engineering expertise, we created a highly adaptable vehicle that can be configured for multiple missions while remaining simple to operate, maintain, and sustain.”

Moshe Elazar, CEO, Plasan

“Our collaboration with Plasan enabled us to transform a proven commercial 4×4 platform into a practical and highly capable tactical solution. STORMER delivers the mobility, flexibility, and robustness required by demanding users while maintaining the reliability and supportability of a commercial vehicle platform.”

Tzachi Oz, CEO, ASFIR 4X4

Posted in AUSA, International, Mobility, Press Release, SOF | 3 Comments »

Ineos Automotive Expands into Defence Sector with Landmark European Orders

Tuesday, October 6th, 2026

>      Italian Army has placed a substantial order for the INEOS Grenadier

>      Austrian Government has awarded a contract for enhanced protection versions of the Grenadier

>      INEOS Automotive is leading a consortium bidding for a British Ministry of Defence contract for a new Light Mobility Vehicle

>      The Grenadier is already being used by police, border patrols, special forces and emergency rescue services around the world

“In a world where geopolitical tensions are rising, military forces are bolstering their capabilities and resilience, they need the best, modern equipment available. As a robust and highly capable vehicle, this is what the Grenadier was built for – to unremittingly serve armed forces in mission-critical roles.” said Mike Whittington, Chief Commercial Officer at INEOS Automotive

LONDON, 5 October 2026 – The Italian Army and the Austrian Government have each awarded substantial contracts for the supply of INEOS Grenadiers. They represent the first orders from sovereign defence forces – a significant milestone for the brand.

The Grenadier became the vehicle of choice for the Italian Army, making Italy the first NATO country to place a sizable order for its military. ATflow, INEOS Automotive’s regional distributor will commence deliveries from early 2027.

Separately, an Austrian Government tender was won by Valentin Tusch GmbH, a vehicle armouring and conversion specialist, to supply the Austrian Defence and Interior security forces with Grenadiers adapted for enhanced protection. First deliveries and trials will begin by the end of this year.

In both tenders, the Grenadier was deemed the best available platform – versatile body options, multiple wheelbases, fewer parts for straightforward maintenance and strong solid axles capable of carrying massive weight across hostile terrain over prolonged periods.

INEOS Automotive is in advanced procurement discussions with other European and NATO armed forces, including the Team Grenadier consortium, which has been selected to move forward to the trials stage of the British Ministry of Defence’s Light Mobility Vehicle programme.

“In a world where geopolitical tensions are rising, military forces are bolstering their capabilities and resilience, they need the best, modern equipment available. As a robust and highly capable vehicle, this is what the Grenadier was built for – to unremittingly serve armed forces in mission-critical roles.” said Mike Whittington, Chief Commercial Officer at INEOS Automotive.

“Our most recent military agreements signal a huge vote of confidence in Grenadier as a benchmark already, as talks with other nations’ defence procurement teams continue.”

The Grenadier is already being used by police, border patrols, special forces and emergency rescue services around the world. This includes elite counterterrorism and tactical intervention units in Germany, France and Spain. Nearly every country on the eastern border of Europe has chosen the Grenadier for their security and border forces, including Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Serbia and Slovakia.

To find out more about the INEOS Grenadier, please visit www.ineosgrenadier.com.

Posted in Contracts, International, Mobility, Press Release | No Comments »

Team LionStrike Selected to Progress in UK LMV Competition

Saturday, October 3rd, 2026

Team LionStrike has been selected to progress to the next stage of the UK Ministry of Defence’s Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) competition, marking an important milestone for the team’s proposal to deliver a modern, adaptable and UK-supported vehicle capability for the British Army.

Bringing together NP Aerospace, GM Defense and BAE Systems, Team LionStrike combines proven vehicle technology with UK engineering, manufacturing and through-life support expertise.

The team’s proposal is designed around operationally proven platforms, configured to meet UK requirements while minimising unnecessary modification and integration risk. The approach also provides a clear pathway to increased UK industrial participation, supporting sovereign capability, skilled jobs and opportunities across the UK supply chain.

David Petheram, MD & SVP, NP Aerospace, said: “We are pleased to have been selected to progress to the next stage of the competition. Team LionStrike brings together complementary expertise from across our three organisations, combining proven technology with significant UK industrial capability. Our focus is on providing the British Armed Forces with a capable, adaptable and supportable solution that can be delivered at pace while creating lasting value for UK industry.”

Team LionStrike will now continue working with the Ministry of Defence through the next phase of the competition.

Posted in Industry, International, Mobility, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Rheinmetall UK and Mercedes-Benz UK Advance Team Wolf Partnership for the Future of British Army Mobility

Thursday, September 17th, 2026

Collaboration combines automotive and defence capability, with Telford confirmed as the Vehicle Integration Centre for Team Wolf

Millbrook, UK – 16 September 2026 – Rheinmetall UK and Mercedes-Benz UK have announced a strategic partnership, combining proven Mercedes-Benz vehicle technology with Rheinmetall UK’s specialist defence integration and mission-system expertise to support the British Army’s future tactical mobility requirements under the Land Mobility Programme. The partnership brings together Mercedes-Benz’s proven vehicle base with Rheinmetall UK’s defence programme leadership and military capability, creating a collaborative approach focused on delivering and sustaining capability for the UK.

As part of the partnership, Rheinmetall’s Telford Facility (RBSL) will become the Vehicle Integration Centre for Team Wolf, where systems integration, testing and validation of the capability will take place.

Together, these capabilities create a strong industrial foundation for Team Wolf to deliver and sustain British Army mobility requirements. Global capability. Delivered in the UK.

At the heart of Team Wolf is a commitment to delivering and sustaining capability in the UK.

Establishing the Vehicle Integration Centre at Telford will place critical integration activity in Britain, drawing on an established base of defence engineering skills, infrastructure and experience.

The centre will provide the focal point for systems integration, testing and validation, bringing together the people, facilities and technical capability required to integrate Team Wolf vehicles for British Army requirements.

This approach is designed to retain critical knowledge and skills in the UK and provide the foundation to support, adapt and evolve the capability throughout its service life.

Telford already plays an important role in UK land capability, including the manufacture of Boxer vehicles for the British Army, making the new integration role a natural extension of an established sovereign industrial base.

Investing in British capability

Team Wolf is committed to maximising opportunities for British industry and strengthening the resilience of the UK defence supply chain.

The programme is targeting up to 50% UK content, creating opportunities for British suppliers and SMEs and supporting skilled employment across engineering, integration and the wider supply chain.

Rheinmetall has previously publicly committed to sourcing approximately 50% of its UK tactical-vehicle content from British suppliers.

Rebecca Richards, Managing Director, Rheinmetall UK, said:

“Team Wolf is bringing together two organisations with complementary strengths and a shared ambition to deliver an enduring mobility capability for the British Army.

“Establishing the Vehicle Integration Centre at Telford is central to that ambition. It puts British engineering, integration and skills at the heart of our delivery model and provides a strong UK foundation from which we can deliver, support and evolve capability over the long term.

“This is about more than vehicles. It is about building sovereign capability, strengthening the UK supply chain and creating the skills and industrial resilience needed to support the British Army’s future force.”

Olivier Reppert, CEO & Managing Director at Mercedes-Benz Cars UK said:

“For more than 45 years, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has stood for strength, reliability and adaptability in demanding conditions. With Team Wolf, we bring this proven vehicle foundation and our long-term OEM expertise into a partnership designed to support the British Army’s future mobility needs. Together with Rheinmetall UK’s defence integration capabilities, we can help create mission-ready solutions with a clear path for support and further development.”

The Team Wolf partnership represents a shared commitment to the British Army and to the future of UK land mobility – combining the scale, experience and investment of two global organisations with a clear focus on delivering lasting value for the UK. Team Wolf is positioned to build capability, skills and industrial capacity needed to support the Army’s ambitions for decades to come.

One Platform. Multiple Roles. Common Support. Future Ready.

Posted in Industry, International, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on Rheinmetall UK and Mercedes-Benz UK Advance Team Wolf Partnership for the Future of British Army Mobility

NP Aerospace Lands New Contract Bringing Its Total Protected Cab Order Book to Over 60 units

Wednesday, September 16th, 2026

NP Aerospace, a global vehicle integrator, armoured system design and manufacturer has announced the receipt of another order for protected vehicle cabs from an undisclosed customer. This takes its total protected cab order book to more than 60 units. The milestone reflects the company’s established position as an OEM agnostic integration partner for defence primes and military fleets, worldwide.

The company delivers end-to-end survivability systems, from concept design and safety certification to manufacture, integration and through-life support. NP Aerospace has successfully engineered protected crew solutions across a broad spectrum of threat levels, including up to STANAG 4569 Level 4, spanning multiple vehicle classes such as military logistic trucks, specialist engineering equipment, EOD vehicles and recovery vehicles.

Remaining OEM agnostic, NP Aerospace can work with multiple vehicle manufacturers, enabling defence customers to select the optimum base vehicle while drawing upon proven protection expertise. This flexible business model allows the company to deliver complete cab assemblies, knock-down kits, armour integration packages, or licensed production options tailored to specific customer requirements and platform constraints.

With active programmes running across the UK, Europe and North America, NP Aerospace combines sovereign UK engineering and manufacturing expertise with established international delivery infrastructure. Through its global operations, the company provides defence customers and OEMs with a single partner capable of supporting local manufacturing, technology transfer and built-to-print requirements. This capability makes it an ideal partner for upcoming modernisation initiatives, such as the UK MoD’s Future Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) and Heavy Recovery Vehicle (HRV) programmes.

James Kempston, CEO at NP Aerospace said, “NP Aerospace has developed a proven armoured cab capability through the successful delivery of protected crew solutions across military logistics, engineering and specialist vehicle platforms. As future logistics and recovery vehicle programmes progress, we are focused on delivering low risk, exportable survivability solutions that support both national capability and international growth.”

With current active pursuits and quotations exceeding 100 cabs globally, NP Aerospace continues to position itself as the trusted UK survivability and armoured cab integration partner, enabling both national and sovereign capability and international fleet growth across defence markets.

Posted in Armor, Contracts, International, Mobility, Press Release | No Comments »

GM Defence Establishes UK Presence and Appoints Simon Gray to Support British Defence Ambitions

Friday, September 4th, 2026

New UK-based team will strengthen customer engagement, industrial partnerships and delivery planning for Team LionStrike

GM Defence today announced the appointment of Simon Gray as Director Business Development to strengthen the company’s commitment to the United Kingdom, and support its defence priorities and sovereign capability. GM Defence is a member of Team LionStrike, alongside partners BAE Systems and NP Aerospace, to compete for the UK Ministry of Defence’s Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) programme.

Based in Andover, Gray will lead GM Defence UK’s engagement with the UK Ministry of Defence, British Armed Forces and industry partners. He also supports GM Defence’s wider NATO and European defence activities, including delivery planning and through-life support for Team LionStrike.

Team LionStrike—a partnership of GM Defence, BAE Systems and NP Aerospace—is pursuing the UK Ministry of Defence’s Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) programme, which will modernise the British Army’s light mobility fleet. GM Defence serves as OEM vehicle supplier and engineering authority, bringing proven commercial vehicle platforms, global engineering and manufacturing scale, and a worldwide parts and service network.

“Establishing a dedicated UK presence is an important milestone in GM Defence’s long-term commitment to the United Kingdom,” said Steve duMont, President and CEO of GM Defense.

“Our local team will help us work more closely with the Ministry of Defence, our industry partners and the communities where we operate, ensuring we can provide responsive, reliable and sustainable support.”

Gray brings nearly 20 years’ UK Defence leadership experience, specialising in procurement, rapid acquisition and programme delivery. He has managed multi-million-pound projects spanning mobility platforms, military vehicle integration and uncrewed ground systems.

Experienced in translating operational requirements into executable solutions, Gray combines deep defence procurement expertise with a strategic, innovation-led approach and is a trusted adviser to senior military leaders and global stakeholders.

“GM Defence has a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of British military mobility,” said Gray. “I’m pleased to join the team at this important stage and look forward to working with our UK partners to deliver practical, scalable and long-term capability for the British Armed Forces.”

Posted in Industry, International, Mobility, Press Release | No Comments »

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