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222 Jackals (Schakal) for Germany and the Netherlands – order value at €3.4 billion

Tuesday, October 21st, 2025

The European defense organization OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en Matière d’Armement) has commissioned Artec GmbH to deliver a total of 222 Schakal infantry fighting vehicles to the armed forces of Germany and the Netherlands. This new combat vehicle combines the chassis of the Boxer wheeled armoured vehicle with the turret of the tracked Puma infantry fighting vehicle. The main contractor for the Boxer is Artec GmbH, a joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS Germany. 150 Schakal vehicles are to be delivered to the German Armed Forces and 72 to the Dutch Army.

The total order for the German and Dutch armies is worth €3.41 billion gross, with Rheinmetall’s share amounting to almost €3 billion. The contract also includes a logistics package containing spare parts, training materials, and specialised tools. Furthermore, it covers optional additional services such as protection against anti-tank hand weapons, firing attack detection and firing attack identification as well as drone defence. The call-off of up to 248 additional vehicles is also included as an option.

Within the German Armed Forces, the Schakal armoured infantry fighting vehicle, consisting of the 8×8 Boxer platform and the 30mm Puma turret with Rheinmetall’s MK 30-2/ABM machine gun, is the main weapon system for the Army’s newly established medium forces. The new armoured personnel carrier combines mobility, protection and firepower to the highest degree. This enables the medium forces to cover large distances at own pace within the shortest possible time. The 30mm turret allows a wide variety of targets to be effectively combated in dynamic combat situations.

Artec GmbH, a 64:36 joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS, is also to be the future main contractor for the RCH 155 (Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 Millimeter), yet another combination of the proven drive module of the Boxer wheeled armoured vehicle and equipped with the weapon system of the Panzerhaubitze PzH 2000.

Posted in Armoured Vehicles, Contracts, International, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on 222 Jackals (Schakal) for Germany and the Netherlands – order value at €3.4 billion

SylvanSport Unveils GO. Rapid Response: The All-In-One Lightweight Tactical Hauler, Trailer and Shelter Engineered for First Responders, Military and Disaster Relief

Friday, October 17th, 2025

Brevard, NC – [October 16, 2025] – In the wake of mounting disastrous events from hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, and floods and growing demand for fast-deploying field equipment, SylvanSport today announced the launch of its GO. Rapid Response tactical trailer — a next-generation of lightweight, tow-anywhere tactical hauler, trailer and shelter designed for first responders, emergency managers, defense units, and humanitarian organizations.

The debut comes one-year after Hurricane Helene devastated communities surrounding SylvanSport’s headquarters in Western North Carolina, and underscored the need for adaptable, fast-deploying equipment. When access routes failed, and power and communication grids collapsed, response teams needed versatile, self-contained systems that could move quickly and sustain operations independently.

“Living through Helene, we saw first-hand how response organizations from local fire stations all the way up to the National Guard were constrained by bulky, slow-to-deploy equipment” said Tom Dempsey, founder and CEO of SylvanSport.

GO. Rapid Response bridges that gap — it’s compact, agile, and purpose-built for missions that demand speed and flexibility. “We saw how devastating a natural disaster can be for a community and the need for equipment that can aid first responders getting into hard to reach places, Dempsey added.”

Hundreds of mission-critical applications. One VERY unique solution.

GO. Rapid Response is the incredibly versatile, go-anywhere, carry-anything tactical trailer from SylvanSport. Lightweight and towable by any vehicle in your fleet, GO. Rapid Response easily transforms from transporter to hauler to shelter — all in one self-contained unit. From dense urban centers to remote, off-grid terrain, GO. Rapid Response is ready.

“We worked with local North Carolina search and rescue teams to find out what they needed when it came to equipment when disaster strikes and started doing our own research to bring this product to life,” said Kyle Mundt, VP Product Development, SyvanSport. “It’s a very adaptable product and we’re looking forward to future technology advances to make Go. Rapid Response the tactical trailer to fit even more multifaceted needs.”

Built from high-strength aluminum with an off-road suspension and low center of gravity, it’s compact enough for tight maneuvers yet rugged enough for rough conditions. In minutes, it converts from a cargo hauler to a mobile shelter, command unit, or triage station — a multi-role platform built to move, deploy, and sustain operations anywhere.

The newest dealer to join SylvanSport in their mission to bring Go. Rapid Response to search and rescue teams is Hendrickson Fire Rescue in Islandia, NY.

“Partnering with GO. Rapid Response is a natural fit for Hendrickson Fire Rescue Equipment,” said Craig Probst, President. “Our team is dedicated to supporting fire and rescue teams with reliable, ready-to-deploy solutions, and the GO Rapid Response enhances that mission by giving departments greater flexibility and readiness when it matters most.”

The company is currently exploring additional dealers in the U.S. and Canada.

Mission-Ready Features

Ultra-Lightweight Design:
Only ~1,200 lbs dry weight; towable by SUVs, EVs, tactical, or municipal vehicles.

High Payload Capacity:
Up to 2,150 lbs GVWR (2,300 lbs with suspension upgrade).

Rapid Deployment:
Transforms from transport to shelter mode in minutes.

Rugged Construction:
All-aluminum frame, steel wheels, all-terrain tires, and roto-molded components.

Command-Ready Interior:
Configurable 10.5? × 7? × 6?5? space for cots, gear racks, or comms equipment.

Power & Lighting Options:
Integrated LED scene/work lighting, solar power, 12 V and 120 V outputs.

Custom Agency Fit:
MOLLE mounts, rack systems, slide-out drawers, branding and graphics available.

Available under GSA Contract # GS-35F-698GA, partnered with Tomahawk Information Solutions, GO Rapid Response simplifies procurement for federal, state, and local agencies.

Part of a Proven Family of Adventure and Utility Products

SylvanSport’s evolution into tactical and emergency mobility builds upon its award-winning outdoor engineering. Each model complements GO Rapid Response to serve distinct roles across both mission and lifestyle use:

GO EASY™ Utility Trailer:
A compact hauler for gear, ATVs, or emergency supplies.

TraiLOFT™ Micro Camper:
Lightweight and aerodynamic, combining gear transport with sleeping space for field teams.

LOFT™ Rooftop Tent:
A hard-shell, weather-proof shelter that sets up in seconds on any vehicle.

VAST™ Adventure Trailer:
A spacious off-grid command and housing solution for extended deployments.

Together, these models embody SylvanSport’s mission to combine mobility, sustainability, and resilience — from backcountry recreation to front-line response.

Built for Response. Ready for Anything.

From wildfire evacuations and hurricane recovery to defense training and homeland security support, GO Rapid Response delivers hundreds of mission-critical applications in one adaptable platform. It bridges the gap between large, slow-to-deploy vehicles and makeshift field solutions, giving teams a lightweight, American-made tool for the modern response environment.

“Preparedness starts with mobility,” Dempsey added. “Our trailers are designed to go where other equipment can’t. That’s why we built GO. Rapid Response — to empower the people who run toward the crisis, not away from it.”

Availability & Demonstrations

SylvanSport will exhibit the GO. Rapid Response line at upcoming Defense Tech Connect, Fire-Rescue International, and IAEM Emergency Management Expos throughout 2025. Demonstrations and procurement consultations are available upon request.

About SylvanSport

Founded in Brevard, North Carolina, SylvanSportdesigns and manufactures award-winning adventure trailers, campers, and outdoor systems recognized for their lightweight engineering and durable design. Since 2004, the company has redefined how people move through the world — from everyday explorers to emergency responders.

For more information or to request a demonstration, visit

www.sylvansport.com/rapid-response

Posted in Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on SylvanSport Unveils GO. Rapid Response: The All-In-One Lightweight Tactical Hauler, Trailer and Shelter Engineered for First Responders, Military and Disaster Relief

Mack Defense Highlights the Mack Pioneer at the 2025 AUSA Annual Meeting

Friday, October 10th, 2025

ALLENTOWN, PA (Oct. 8, 2025) – 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.

Posted in AUSA, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on Mack Defense Highlights the Mack Pioneer at the 2025 AUSA Annual Meeting

Mack Defense Receives Order for 86 Trucks for the US Army M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck Program

Wednesday, October 8th, 2025

ALLENTOWN, PA – October 7, 2025 – 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 $221.8 million. 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.

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 $221.8 million.

“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 million 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 productionline helps fulfill the M917A3 contract, while allowing Mack Defense to produce other vehicle variants.

Posted in Contracts, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on Mack Defense Receives Order for 86 Trucks for the US Army M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck Program

Scorpion Light Mobile Mortar Systems Set to Participate in U.S. Army’s Transformation in Contact 2.0

Tuesday, September 30th, 2025

TAMPA, FL – (30, September 2025) – Global Military Products has been invited to participate in the U.S. Army’s Transformation in Contact (TiC) 2.0 with its Scorpion Light 81mm mobile mortar system – under a Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP) contract with the Product Manager for Artillery Mortars and Precision Systems (PdM AMPS). Equipped with government-furnished M253 barrels, soldiers will have the opportunity to experience the latest advancements in mobile mortar technology and contribute to the modernization efforts within the mortar community.

TiC 2.0 launches October 20th in Hawaii, where soldiers will first undergo five days of new equipment training from Global Military Products to achieve the operational knowledge and limited safety release required to live-fire the system. Soldiers will then participate in an additional 10 days of tactical scenarios and simulated combat operations with the Scorpion Light Systems. Training and experimentation will also include the Scorpion Light’s rapid-fire control system – designed to elevate operational efficiency with its ability to auto-lay and auto re-aim.

“Soldier touchpoints like the TiC 2.0 serve as an invaluable platform for government and industry to collaboratively review, assess and innovate with the latest technologies. Most importantly, they facilitate the utilization of soldier feedback to inform requirements and expedite the acquisition process for mortar modernization,” said James Knight, senior Manager, Defense Systems and Energetics, Global Military Products. “As a retired Army mortarman, I am intimately familiar with the Army’s requirements for mortar modernization and strongly support the TiC initiative to swiftly enhance the mobility, lethality, operator safety and air transportability of these assets.”

The Scorpion Light 81mm mobile mortar system can fire eight rounds and relocate in under two minutes, taking just 30 seconds to fire the first round and 30 seconds to displace after firing the last round. The unique, non-seating baseplate allows the system to emplace and displace rapidly and fire on nearly any surface. Its robust design, rugged construction, and resilient technologies make it a durable weapon that can withstand the rigors of combat, extreme temperatures, and harsh conditions, while remaining effective. The Scorpion Light on the IUV, has also been certified in the U.S. to be air-droppable and maintains internal air transportability within a CH-47, supporting expeditionary forces.

The Scorpion Light 81mm mobile mortar system and 72 mortar rounds will be fully integrated on two GM Defense Infantry Utility Vehicles (IUVs), a variant of the U.S. Army Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV). The modularity of the system, however, is platform agnostic and allows for integration onto any vehicle platform. Integrations have already been completed on a G-Wagon and Polaris MRZR Alpha 4×4 and 6×6 platforms.

Global Ordnance is exhibiting at the 2025 AUSA Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. October 13-15 in booth #943. The display will include a Scorpion 120mm mobile mortar system integrated on a high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV).

Posted in Advertiser, Army, Mobility, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Scorpion Light Mobile Mortar Systems Set to Participate in U.S. Army’s Transformation in Contact 2.0

SureFire Field Notes Ep 79: Field Diagnosing & Fixing Vehicles – Chris Komar of Team O’Neil Rally School

Friday, September 26th, 2025

Chris Komar is a veteran instructor at Team O’Neil Rally School and a rally technician for Subaru Rally Team USA. He has worked with the Subaru team to service Travis Pastrana’s rally car and is recognized as an expert in off-road driving techniques, offering advice on topics such as vehicle recovery and finding traction on difficult surfaces like gravel and snow.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Mobility | 1 Comment »

GM Defense Reveals New General Support Utility Platform (GSUP) for the First Time Globally

Wednesday, September 10th, 2025

LONDON – GM Defense, which formed Team LionStrike with BAE Systems and NP Aerospace to compete for the UK’s Light Mobility Vehicle Programme, is launching its new General Support Utility Platform (GSUP) at DSEI in London, to equip the armed forces with the most advanced technology.

The new General Support Utility Platform is a rugged, high-performance, multi-mission vehicle designed for rapid configuration and deployment across a range of operational scenarios – delivering mobility, payload, capacity and flexibility. It is equipped with STORM Vanguard’s modular Rapid Adapt and Deploy System (RADS) – a game-changing modular system offering – and features GVA comms integration with Ultra PCS.

The vehicle is backed by Team LionStrike, a new collaboration focused on offering the UK MoD a mobility solution to rapidly modernize its ground vehicle fleet. The team is working together in pursuit of the UK Ministry of Defence’s Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) programme and will also address broader opportunities across NATO and allied nations. Team LionStrike will also 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. The team will be supported by GM’s leading industry partners, NP Aerospace and BAE Systems and is also anchored by GM’s worldwide parts distribution system.

“Our objective with Team LionStrike is to support the UK Ministry of Defence’s goal of rapidly modernizing its ground vehicle fleet, providing soldiers the best tools to perform their mission,” said Steve duMont, President of GM Defense. “Vehicles like our General Support Utility Platform and our flagship Infantry Squad Vehicle are designed to deliver major advancements in operational capability and performance, along with unmatched safety and reliability.”

The new General Support Utility Platform is a high-performance, customizable multi-mission vehicle built on GM’s advanced technologies.

Key features include:

• GVW of 3500kg

• Payload of up to 1339kg

• Multi-variant solution

• Live 2,000 vehicle per month production line

• LHD and RHD options

Learn more about Team LionStrike and GM Defense’s strategic initiatives by visiting GM News.

Posted in DSEi, International, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on GM Defense Reveals New General Support Utility Platform (GSUP) for the First Time Globally

AM General Features Proven Protected Mobility at DSEI 2025 in Anticipation of the UK Ministry of Defence’s Land Mobility Programme Solicitation

Friday, September 5th, 2025

SOUTH BEND, Ind., Sept. 5, 2025 — Innovating today for tomorrow’s mission, leading global military mobility solutions provider, AMG General, will showcase the revolutionary HUMVEE Saber and the next generation Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV A2) protected mobility platforms at the Defence Security and Equipment International (DSEI) tradeshow held at the ExCel London Exhibition Centre September 09 – 12, 2025, booth S4-310 in the U.S. Pavilion. This comes as the Company prepares to finalize a partnership selection with a leading UK defense contractor in anticipation of the upcoming United Kingdom Land Mobility Programme (LMP) solicitation.

“We are extremely excited to attend DSEI this year as we announce our intent to participate in the UK’s LMP solicitation,” said Jim Cannon, AM General President and CEO. “We have the extraordinary opportunity to showcase our robust mobility portfolio and convey how AM General can support the UK’s defense readiness and operational safety for their troops. As we move to finalize our UK collaboration, we aim to demonstrate our commitment to long-term UK defense alignment through industrial, operational, and capability partnerships.”

On display will be the JLTV A2, a next generation light tactical vehicle that features over 200 improvements over the previous model, including better corrosion protection, significantly reduced exterior and interior operational noise, and a simplified electrical architecture for easier accessibility and maintenance. AM General will also showcase the Saber light tactical vehicle – built on the battle-proven HUMVEE platform that is transforming survivability with increased levels of protection from its patented cab design. The company’s proprietary technology allows the Saber to have 360-degree kinetic energy threat protection as well as blast threat protection with improved ride quality to excel in any terrain. Both vehicles along with the iconic and still-in-demand HUMVEE trucks will be a part of a demonstration for the UK MoD happening in October 2025.

Posted in DSEi, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on AM General Features Proven Protected Mobility at DSEI 2025 in Anticipation of the UK Ministry of Defence’s Land Mobility Programme Solicitation