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Rheinmetall at DSEI 2025: Digitalisation – Autonomy – Mobility – Firepower

Thursday, September 4th, 2025

The DSEI exhibition will take place in London from 9 to 12 September 2025. As a key partner to His Majesty’s Armed Forces, Rheinmetall will be present in the UK capital. Under the motto ‘’Freedom Needs Enablers’’, the technology group will present its latest innovations and provide updates on its products and activities. The main focus will be on digitalisation and autonomy, as well as mobility and firepower.

The following events are planned during the exhibition at the Rheinmetall stand S9-110:

Tuesday, 9 September 2025 (Day 1 of DSEI):
11:00 a.m.: World premiere of a new multi-platform combat vehicle system for countering a wide range of land and air threats – presented in cooperation with Lockheed Martin
1:00 p.m.: Collaboration with Mercedes Benz on light tactical off-road vehicles based on the G-Class
2:00 p.m.: Launch of MASS nova, the latest generation of the proven maritime decoy system

Thursday, 11 September 2025 (Day 3 of DSEI):
around 2:35 p.m.: The Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, and Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger will jointly launch the virtual groundbreaking ceremony of the UK Gun Hall in Telford. A dynamic audio-visual experience (a fly-through of the future facility with 3D renderings, an project timeline and transition to a fully operational Gun Hall) will demonstrate how the site will look once production is underway.

The following products will also be presented for the first time:

Lynx KF41 Skyranger 35, a highly mobile, modular and scalable ground-based air defence system, increasingly important for NATO’s collective defence.
CT-025: A crewless, remotely controlled turret designed for transport and armoured personnel carriers, equipped with a 25 mm KBA machine cannon
Mission Master CXT with Skyranger 762: An unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) in a light anti-aircraft configuration featuring the Skyranger 762 weapon station
SEOSS 400: Next-generation stabilised sensor system for heavy combat vehicles

We will also be providing information on the following topics at DSEI 2025:

Weapons and ammunition expertise:
Rheinmetall is one of the largest ammunition manufacturers in the Western world, with the UK playing a significant role. The construction of the UK Gun Hall in Telford marks a major step towards re-establishing large-calibre barrel manufacturing in Britain for the first time in decades. At its stand, Rheinmetall will present its full portfolio: from infantry weapons to medium-calibre ammunition, 120 mm and 130 mm smoothbore technology, 155 mm artillery ammunition, and rocket artillery.
Squad Support Weapon SSW40: The world’s first automatic, magazine-fed, shoulder-fired grenade launcher for 40 mm ammunition, with handling characteristics similar to an assault rifle
Digitalisation and networking:
Rheinmetall Battlesuite: A secure, interoperable military ecosystem of the future, connecting all domains and dimensions within a unified digital infrastructure
Gladius soldier system: Variants of the Gladius 2.0, also forming the basis of the German Armed Forces’ Future Soldier – Expanded System (IdZ-ES)
Autonomy and unmanned systems:
Path-A-Kit: Central to Rheinmetall’s autonomy strategy, winner of the ELROB 2024 competition in the Automated Convoy category. Rheinmetall will also establish a UK Advanced Land Autonomy Centre of Excellence. The Path-A-Kit is integrated into both the Mission Master CXT and the Ermine vehicle range.
Unmanned systems: A range of drones will be on display, including the Multi Mission Pod and FV-104 loitering munition, with demonstrations of their integration into the digital combat network.

Combat vehicles and tactical mobility:
Boxer MIV: The first British-built Boxer has rolled off the production line in Telford. Integration trials with the Javelin missile system have been successfully completed. A command post variant will be displayed in the DSEI Land Zone [N2-350], alongside a reconnaissance/heavy infantry weapon carrier version at the Rheinmetall stand.
Challenger 3: Initial mobility trials of the upgraded British main battle tank have been conducted. The Challenger 3 will also feature on the Static Display in the VIP area of the MOD Lounge.

Caracal: Developed in partnership with Mercedes-Benz and ACS Armoured Car Systems, the Caracal family offers a versatile, compact 4×4 platform for light forces, including airborne and special operations units.

Ermine tactical vehicle family: A next-generation mobility solution combining tactical transport with an integrated mobile energy source (microgrid) and designed for autonomous operation. Configurations include a UGV, side-by-side buggy, and quad. At DSEI 2025, a 4×4 quad bike and a 6×6 buggy variant will be displayed.

HX vehicle family: Renowned for outstanding mobility, versatility and optional high-level protection, this family supports a wide range of missions. A heavy HX 10×10 recovery vehicle will be on display.

We look forward to seeing you at our stand S9-110.

Posted in Digitization, DSEi, Mobility, Munitions, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Rheinmetall at DSEI 2025: Digitalisation – Autonomy – Mobility – Firepower

Polaris Government and Defense Awarded NSPA Framework Contract for MRZR D Tactical Off-Road Vehicles

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025

Minneapolis – September 2, 2025 – Polaris Government and Defense, a division of Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII), has been awarded a two-year framework contract by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) for the supply of MRZR D light tactical vehiclesvalued at hundreds of millions USD. Contract options could extend the agreement up to five years, enabling NATO members and partner nations to acquire the MRZR D to enhance mobility and mission readiness across a range of operational environments. This procurement approach fulfills competition requirements, streamlining the acquisition process and eliminating the need for additional, time-consuming and costly trials and competitions.

With this multi-year agreement, NATO member states and partner nations can call off MRZR D2 and D4 light tactical vehicles via the NSPA platform. MRZR Ds are currently fielded with more than 50military and security forces worldwide, supporting expeditionary, rapid response and special operations missions. The MRZR D’s modular payload design, diesel powertrain, air and sea transportability make it a trusted platform for tactical mobility in complex terrain and contested zones.

According to the NSPA, “Mobility and interoperability are key pillars of operational success in today’s multinational missions. Polaris’ MRZR D vehicles provide our allied forces with agile, mission-ready mobility to meet the evolving demands of modern operations. This contract further strengthens our ability to deliver critical capabilities to NATO and partner nations.”

In addition to bulk pricing benefits and expedited acquisition, NSPA enables interoperability, standardization and a reduced logistics footprint across NATO members and partners.

“Polaris Government and Defense has partnered with NSPA for several years, delivering tactical vehicles and mobility solutions to allied forces. The MRZR D has proven to be a highly adaptable and reliable platform for our NATO partners,” said Steve Canner, manager, EMEA, Polaris Government and Defense. “We are proud to continue our support of NATO missions with vehicles designed to perform in the world’s most demanding environments.”

Polaris first introduced the MRZR platform in 2012 and has continued to enhance the vehicle to meet the mission demands of the U.S. military, delivering gas and diesel variants to more than 50 allied forces worldwide. MRZRs feature a mission-flexible modular design, collapsible roll cage for internal tactical air transport, one meter fording capability, greater payload and extended range over commercial platforms. The MRZR D is combat-proven and transportable inside AW101 Merlin, CH-47 Chinook, V-22 Ospreyand most in-service fixed wing aircraft, as well as maritime vessels, enabling rapid deployment and dispersal of forces from aircraft or ship-to-shore platforms into theater. It is a highly configurable platform that supports personnel transport, casualty evacuation, command and control and light cargo roles — all with a focus on speed, versatility and off-road capability.

Since their introduction, MRZRs have been outfitted with counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), weapons and high-energy laser systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems, expeditionary command and control systems, autonomy packages, litters for medical and casualty evacuation, aircraft refueling systems and communication equipment.

The MRZR D is part of Polaris Government and Defense’s broader portfolio of off-road mobility solutions that include the MRZR Alpha, MV 850, DAGOR and militarized snowmobiles.

Posted in Contracts, Mobility, NSPA, Press Release | 1 Comment »

MCB Quantico Live Fire of Scorpion Light Mobile Mortar System

Friday, August 29th, 2025

Last week, Global Military Products and Polaris Government and Defense were invited to participate in a live-fire demonstration on Marine Corps Base Quantico in conjunction with the Marine Gunners Symposium.

On one of Quantico’s 43 live ranges, a group of Marine gunners witnessed the Scorpion Light mobile mortar system in action, demonstrating the shoot and scoot capabilities of the system. Mounted on the Polaris MRZR Alpha 6×6, the fully integrated platform provides mobility, lethality, operator safety and air transportability. The rapid-fire control system is designed to elevate operational efficiency, while the expanded payload of the MRZR Alpha 6×6 variant allows for 48 mortars to also be transported.

More on the Scorpion Light

The Scorpion Light – known internationally as the Alakran – mobile mortar system has been combat proven across countries in Europe and the Middle East, showing its reliability and effectiveness in diverse and hostile environments. Built with durable materials and rugged construction to withstand extreme temperatures, dust, and harsh conditions, its robust design and resilient technologies make it a durable weapon that can withstand the rigors of combat and remain effective. The mobile mortar system can fire 8 rounds and relocate in under 2 minutes. The dual system can integrate 120mm and 81mm smoothbore or rifled mortars in a very simple operation, providing high firepower and making it a powerful tool for neutralizing enemy targets.

More on the MRZR Alpha 6×6

The MRZR Alpha 6×6 is a two-seat platform with a 65 percent larger cargo bed optimized for heavier systems and payloads, like the Scorpion Light. The vehicle has 3,600 lbs (about 1632.93 kg) of payload available, with 3,000 lbs (about 1360.78 kg) of that available in the extended cargo bed. The third axle and short wheelbase also have a positive impact on mobility, decreasing the contact pressure per tire for enhanced performance in soft soil, mud and bogs. The MRZR Alpha 6×6 maintains top speed and air transportability and has more than 90% parts commonality with the base MRZR Alpha. Expeditionary warfighters operating worldwide in austere environments require modular platforms that can adjust to multiple environments and modes of transport – tactical air, fixed wing plane and ship – now more than ever.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Mobility, USMC, weapons | 2 Comments »

Mack Defense Secures New Five-Year Contract for M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks with U.S. Army

Monday, August 11th, 2025

ALLENTOWN, PA (August 11, 2025) – Mack Defense has been awarded a new five-year contract to continue production of the U.S. Army’s M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck (HDT) for up to 450 trucks with a total contract value up to $221.8 million. This new agreement follows the successful fulfillment of the initial contract awarded in 2018 and comes after the company recently celebrated the production of its 500th M917A3 HDT in March 2025.

Mack Defense has been awarded a new five-year contract to continue production of the U.S. Army’s M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck (HDT) for up to 450 trucks with a total contract value up to $221.8 million.

“This contract represents continued confidence in our ability to deliver mission-critical vehicles to the U.S. Army,” said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “The M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck is a commercial-based truck modified to meet mission-critical functionality that directly supports the Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard operations within the United States and around the world. This new contract award is a testament to the commitment of our team, which includes our supplier partners, as well as to the robust capabilities of this heavy tactical vehicle platform. We look forward to building and delivering more reliable, high-performance trucks that meet the demanding needs of our soldiers.”

The new contract, awarded June 24, 2025, will ensure continued production of the critically important M917A3 HDTs that support the U.S. military’s construction and infrastructure maintenance capabilities. These vehicles play a vital role in supporting construction and upkeep of airfields, roadways, landing strips, supply facilities, motor pools and in disaster relief for areas affected by severe weather.

Based on the commercially available Mack® Granite® model, the M917A3 HDTs are manufactured at Mack Defense’s dedicated production line at the Mack Experience Center (MEC) in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The specialized production facility has been in operation since 2021 following a $6.5 million investment to create a dedicated HDT production line, which leverages the capabilities and production work force of Mack’s main Lehigh Valley production operations located in Macungie, Pennsylvania.

“From day one, we’ve worked hard to foster a transparent, collaborative relationship – one that has helped ensure this program remains on track, on time and aligned with the Army’s evolving needs, said Derik Beck, senior director of sales, marketing and business development at Mack Defense. “We are also proud to continue working closely with U.S. Army, the U.S. Army Reserve and the various U.S. National Guard Adjutant Generals, whose ongoing support has been essential to the program’s success. As we move into the next phase, we’re committed to maintaining that level of engagement while also looking to our Congressional stakeholders for sustained support. This program is not only vital to Army readiness but also to preserving critical manufacturing jobs and capabilities within our U.S. industrial base.”

The M917A3 HDTs are spec’d with heavier-duty rear axles, all-wheel drive, increased suspension ride height and other ruggedized features to meet the unique requirements of the U.S. military. The vehicles also feature advanced technology including ABS, modern control interfaces and active safety systems.

The M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck is an essential asset to the Army’s Engineer Regiment, providing the mobility and durability needed to complete critical construction and infrastructure missions in diverse operational environments. Mack Defense is committed to delivering a high-quality, mission-ready vehicle that meets the Army’s evolving needs.

Since the initial contract award in 2018, which allowed for up to 683 trucks at a value up to $296 million, the U.S. military has ordered 549 HDTs from Mack Defense, with additional orders coming from both the U.S. Army and U.S. National Guard.

Mack Defense, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mack Trucks, is responsible for the sale of heavy-duty trucks to federal- and ministerial-level customers globally. For more information, please visit www.mackdefense.com.

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Engineered to Go Where Others Cannot

Thursday, August 7th, 2025

OTTO unveils DARKSTAR 1 — a mobile, all-terrain command unit built for rugged environments, delivering advanced communications to the edge of operations.

Built on the Polaris Xpedition ADV 5 platform, DARKSTAR 1,OTTO’s entry into the vehicle-based systems market, integrates a configurable suite of technologies, including dual-network Cradlepoint cellular, low-earth-orbit satellite, GPS tracking (for vehicle and personnel), multi-band UHF/VHF radios, inter-team P2P links, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, and more. Zero-profile communication antenna arrays reduce exposure and preserve stealth in confined or obstructed environments.

“Our goal with DARKSTAR 1 was to extend OTTO’s legacy ofperformance into mobile command systems, delivering a compact, agile solution that gives teams a technological advantage where other solutions fail to go,” said Nick Lafferty, Tactical Systems and Solutions for OTTO Engineering.

Designed for use in all environments and high- (or low-) visibility situations, DARKSTAR 1 features the latest in digital off-road lighting from Tomar Electronics; users have full 360° control of the vehicle’s response and scene lighting. A programmable touch control panel offers the ability to customize lighting types depending on operating preferences, including a “BLACKOUT MODE,” which disables all visible light sources and switches over to IR off-road lighting/driving mode.

Enhanced visual awareness is provided by integrated EO/IR and thermal sensors, offering real-time visuals in low- or no-light conditions. Paired with the ATAK display system, operators can drive and navigate in complete darkness without helmet-mounted night vision. Live video can be securely streamed, stored locally, or backed up to the cloud. Optional features include real-time shot detection and additional sensor overlays.

Unlike traditional mobile systems designed for large vehicles, DARKSTAR 1 fills a critical gap, delivering real-time intelligence and communications in a compact, responsive package that can go virtually anywhere.

“We’re seeing growing demand for platforms that can bring technology deeper into challenging environments,” Lafferty added. “DARKSTAR 1 gives responders and operators the upper hand: speed, information, and connectivity when and where it’s needed most.”

Purpose-built in the USA to meet the needs and requirements of those who serve, DARKSTAR 1 combines OTTO’s legacy of reliability with a forward-looking innovation in a mobile command unit.

Available now from OTTO Communications. Contact info@ottoexcellence.com today for more information or sales.

Posted in Comms, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on Engineered to Go Where Others Cannot

Bundeswehr Requests Delivery of Over 1,000 Logistic Vehicles from Rheinmetall – Order Worth Around €770 Million

Monday, August 4th, 2025

The Bundeswehr has commissioned Rheinmetall to supply more than 1,000 logistic vehicles with a total value of around €770m gross. The order comprises 963 vehicles with swap-body systems, some with protected driver cabins, as well as swap-body flatbeds and tarpaulin-arch superstructures.

In addition, 425 unprotected transport vehicles (UTV) were requested for delivery. The UTVs are available in 4×4 and 8×8 versions.

“As a reliable partner of the Bundeswehr, we are delighted to be delivering additional vehicles and thus contributing to the mobility and operational readiness of the armed forces”, says André Barthel, Chairman of the Board of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH (RMMV).

The delivery of the approximately 1,400 requested vehicles will take place before the end of this year. The orders have been booked for the third quarter of 2025.

The UTVs are c signed in July 2024 – the largest order in the company’s history in the field of logistics vehicles. It provides for the delivery of up to 6,500 vehicles with a gross value of up to €3.5bn. The framework contract allows the Bundeswehr to flexibly order additional quantities of the UTV 5t and UTV 15t models, which are already in service, over a period of seven years. In addition, the new vehicle class, which is now part of the call-off, was introduced via the framework contract. This is the 4×4 variant UTV 3.5 t, which has a maximum number of common parts with the UTV family.
The UTV family has already been contributing significantly to the performance of the Bundeswehr’s logistics units for several years. In July 2017, the Bundeswehr commissioned RMMV to supply its new ‘UTV mil gl in cargo load classes 5t and 15t’ family. Thanks to the use of flexible framework contracts concerning large quantities in military procurement, the UTVs have become a showcase project. Since 2017, around 7,000 HX vehicles have been delivered to the Bundeswehr together with swap-bodies and 70-tonne semi-trailer units.

UTV and swap-body systems are based on RMMV’s robust HX vehicle family. Designed for military use, they offer outstanding mobility even in difficult terrain.

The worldwide distribution of the HX vehicle family provides significant advantages in terms of interoperability and logistics, particularly for multinational operations. In addition to Germany, current users are the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Hungary, Singapore, Slovenia, Denmark and the Ukraine. The new order highlights the high acceptance of the proven HX vehicles. More than 20,000 vehicles are already in use worldwide.

Posted in Contracts, International, Logistics, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on Bundeswehr Requests Delivery of Over 1,000 Logistic Vehicles from Rheinmetall – Order Worth Around €770 Million

NP Aerospace Launches Their Proven Through-Life Support Services Package into the Civilian Armoured Vehicles Market

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025

NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour manufacturer, has launched their proven through-life support services package into the Civilian Armoured Vehicles (CAVs) market. NP Aerospace currently supports over 18,000 vehicles across 30+ armoured, tactical, logistic and utility fleet types for a range of customers, globally, including the UK PMETS and CVSSP contracts. The know-how, practices and procedures developed to deliver this support are now being specifically shaped and offered into the global CAV marketplace, where it is estimated that there are over 100,000 vehicles in service across military, government, NGO and private security applications.

Support in this sector, to date, has been ad-hoc and decentralised. This fresh initiative will offer a one-stop-shop for fleet managers, no matter what vehicle types they may be operating.

In 2024, following the acquisition of certain assets of Jankel Armouring Limited, NP Aerospace inherited an established business stream in the specialist area of CAVs that includes both product (armoured vehicle designs, such as the Toyota Land Cruiser LC300) and support services, delivered to a range of globally deployed in-service CAV fleets – around 100+ vehicles across 8 customers. In the last 12 months, a number of former Jankel supply and support CAV contracts have been novated to NP Aerospace and the continued support to global customers has been a key requirement of that transition process. Now, 12 months on, NP Aerospace is launching the CAV support capability offering more widely, to ensure that the very best support services can be delivered to current customers but also to expand that proven service offering across the global fleets. Potential new CAV support clients range from ministries of defence to NGO’s, and individual vehicle fleets are widely spread in terms of deployed geography. NP Aerospace recognises the resultant challenges and has developed a robust service offering that can be trusted to deliver and includes the additional and significant capabilities and expertise developed through NP’s legacy activity in this operationally critical vehicle support services arena.

Specifically, NP’s CAV support services package is vehicle type agnostic and includes: handover and commissioning; operator and maintainer training; deployed support (Field Service Representation – FSR); spare parts; service and maintenance; post design services; refurbishment and mid-life improvements; and secure disposal/destruction. NP Aerospace has recently increased the team size of this department by 50%, attracting some key talent to specific roles, to enable the successful delivery of this service offering – reassuring their specialist CAV customers.

James Kempston, CEO of NP Aerospace, commented: “This is an exciting milestone as we expand our proven through-life support services into the civilian armoured vehicle (CAV) market. Drawing on our experience supporting over 18,000 military and security platforms worldwide, we are applying our expertise and trusted capabilities to civilian fleets, regardless of their operating environment. Importantly, this support isn’t limited to vehicles we manufacture – it can be delivered for any vehicle type, operated by any fleet manager, anywhere in the world.” He added: “At the same time, our LC300 armoured Toyota platform not only meets key requirements for compliance, protection, and safety – it’s also engineered with a strong focus on reliability and maintainability. By combining competitive pricing with extended service life through robust support, the LC300 delivers outstanding full-life value.”

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Protected Logistics Truck: Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Presents New TGS-Mil Protected

Sunday, July 13th, 2025

At the RMMV Mobility Days, which were held for the first time this year, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) presented its new TGS-Mil Protected armoured truck. The TGS-Mil Protected is based on the TG-generation of military trucks produced by RMMV in Vienna. The TGS-Mil Protected model on display is equipped with a protected cabin for two persons. The solution developed by Rheinmetall complies with current NATO standards and is available in 6×6 and 8×8 variants.

Thanks to its modular design philosophy, the vehicle can be adapted to a wide range of mission profiles, including protection levels, communication systems, and specialised payload options.

With the TGS-Mil Protected, RMMV is specifically targeting a broad and growing segment of the international market that demands protected logistical mobility combined with long-term cost efficiency. The development of this vehicle highlights RMMV’s commitment to continuously adapt its militarized truck portfolio to evolving mission requirements and geopolitical developments. With the TGS-Mil Protected, RMMV can now offer both protected and unprotected variants within the same modular system, providing flexibility, fleet harmonisation and reduced life-cycle costs for new and already existing customers alike.

The TGS-Mil Protected is powered by a MAN D2676 six-cylinder diesel engine with up to 382 kW/520 hp and up to 2,650 Nm of torque. The engine complies with Euro II, V and VIe-standards and is compatible with NATO fuel F34. The drive and chassis systems are based on proven components from the civilian sector, which simplifies maintenance and worldwide service. The all-wheel drive ensures excellent off-road capabilities.

The RMMV Mobility Days 2025 were held under the motto ‘Innovation in Motion’. Around 120 participants from 22 countries gathered in Vienna for the event. They received information about RMMV’s current products and activities. The programme included a factory tour at the long-standing production facility in Vienna-Liesing which has recently been upgraded with a state-of the-art logistics system and digitised manufacturing processes. In future, around 4,000 HX and TG vehicles can be produced here each year to meet growing global demand. RMMV also demonstrated the versatility and off-road capabilities of its vehicle families (HX and TG) on an off-road site near Vienna. In addition, future technologies such as tele-operated driving and autonomous mobility were also part of the presentation.

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) is the competence centre for professional military and militarised logistics trucks within the Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems Division. The joint venture, headquartered in Munich, is one of the world’s leading providers of defence solutions in the field of land mobility logistics, in which Rheinmetall AG holds a 51 per cent majority stake and MAN Truck & Bus SE holds the remaining 49 per cent. Together with its predecessor companies, RMMV can look back on more than 100 years of experience in truck manufacturing for the most demanding military applications.

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