The British Army is set to acquire 500 support trucks in the next seven months following a 282-million pound ($354 million) contract with Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV).
The trucks will come from RMMV’s HX line of logistics vehicles, designed for heavy off-road use during cargo and troop-carrying missions.
These will feature an increased payload, a sharper turning radius, an underrun protection safety feature, and a more efficient EURO 5 engine.
Britain’s Defence Equipment & Support, Army Headquarters, and the Field Army will supervise the expedited turnover of the equipment under the Rapid Acquisition Project, an initiative to swiftly procure military capabilities as an agility and response upgrade.
Defence Procurement Minister James Cartlidge expressed the importance of fast-paced acquisitions for the army’s logistical missions.
“This procurement demonstrates our commitment to equipping our Armed Forces with the best tools available, ensuring mobility, agility, and resilience in the face of evolving threats,” he said.
Cost-Effective Vehicle
RMMV’s HX vehicles are fitted with military off-the-shelf components, making it cheaper than other mobility trucks.
Its suspension system provides it with long and wear-free rubber-mounted springs, large shock absorbers, and stabilizers that allow it to smoothly transition from one sub-optimal terrain to the next.
It can reach speeds of up to 62 miles (100 kilometers) per hour, with a maximum operational range of 300 miles (483 kilometers).
Other countries integrating RMMV’s logistics trucks include Austria, which recently signed a 300-million-euro ($329 million) deal to procure 300 units for its armed forces.