Damian Kemp

The UK's Land Mobility Programme Light Mobility Vehicle requirement is designed to replace the British Army's ageing fleet of Land Rovers with a vehicle with a Gross Vehicular Mass of less than 3,500kg. It could be for as many as 6,000 vehicles.

The US Army's market survey into available 81mm and 120mm mobile mortar systems was launched only a few days after the UK suspended Project Stokes, an almost identical plan, “pending future decisions on prioritisation, resourcing and funding”.

Air defence radars have become more important assets in the past year with incursions in NATO countries on Europe's eastern flank highlighting the need.

The biannual Farnborough International Airshow 2026 was the backdrop in July for scores of deals, partnerships and announcements, including developments in the multinational next-generation Global Combat Air Programme and the UK's $486 million trainer aircraft requirement.

Analysis of the long-awaited UK Defence Investment Plan, which was finally released on 30 June, revealed scant investment in platform replacement for the British Army. The bright spot in July, however, was a multibillion-dollar contract awarded for the British Army's Collective Training System.

A move, launched in May, could lead to a second supplier for the US Marines Corps' Joint Light Tactical Vehicle requirement. Meanwhile, Wisconsin elected representatives have been pushing for necessary funding to be included in the FY27 budget.

The procurement and planned procurement of articulated tracked all-terrain vehicles is being driven by a need to replace older platforms and an acknowledgement of a capability gap for Arctic regions.

The UK Ministry of Defence has proposed a selection date of May 2027 for the Land Rover replacement requirement, with deliveries expected through to 2036. Next month's DVD exhibition will be a key shop window for bidders.

The next stage of the Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS) programme, dubbed iMUGS2, was launched in November 2025. Three major demonstrations are planned before the end of 2028.

As Germany prepares its €25 billion order under the Arminius framework – the biggest Boxer procurement to date – the platform could become an increasingly powerful contender in European competitions.