Politics · United Kingdom · 2 hrs ago
UK approves £2bn plan for new Army light military vehicles
The UK has approved a £2 billion plan to replace the Army’s Land Rovers with new Light Military Vehicles.
The vehicles are described as powerful pick-ups and are intended to carry weapons and equipment, including systems for operating drones and electronic countermeasures.
The plan reflects a shift towards faster, lighter tactics for modern warfare, including the “shoot and scoot” approach discussed by Army chief General Sir Roly Walker.
A lighter infantry squad vehicle is also designed to be carried by helicopter or dropped by parachute to support special forces missions.
The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment is expected to be the first infantry regiment to use the new vehicles, with a deployment to Estonia planned for next year.
The first vehicles are expected next year, but the Ministry of Defence has not yet chosen a contractor from seven bidders.
The Army says the programme will provide modern equipment and create opportunities for businesses based in Britain.
UK defence ministers have approved a £2 billion plan to replace the Army’s Land Rover fleet with Light Military Vehicles.
The vehicles are intended to support tasks including operating drones and electronic eavesdropping countermeasures.
The project includes pick-up trucks and a lightweight infantry squad vehicle designed to be lifted by helicopter and dropped by parachute.
The first vehicles are expected to be delivered next year, but the Ministry of Defence has not selected a contractor.
The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment is expected to be the first infantry regiment to operate the new trucks, deploying to Estonia next year.
- Who
- UK defence ministers approved the procurement for the British Army.
- What
- A £2 billion plan to replace the Army’s Land Rover fleet with Light Military Vehicles. The vehicles will support a range of military tasks.
- When
- Approved by 1 November 2026. The first vehicles are expected next year.
- Where
- The procurement is for the British Army. The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment is expected to operate the new trucks in Estonia.
- Why
- To give the Army modern vehicles that support multiple payloads and mission systems, including drones and electronic countermeasures.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Defence ministers approved the £2 billion procurement.
The first Light Military Vehicles are expected to be delivered.
The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment is expected to deploy to Estonia with the new trucks.
- Approved funding
- £2 billion
- Vehicle programme
- Light Military Vehicle (LMV)
- Contractor selection
- No final contractor selected; seven bidders are shortlisted
- First expected deployment
- Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment in Estonia, next year
- Expected vehicle delivery
- Next year
What people are saying
Moving away from tanks and adopting a light fast approach is a good move for today's battlefield environment.
The thinking now is that the tank is dead in modern warfare, but instead people should be looking at how we use the tank, not just getting rid of it.
Pick-ups are great but they cannot deliver the firepower of a main battle tank.
The Light Mobility Vehicle programme will put thousands of modern vehicles in the hands of British soldiers, strengthening our ability to fight and win while creating opportunities for British-based businesses.