Strategic Engagement of IDV at the International Armoured Vehicles Conference

Strengthening UK Defense Market Presence

In a notable display of engagement during the International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) conference, IDV has signaled its commitment to both the global defense arena, particularly in wheeled vehicle segments, and the intricacies of the UK defense landscape. The British military is poised to initiate several programs focused on wheeled vehicles, which presents an opportune moment for IDV to enhance its footprint in the UK.

Showcase of Advanced Capabilities

At the IAV 2026, held at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre, IDV showcased an ambulance configuration derived from its Military Utility Vehicle (MUV) platform, ranging from 5.5 to 7 tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW). This initiative aligns with the UK’s Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) project, a critical component of the broader Land Mobility Programme (LMP).

Conversely, the British Army is in pursuit of a new Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) to accommodate its Challenger 3 tanks. Additionally, IDV’s interest extends to robotic systems, bolstered by its acquisition of the UK-based division of HORIBA MIRA specializing in Uncrewed Ground Vehicles (UGV).

Collaborative Innovations

Development of Tank Transport Solutions

In collaboration with the Italian Army, IDV has engineered a tank transporter solution utilizing an 8×8 tractor. A formal contract is already in place with the Italian Ministry of Defense. Meanwhile, the UK recently entered an interim agreement with KBR Ltd to deploy an Oshkosh 1070F 8×8 tractor paired with a seven-axle King Trailer GTS 100, engineered to manage loads up to 70 tonnes. As the UK Army seeks a final solution for 86-tonne capacities, IDV intends to propose its 8×8 tractor as a robust contender, although the trailer remains unselected at this time.

IDV aims to standardize the military vehicle fleets of European armies, having recently positioned its 8×8 tactical trucks as the backbone of Italy’s SAMP/T NG and Grifo/CAMM ER air defense systems. So far, over 2,000 units have been delivered to the Italian Army, with additional interest from other nations. The UK Ministry of Defence is expected to provide direction regarding the HET program by November 2026.

Investment in Light Mobility

Shifting focus to lighter classifications, IDV maintains a strong interest in the LMV initiative, which aims to replace the aging fleet of Land Rovers and Pinzgauers across the Army, Navy, and Air Force branches. The ambulance variant on display at IAV is based on the MUV’s long wheelbase chassis, which has already secured a framework agreement with Sweden for up to 3,000 light vehicles, including an initial order of 400 units. This ambulance represents one of 12 configurations currently in production, with a short wheelbase model demonstrated at DSEI London in September 2025, commissioned by the Spanish Army.

Diverse Vehicle Variants and Unmanned Systems

Range of Configurations Under LMV/LMP

The LMV/LMP program is set to encompass nine distinct variants, including:

• General Purpose Vehicle
• Command and Control Vehicle
• Utility Vehicle
• Equipment Support Vehicle
• Battlefield Ambulance
• Troop Carrier Vehicle
• Mission System Vehicle

Significantly, the Tactical Mobility Vehicle will feature an open-top configuration, while the Enhanced Protected Vehicle aims to replace the protected Land Rover Defender 110, known colloquially as “Snatch Land Rovers,” originally developed for operations in Northern Ireland during the early 1990s.

Advancements in Robotics

IDV continues to invest in research and development, focusing on enhancing the reliability and autonomy of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). The Viking, a 2-tonne parallel-hybrid 6×6 platform, stands as a primary product, showcasing a 250 km hybrid range, a 20 km electric range, and a payload capacity of 750 kg. This versatile platform accommodates various systems, including Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, Reconnaissance (ISTAR) suites, remote weapon stations, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) sensors.

Future Strategic Initiatives

To solidify its competitive edge and improve prospects in forthcoming bids, IDV intends to broaden its operations through IDV Defence Vehicles UK. Although the Iveco Group announced plans in the summer of 2025 to sell its commercial truck division to Tata and its military unit (including IDV and Astra) to Leonardo, IDV will maintain its operational independence for the time being.

These developments underscore IDV’s strategic orientation towards enhancing its role within the evolving landscape of UK defense requirements and the broader European military market. The focus on innovation and collaboration in wheeled and unmanned vehicle systems positions IDV favorably to meet emerging operational demands.