Armies turn to armour and self-defence as support vehicles near the frontline
A French Army IDV 8×8 recovery vehicle with protected cab being put through its paces. (Photo: STAT)
Combat losses of support and logistics vehicles in recent conflicts have highlighted the need for greater protection and even self-defence capabilities. What options are available to turn a basic truck into a survivor on the battlefield?
While the invasion of Ukraine has resulted in high attrition rates for armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs), an even larger number of vital wheeled support platforms has been lost, especially by Russia.
Why are these vehicles on the front line? Forward-deployed units have to be kept supplied with fresh personnel while casualties are taken to the rear, and of course essential loads of rations, fuel, water and bullets must be delivered. In weight terms, the largest proportion of supplies is artillery ammunition as vast amounts of shells and rockets are being used by both sides.
There is evidence that both Russian
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![US Army seeks industry support to prepare acquisitions of Group 4+ UAVs]()
US Army seeks industry support to prepare acquisitions of Group 4+ UAVs
The US Army is keen to hear about vendor designs, strategies and potential hardware and software solutions to inform requirements for procurement efforts.
-
![Dedicated drone munitions could unlock modular mission potential]()
Dedicated drone munitions could unlock modular mission potential
Top attacks have proven effective against heavily armoured vehicles in Ukraine. A new family of uncrewed aerial system-delivered munitions is looking to press that advantage further.
-
![Elbit bets on local content for US howitzer bid as it faces off against popular systems]()
Elbit bets on local content for US howitzer bid as it faces off against popular systems
The Israeli company hopes that producing its Sigma artillery system wholly in the US will help it win a key US Army contract, but it will be up against the popular CAESAR Mk II wheeled weapon and the K9 tracked.
-
![Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles]()
Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles
The order is a further boost for the Common Armoured Vehicles System programme which has notched notable successes in the past 12 months. The first vehicle, made in Finland, will be delivered next year with local production expected to ramp up in 2027.
