Medium knocked out of British Army LMP, with CAVS as heavyweight champion

The British Army’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) switching of gears has been confirmed, Shephard has learned – the Medium Protected Mobility (MPM) category is out and Heavy Protected Mobility (HPM) is in.

This follows comments made by Minister of State for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard which threw industry into confusion earlier this year, where the minister seemed to imply that the MPM category had been replaced by the previously cancelled HPM.

In other LMP news, the Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) appears to have finally started moving. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has initiated the early market engagement (EME) process, with a market interest day scheduled for 15 January 2026 at the Blenheim Conference Centre. It also confirmed that a contract will be issued by 30 April 2026 and that all deliveries are to be completed by 30 April 2033.

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The change from medium to heavy is a major programme shift. The MPM sought to find a replacement for vehicles like the Mastiff, Wolfhound and Ridgeback and was most likely to have a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of between 18.5t and 20t.

Shephard understands that the newly resurrected HPM, acting primarily as a replacement for the Bulldog, will have a GVW of between 20t and 30t.

The most obvious beneficiary of this change is Patria. The UK officially joined the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme at DSEI in September this year, with the programme being primarily responsible for producing the Patria 6×6. As Shephard has previously noted, it would stretch credulity for the UK to join the programme if it did not intend to procure the Patria 6×6.

The rationale behind such a change is likely to be twofold. Firstly, merging two categories into one could save money by eliminating the need for separate bid processes. In theory, it could also save money in the long term by simplifying future logistical requirements.

Secondly, the other operators of the Patria 6×6 are primarily members of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force. By opting for a platform already in service with key allies, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is most likely hoping to improve interoperability. This was something that Patria and its UK-based partner Babcock were keen to highlight to Shephard at DSEI.

Implications for the British Army’s future

This shift raises several significant questions, however, as well as posing risks for the British Army as it moves forward.

Firstly, how will these vehicles fit into its future force structure? The Bulldog is primarily used as a C2 and reconnaissance vehicle by the Royal Artillery, while the Mastiff, Wolfhound and Ridgeback serve as protected patrol vehicles. Consolidating these three vehicles into a single platform makes sense. Operating a single armoured patrol vehicle would reduce costs by simplifying logistical requirements and improving interoperability across different units which currently use different platforms.

The same logic does not apply when expecting a patrol vehicle to perform the same role as the Bulldog. As it stands, the Patria 6×6 does not appear to be the most fitting replacement for the Bulldog. Not only is it significantly heavier, at 24t to the Bulldog’s 16.1t; it is also wheeled instead of tracked. Consequently, it may struggle to perform the same recce functions if it cannot operate effectively across the same range of difficult terrain.

The same logic applies even more so to replacing the Mastiff, Wolfhound and Ridgeback. Designed as a frontline armoured patrol carrier, the Patria 6×6 would arguably be a case of overkill if it were employed as a patrol vehicle.

There is also the issue of quantity. The MPM was envisaged as replacing 1,400 vehicles, and the HPM, while not confirmed, was forecast to procure approximately 100 vehicles. This is obviously a major discrepancy. It is doubtful that the UK will seek to procure 1,500 Patria 6×6s. Even if it did, Patria and Babcock would need to massively increase their industrial capacity to meet that level of demand.

If the UK opted for a smaller order to replace its current Bulldog fleet on a like-for-like basis, that would still be approximately 700 vehicles, which is almost as many as every other customer combined, and still likely beyond current means. If the MoD cannot find an acceptable middle ground, it risks having too many vehicles for one role and not enough for another.

Shifting deadlines and changing capabilities

The question of timescale also needs to be addressed. Shephard understands that the MoD is now aiming for the LMP to have a minimal deployable capability (MDC) within five years. As it stands, the Mastiff, Wolfhound and Ridgeback have all exceeded their out-of-service dates (OSDs). Equally, the Bulldog is due to meet its OSD in 2030.

If the MoD is only able to deliver an MDC by the end of the decade, it will leave all four vehicles functioning long after their OSDs. The increased risks of breakdowns and mechanical malfunctions that this will inherently bring could hamper the army’s ability to operate effectively and safely in the future.

Since its inception, the LMP has been the troubled child of British defence procurement, in a family of many troubled children. Its one consistent feature has been the MoD’s constant need to change its parameters.

The HPM was once scrapped and now, a year later, it has been reinstated, with MPM discarded instead. If the MoD is not able to resolve the challenges inherent in this new approach, it is entirely possible that in a year’s time the LMP finds itself back at the starting line with the MPM back in contention.

The army can at least console itself that the LMV appears to be slowly moving forward. With such significant changes to other parts of the LMP, it is a positive sign that at least one segment is able to continue rolling towards the finish line.

Related Programmes in Defence Insight

Land Mobility Programme (Medium Protected Mobility) [UK]

Land Mobility Programme (Light Mobility Vehicle) [UK]

Land Mobility Programme (Heavy Protected Mobility) [UK]

Related Equipment in Defence Insight

Patria 6x6

FV432 Mk 3 Bulldog

Cougar 6x6