UK deploys vehicles to Mali after off-road mobility upgrade
Mastiff and Ridgeback upgrade was led by NP Aerospace to meet an Urgent Capability Requirement for the British Army.
A team led by NP Aerospace has re-engineered Ridgeback protected patrol vehicles and Mastiff mine-protected platforms for a British Army deployment in Mali.
‘A number of vehicles have already been deployed on operation during COVID-19 restrictions with the first wave delivered in just over 80 working days,’ NP Aerospace announced on 16 March.
New systems on Ridgback and Mastiff (pictured, the UK version of the Cougar mine-protected vehicle) include independent suspension systems with ride height control; an upgraded driveline; steering and braking systems; central tyre inflation systems; and increased diameter tyres.
Work under an MoD Protected Mobility Engineering & Technical Support contract met an Urgent Capability Requirement for the British Army.
The off-road mobility upgrade contract, worth about £7 million ($9.7 million), was awarded in May 2020 and covered 12 vehicles plus associated spares.
NP Aerospace led the project with support from HORIBA MIRA, Horstman, Texelis, Timoney, Tyron and Universal Fabrications.
More than 700 Mastiff and Ridgback vehicles have been overhauled and modified by NP Aerospace over the last 15 years for use in various operational theatres.
Work has included updating communications systems, up-armouring to meet specific threats and suspension system upgrades.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Land Warfare
-
![The Philippines looks to Israel for military equipment amid South China Sea tensions]()
The Philippines looks to Israel for military equipment amid South China Sea tensions
The southeast Asian country has been enhancing its military readiness by procuring advanced Israeli defence platforms and systems.
-
![NSPA signs new helmet system framework deal and agreement for C-UAS systems]()
NSPA signs new helmet system framework deal and agreement for C-UAS systems
The Caiman helmet has been designed to be scalable for dynamic operations with mission-specific accessories and can incorporate electronics, communications headsets and other critical equipment.
-
![US Missile Defense Agency’s budget could be cut by $2.6 billion over the next three years]()
US Missile Defense Agency’s budget could be cut by $2.6 billion over the next three years
The reduction would impact several acquisition and development programmes, creating capabilities gaps in US missile defence architecture.
-
![Israel ramps up Arrow-4 development following Iranian attack]()
Israel ramps up Arrow-4 development following Iranian attack
Israel’s Ministry of Defense has fast-tracked the development of the Arrow-4 ballistic missile interceptor in response to recent Iranian ballistic missile attacks.
-
![Saab to manufacture Carl-Gustaf M4 near New Delhi as Swedish firm eyes Indian expansion]()
Saab to manufacture Carl-Gustaf M4 near New Delhi as Swedish firm eyes Indian expansion
Saab has planned to build “a streamlined ownership structure” in India to accelerate its investment plans and developing capabilities in the country.
