UK MoD moves forward with MBT upgrades
– Horstman Group winds news UK MoD contract (Photo: Hortsman)
The UK MoD has awarded a new contract to Hortsman Group to deliver a newly refurbished and upgraded version of its third-generation Hydrogas suspension unit for MBTs.
On 15 November the UK subsidiary company of Renk Group, Hortsman, announced a new multi-million-pound contract to support the British Army’s armoured fleet.
As part of the Heavy Armour Automotive Improvement Programme (HAAIP), Horstman will provide an upgraded version of its Hydrogas external suspension.
Ian Pain, CEO of Hortsman Group, said: 'This was a very competitive contract to win, and we are excited that we were able to secure it.'
He added: ‘This is testament to the engineering, project, and delivery teams who have worked hard through difficult times to prove the HAAIP concept and win this new work.’
Designed to support internal packaging constraints, overcome vulnerability to mine blast and crew exposure to fragmentations resulting from torsion bars, the capability will be fitted into new Challenger 3 MBTs, AS90, Terrier and Challenger Hydrogas vehicles.
This announcement follows a previously awarded contract for the German Army in October 2021 to provide immediate supply of its Hydrostruts suspension for Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicles.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Germany increases Arrow missile defence deal to $6.1 billion as American interest grows]()
Germany increases Arrow missile defence deal to $6.1 billion as American interest grows
Germany’s move to buy Israel Aerospace Industries’ Arrow missile defence system became public in mid-2023 with approval from the US government shortly after. The first operational system is expected to be in service before 2030.
-
![Sweden’s recent air defence spend tips to $6 billion with 2026 procurement planned]()
Sweden’s recent air defence spend tips to $6 billion with 2026 procurement planned
Procurement of various short-range systems will begin in the first quarter of 2026, with additional procurements to be made later in the year.
-
![The year ahead: Major trends and forecasts for the land domain in 2026]()
The year ahead: Major trends and forecasts for the land domain in 2026
2025 was a busy year for the land domain and 2026 looks set to be just as big. Shephard’s Dr Peter Magill analyses some of the major trends we are likely to see in the year ahead.
