The 11th Air Mobile Brigade of the Dutch Army is receiving light, all-terrain transport vehicles as a complement to the existing vehicle fleet. State Secretary for Defence Derk Boswijk informed Parliament on August 27 in a “Parliamentary Letter” about the procurement intention.
So far, the brigade has the Defenture Vector, which is primarily used by special forces for long-range reconnaissance. The air-lift vehicle Caracal will, from 2027, be used as an armed and highly networked vehicle for convoy protection and command. Now the brigade’s tactical ground mobility is to be complemented with vehicles designed as pure troop transports.
Market-Available Transport Vehicles for Five or Nine Persons
The plan envisions the purchase of market-available vehicles (Military-off-the-Shelf, MOTS) in two variants: a five-person version and a nine-person version. The project includes the outfitting of two infantry battalions, training materials, and a logistic reserve.
A central requirement is air-ability as an external load under the CH-47F Chinook transport helicopters of the armed forces. In addition, the vehicles must have a high payload for soldiers’ equipment, adequate range, and high off-road mobility in difficult terrain. The selection of proven systems already used by NATO partners reduces financial and technical risks, shortens delivery times, and improves interoperability within the alliance.
Vehicle Offerings
Due to the clear specifications insiders say that internationally the following platforms are predominantly considered:
The GM / Chevrolet Defense M1301 ISV (Infantry Squad Vehicle) is already widely deployed by the U.S. Army. It is specifically designed to carry nine soldiers and to be flown as an external load under a CH-47.
The Defenture GRF / Vector (variants) is already in service with the Dutch armed forces. The manufacturer also offers modular platforms that would harmonize with the existing fleet. The vehicle would have to be adapted to meet the needs.
The Polaris DAGOR ULTV is a proven light vehicle that is used by, among others, the U.S. Special Operations Command and the Canadian Armed Forces, and is certified for Chinook transport.
The program costs (including risk reserve and operating costs) have been set by the state secretary at between 50 and 250 million euros. Therefore, the project will be carried out by the Command for Material and IT (COMMIT). Quantities and schedule have not been disclosed yet.
Author: Gerhard Heiming, Editor at Wehrwirtschaft
