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
-
![British Army defeats swarm with Thales radio frequency anti-drone system]()
British Army defeats swarm with Thales radio frequency anti-drone system
Developed by a Thales UK-led industry consortium, the demonstrator has been designed to explore the potential of radiofrequency weapons for the UK Armed Forces and is being trialled by the British Army.
-
![US approves $825 million sale of Stinger Block I missiles to Morocco]()
US approves $825 million sale of Stinger Block I missiles to Morocco
The 600-missiles will be used to expand the Moroccan armed forces’ short range air defence capabilities.
-
![Hanwha Aerospace to jointly produce guided missiles in Poland]()
Hanwha Aerospace to jointly produce guided missiles in Poland
The joint venture between Hanwha Aerospace and Poland’s WB Group will see them locally produce CGR80 missiles for the Homar-K multiple rocket launch system, with the first batch produced by 2028.
-
![BAE Systems takes another step towards restarting M777 howitzer production]()
BAE Systems takes another step towards restarting M777 howitzer production
The M777 155mm lightweight howitzer is in service with more than six countries and has been heavily used in Ukraine. The latest contract is part of an effort to restart the manufacture of M777 towed howitzers.
