The British Army has started retiring its Land Rover vehicles after seven decades of operational use, initiating plans to identify a next generation of light mobility vehicles (LMV).
The vehicles have been widely adopted by the British Armed Forces since the 1950s, with more than 5,000 units in service across the UK military in 2025, according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD). They are deployed for various roles including patrol, command liaison, and transportation of equipment and personnel.
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Officials outlined the transition at a commemorative event held on 19 March at Bovington, site of the Armoured Fighting Vehicle School.
The occasion brought together Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard, military personnel, and industry representatives.
Luke Pollard said: “The Land Rover and British Army share an incredible history and the image of a Landy in Army livery is truly iconic. As we look ahead to the future of light mobility vehicles, it is fitting to pay tribute to this extraordinary fleet that has served our Armed Forces so faithfully. I’m firing the starting gun on the replacement vehicle competition, seeking to put a modern vehicle in the hands of our personnel.”
In January last year, the MoD issued a Request for Information (RfI) for the LMV platform as part of its broader Land Mobility Programme (LMP).
At that time, the MoD outlined a need for production, supply, support, and training related to an LMV solution, stating it would “explore multiple options” such as providing a wheeled utility platform to update roles currently undertaken by Land Rover and Pinzgauer using a “Common Based Platform”.
The LMV programme will create opportunities for UK-based businesses through vehicle support and maintenance activities, MoD said.
Formal launch of the programme is expected in due course.
Over time, several unique models were produced specifically for military applications. These include the Series IIA Ambulance built for stretcher transport, the Series IIA Pink Panther designed for SAS desert operations, an amphibious SIIA 109” prototype intended for sea landings, and the V8 Centaur Multi-Role Half-Track which combined elements of road vehicles with tank tracks.
In September last year, Rheinmetall unveiled new light tactical vehicle, which it said met the requirement of UK’s LMV.
The UK MoD plans to introduce the first new vehicles to its soldiers by 2030.
