The New Zealand Defence Force (NZFD) has finalised a contract with Spanish military vehicle manufacturer UROVESA for 60 new VAMTAC ST5 light and CK3 medium-sized unarmoured utility vehicles.
Secretary of Defence Brook Barrington signed the agreement at Defence House, marking the first procurement from Spain in the Land Domain. It also marks the start of replacement of NZFD’s most frequently deployed operational utility vehicle fleet.
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The current fleet comprises Unimog and Pinzgauer vehicles, which are used by NZDF units for both domestic training and overseas operations.
The Government has approved the first tranche of the Ministry of Defence-led project, with a budget allocation of NZ$100m ($58.38m) as part of Budget 24.
This development is part of the Protected Mobility Capability Project (PMCP), which has already introduced Bushmaster and Polaris fleets to the New Zealand Army.
UROVESA is set to deliver the vehicles in 2027.
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By GlobalDataThe first tranche includes 40 medium CK3 variants and 20 light ST5 variants, replacing 25% of the New Zealand Army’s Pinzgauer and Unimog vehicles in operational roles.
This tranche covers the purchase of vehicles, spare parts, computing and communications equipment, support equipment, project costs, and introduction into service costs.
The new vehicles will feature integrated rollover protection and a tyre inflation system for challenging terrains.
The VAMTAC ST5 light utility vehicle has a maximum authorised gross vehicle weight of 6000kg, a payload capacity of 1,700kg, and a maximum speed of 110km/h.
It measures 2.62 metres (m) in height and 5.68m in length.
The VAMTAC CK3 medium utility vehicle has a maximum authorised gross vehicle weight of 9,950kg, a payload capacity of 4,000kg, and a maximum speed of 110km/h. It measures 3.03m in height and 6.34m in length.
Earlier this year, GlobalData’s ‘New Zealand Defense Market 2023-2028’ report provided insights into New Zealand’s defence strategy.
The report highlighted the country’s approach to increasing defence spending and addressing procurement challenges across the Army, Air Force, and Navy.
