UK Military Invests Heavily in 'SAS-Style' Pick-up Trucks
A £2 billion procurement aims to equip British troops with advanced, versatile vehicles for modern warfare.
British troops are set to receive "SAS-style" pick-up trucks capable of rapid deployment behind enemy lines, following a £2 billion investment approved by defense ministers. The initiative aims to replace the Army's aging Land Rover fleet with more powerful vehicles designed for modern combat scenarios.
Advanced Capabilities for a New Era of Warfare
The new vehicles, referred to as the 'Light Military Vehicle' (LMV) project, will be heavily armed and equipped to operate drones and deploy electronic eavesdropping countermeasures. Sources suggest these trucks evoke the operational tactics of elite special forces, drawing parallels to historical Special Air Service (SAS) operations and contemporary use by the Ukrainian army against Russian forces.
General Sir Roly Walker, head of the British Army and a former SAS commander, reportedly advocates for a strategic shift away from conventional force doctrine towards unconventional "shoot and scoot" tactics to address the evolving challenges of modern warfare. Complementing the pick-up variant, a lightweight "infantry squad" vehicle has been designed to be easily transported by helicopter and parachute-dropped for special forces missions.
First Deployments and Strategic Considerations
The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment is slated to be the first infantry unit to utilize these new trucks, deploying to Estonia next year. These vehicles, nicknamed "Who Dares Wins" pick-ups after the SAS motto, will operate in close proximity to the Russian frontline.
While the move towards lighter, faster vehicles is seen by some as a positive adaptation to the contemporary battlefield, concerns remain about the role of traditional armored vehicles. Former Army officer Jules Robson acknowledged the advantages of a mobile, light-approach strategy but emphasized that tanks still hold significance and questioned whether pick-up trucks can fully replicate the firepower of a main battle tank.
Procurement and Future Outlook
Defense officials maintain that the new LMV program will provide the Army with a robust and modern capability, offering flexibility in payloads and mission systems. The Ministry of Defence has a shortlist of seven bidders for the contract, with the first LMVs expected to be delivered within the next year. An MoD spokesperson stated that the program will "put thousands of modern vehicles in the hands of British soldiers, strengthening our ability to fight and win while creating opportunities for British-based businesses."