The New Zealand Army is seeking to replace its fleet of utility vehicles with a proven, in-service design, according to a Request for Proposal (RFP) released on November 3. The acquisition is the final component of Tranche One of the Army’s Protected Capability Mobility Project (PMCP), through which the service is replacing the entirety of its operational vehicle fleet.
In total, New Zealand is seeking between 143 and 334 vehicles across two weight classes: light (UV-L), weighing less than six tonnes; and medium (UV-M), weighing in excess of six tonnes. Together, the two weight classes will replace both Unimog and Pinzgauer Light Operational Vehicles (LOV) across the NZDF.
Six variants are planned. General service and command/liaison for the UV-L, and general service, command and control, maintenance support, and medevac for the UV-M. Lockheed Martin New Zealand and L3 Harris Australia will serve as system integrators and logistics managers for the various vehicle types.
A core requirement of the RFP is the need for a proven, military or commercial off-the-shelf (MOTS/COTS), solution which has at least 1,000 vehicles in service with another customer. The UV-L and UV-M will ideally be derived from a common family of vehicles, helping to rationalise maintenance, operational and training costs.
Training for the vehicles will eventually be conducted in New Zealand, however, prior to delivery, the trainers will first be trained overseas. At this stage, the NZDF hasn’t committed to fielding a simulated training capability for the vehicles, however, it is seeking costed options as part of the RFP.
As the replacement for the New Zealand Army’s LOVs and Unimogs - which have been routinely deployed overseas - both the UV-L and UV-M have stringent strategic mobility requirements. Two of either type, or a combination of both, will need to be air transportable via the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) future C-130J-30 (NZ) air lifters. At the very least, the vehicles will also require the capability to embark and deploy aboard HMNZS Canterbury, as well as commercial roll-on roll-off (RO-RO) ferries and, ideally, coalition (ABCANZ) amphibious vessels.
The RFP is slated to close in March 2023 after a series of industry briefings and consultations over the coming months. As of yet, no company has publicly indicated an intent to participate in the RFP. However, ADM has previously reported on SupaCat’s interest in the program though it’s unclear if the design's common heritage with the HMT-E qualifies it for the competition.