GDLS Demonstrates Pandur SHORAD Next-Gen Air Defense with Moog RIwP turret in Live-Fire Demo.

According to information published by General Dynamics Land Systems on April 12, 2025, a striking image has emerged from the Big Sandy Range in Arizona, showcasing the Pandur SHORAD (Short-Range Air Defense) 6x6 armored vehicle in preparation for a live-fire demonstration at this month’s Bushmaster Users Conference. The photo captures the cutting-edge system as it readies to deliver a powerful demonstration of mobile air defense capabilities, signaling a significant advancement in short-range air defense technology designed for today’s evolving battlefield threats.
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 The General Dynamics Pandur SHORAD equipped with Moog Inc.'s RIwP turret conducts live-fire testing at White Sand Range, Arizona.  (Picture source: GDLS)

This demonstration of the new Pandur SHORAD (Short-Range Air Defense) 6x6 armored vehicle marks a critical milestone for General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), as the company pairs the highly mobile Pandur EVO 6x6 armored vehicle with Moog Inc.'s RIwP (Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform) turret, showcasing a SHORAD solution purpose-built for decisive lethality and protected mobility.

Developed by Moog Inc., a leading American defense technology manufacturer, the RIwP turret represents one of the most modular and scalable remote weapon systems available on the market today. Designed for multi-domain operations, the RIwP supports over 125 different weapon and sensor combinations, ranging from kinetic effectors such as autocannons, machine guns, and missiles, to non-kinetic systems like directed-energy weapons and electronic warfare modules. In the SHORAD configuration, it integrates a 30mm XM914 automatic cannon, dual Stinger missile pods, and advanced EO/IR sensor suites, allowing simultaneous engagement of multiple air and ground threats. The turret offers 360-degree situational awareness, automatic target tracking, and slew-to-cue capability, greatly reducing operator workload and response time. Its open architecture design supports plug-and-play integration with new technologies, enabling future upgrades without full system replacement—a critical advantage for forces facing rapidly evolving threats.

At the heart of the system, the RIwP turret’s combat effectiveness is further enhanced by programmable airburst munitions, which are especially effective against drone swarms and concealed targets. Electro-optical and infrared sensors, paired with an advanced fire-control system, enable precision target acquisition and engagement in both day and night conditions. This live-fire trial at Big Sandy is set to validate the full operational envelope of the system under realistic battlefield scenarios.

What makes the Pandur SHORAD stand out is its ability to bring this powerful turret system into a highly mobile and survivable platform. The Pandur EVO’s proven 6x6 chassis provides excellent off-road performance, a top speed of 118 km/h, and high levels of protection—making it ideal for frontline units that need to move fast and strike first. The vehicle can carry a crew of three plus up to eight infantry soldiers, allowing for combined air defense and infantry operations from a single platform.

The timing of this live-fire demonstration is highly relevant. Recent conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, and the Middle East have underscored the strategic importance of mobile, decentralized air defense systems. In Ukraine, loitering munitions and drone swarms have overwhelmed traditional, stationary defenses. In Israel, layered air defense has proven vital in intercepting rocket and drone attacks from multiple directions. Meanwhile, non-state actors in Syria and Iraq have weaponized commercial drones, posing a persistent threat to deployed forces and critical infrastructure.

In response to these trends, platforms like the Pandur SHORAD are emerging as essential battlefield tools—offering rapid, maneuverable, and autonomous air defense options that can keep pace with mobile formations and asymmetric threats.

The Bushmaster Users Conference 2025 will provide an opportunity for military stakeholders to witness firsthand how this next-generation SHORAD platform performs under live combat conditions. General Dynamics’ participation signals its continued focus on integrating agility, firepower, and survivability into the future of air defense.