British Army could choose the US-made RIwP weapon system for its next air defense vehicle.

At the Defence IQ International Armoured Vehicles Conference 2025, held in Farnborough, UK, the US company Moog showcased its Reconfigurable Integrated-Weapons Platform (RIwP) integrated into the Supacat High Mobility Transporter (HMT) and the Dingo 3 armored vehicles, marking the first operational demonstration of the RIwP outside the United States. These two vehicles were presented as potential candidates for the British Army’s Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) program, which aims to meet requirements for short-range air defence (SHORAD) and counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS).
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Already used for the Stryker M-SHORAD, Moog's RIwP turret system was demonstrated at the British conference equipped with Thales’ High-Velocity Missile (HVM), also known as Starstreak, a Northrop Grumman M230 LF 30×113 mm Bushmaster cannon, and a 7.62 mm machine gun. (Picture source: Moog)

The Supacat HMT and Dingo 3 have also been proposed for the British Army’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP). This program aims to streamline the fleet by reducing the number of vehicle chassis types to 15 by 2030. The program focuses on consolidating more than ten types of protected patrol and light utility vehicles into three "Common Based Platforms," replacing aging systems like the Land Rover and Pinzgauer. This modernization effort is intended to simplify the fleet while supporting multiple roles with fewer, more versatile platforms.

The Supacat All Terrain Mobility Platform (ATMP) has been identified as a low-risk option for the LMP due to its existing service history, with nearly 1,000 units in operation since 1988. The ATMP supports 4x4 and 6x6 configurations, offers a payload capacity of 4,000 kg, and has a gross vehicle weight of 12,000 kg. It measures 7.1 meters in length, has a cruising range of 800 km, and can achieve a top speed of 120 km/h. The vehicle includes an armored cabin with ballistic and blast protection for four crew members and can be adapted for roles such as mobile fire support and logistics transport.

The Dingo 3, developed by KNDS Deutschland, is based on a Unimog chassis with a V-hull design to improve resistance to mines and improvised explosive devices. It is available in 4x4 and 6x6 configurations, with the latter offering increased payload capacity and space for up to 12 crew members plus equipment. The vehicle is powered by a six-cylinder turbo diesel engine, paired with automatic transmission and a central tire inflation system. The Dingo 3’s modular structure allows for the integration of various weapon systems, including Starstreak missile canisters and the RIwP turret.

Already used for the Stryker M-SHORAD, the Reconfigurable Integrated-Weapons Platform (RIwP) is a modular turret system designed to integrate various weapon systems and sensors to counter multiple threats, including drones and helicopters. It was demonstrated at the conference equipped with Thales’ High-Velocity Missile (HVM), also known as Starstreak, a Northrop Grumman M230 LF 30×113 mm Bushmaster cannon, and a 7.62 mm machine gun. Additional capabilities include the integration of Lightweight Multi-role Missiles (LMM) and an L3 MX-series electro-optical/infrared sight. Moog’s stabilization technology reduces the impact of shocks and vibrations during operations over rough terrain, and the turret’s modular design enables the integration of new weapons and sensors without requiring significant redesign.

The Supacat HMT benefits from a proven service history with nearly 1,000 units in operation since 1988, establishing it as a reliable and low-risk choice to modernize the British Army's fleet of vehicles, thanks to its modular design. (Picture source: Moog)

The Starstreak missile, a key feature of the RIwP's configuration showcased at the conference, has been effectively used in Ukraine for aerial and armored targets. It employs three tungsten dart submunitions guided by laser beams, with a range of 7 kilometers and speeds exceeding Mach 3. This missile system is designed to counter low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial systems. It is manufactured by Thales Air Defence and can be shoulder-fired or mounted on platforms for deployment. The addition of XM1211 proximity-fuzed ammunition for the M230 LF cannon could enhance the RIwP’s effectiveness against smaller and more maneuverable drone targets as part of the British Army’s Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) program.

The British Army’s GBAD program is part of a broader modernization effort to address evolving aerial threats. Within this framework, the Land GBAD initiative focuses on SHORAD, Medium-Range Air Defence (MRAD), and Counter-Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS), as well as partly replacing the Stormer HVMs send to Ukraine. The program includes the Sky Sabre system, which has replaced the Rapier system. Sky Sabre incorporates the Common Anti-Air Modular Missile (CAMM), Saab's Giraffe Agile Multi-Beam radar, and Rafael's Modular Integrated C4I Air & Missile Defense System (MIC4AD), enabling beyond-visual-range engagements. The program also prioritizes interoperability with NATO allies and a strong command and control architecture to counter diverse threats effectively.

The Supacat HMT and the Dingo 3 each offer advantages for the Land Mobility Programme (LMP) and the Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) initiative when equipped with the RIwP turret, making them serious contenders in their respective categories. The Supacat HMT benefits from a proven service history with nearly 1,000 units in operation since 1988, establishing it as a reliable and low-risk choice to modernize the British Army's fleet of vehicles. Furthermore, its modular design allows for various configurations, including the use of the RIwP for Short-Range Air Defence (SHORAD) applications. The recent introduction of the Armoured Closed Cab (ACC) variant aligns with the LMP's objective to streamline the British Army's vehicle fleet by reducing the number of core platforms, thereby simplifying logistics and maintenance.

The Dingo 3, on the other hand, offers exceptional crew protection and operational versatility, making it a strong contender for roles requiring high survivability under the LMP. Its V-hull design and Unimog chassis provide superior mine and IED resistance, critical for modern combat scenarios. The modular nature of the Dingo 3 supports various weapon systems, including the Starstreak missile and RIwP, making it highly adaptable for GBAD applications. The 6x6 variant’s larger payload capacity and ability to transport up to 12 crew members provide significant advantages for multi-role operations. While both platforms bring unique strengths, the Dingo 3’s heavier protection and the Supacat HMT’s established operational track record position them as complementary options, potentially serving different but critical needs within the British Army’s modernization initiatives.

The Dingo 3, developed by KNDS Deutschland, is based on a Unimog chassis with a V-hull design to improve resistance to mines and is available in 4x4 and 6x6 configurations, with the latter offering increased payload capacity and space for up to 12 crew members plus equipment. (Picture source: Moog)