General Dynamics to present new Pandur SHORAD 6x6 air defense vehicle with Moog RIwP turret at AUSA Global Force 2025.

General Dynamics Land Systems will introduce the Pandur SHORAD at the AUSA Global Force 2025 event in Huntsville, Alabama, marking its public debut. The Pandur SHORAD integrates Moog’s Reconfigurable Integrated-Weapons Platform (RIwP) turret onto the Pandur Evo armored vehicle, providing maneuver short-range air defense capabilities. This integration would allow the Pandur SHORAD to address both rotary- and fixed-wing threats as well as drone swarms, while leveraging the EVO’s proven protection level, mobility, and transportability.
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The Pandur SHORAD has a lower gross weight than the fielded Sgt Stout M-SHORAD and incorporates internally mounted drivetrain components for increased reliability and durability. (Picture source: General Dynamics Land Systems)

The new Pandur SHORAD is based on the Pandur Evolution (EVO), a modernized 6x6 wheeled armored personnel carrier developed by GDELS and produced in Vienna. It builds on the legacy of the original Pandur and is officially designated as the MTPz Pandur EVO in Austrian service, as the country ordered a total of 325 units in multiple batches. The Czech Tatra Defense Vehicles (TDV) also proposes a redesigned Pandur variant in an 8x8 configuration, highlighting the platform’s wider regional relevance.

The key system of the new Pandur SHORAD is Moog’s Reconfigurable Integrated-Weapons Platform (RIwP), a modular turret system designed for air defense, ground combat, and counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) missions. A key advantage of the RIwP turret is its high degree of commonality across different configurations, with over 85% of components being shared. This standardization permits the integration of a wide range of weapons, sensors, and platforms through a standardized base assembly, allowing it to host air defense, anti-armor, and multi-mission payloads simultaneously. Additional payloads that can be integrated include direct radar, laser dazzlers and designators, tethered and untethered drones, situational awareness cameras, directed energy systems, passive sensors, electronic warfare effectors (including counter-UAS systems), shooter detection systems, smoke/projectile grenade launchers, meteorological sensors, and non-lethal effectors.

The RIwP supports a broad set of primary armament options with 100–250 ready rounds, including the M2 .50 caliber, M242 25mm, XM914 30×113mm, and Mk44 or XM813 30×173mm systems. Secondary armament options (250–500 ready rounds) include the M249 (5.56mm), M240 and M134 (7.62mm), and Mk19 grenade launcher, with an additional M2 .50 cal option. Missile systems compatible with RIwP include Stinger, StarStreak HVM, StarStreak LMM, APKWS (70mm), Coyote, Switchblade 300/600, SPIKE ER2, Brimstone, TOW, Javelin, Mistral, Hellfire, Talon, DAGR, and other laser-guided missiles. Missile reloading is conducted from the hatch, offering partial protection. Independently stabilized sights are available for both gunner and commander positions, including options such as MX-GCS, IBAS, RV-TAS, PASEO, S3, PAAG, with up-armor available for added protection.

The turret is field-reconfigurable by maintenance personnel using minimal lift equipment and has over 85% component commonality across configurations, which reduces logistical burden and training requirements. Its fire control system enables engagement in all operational modes—stationary or moving—after receiving target cues from onboard or external sensors. The weapon control system offers 360° azimuth rotation, elevation from -20° to +60° (optionally +80°), and firing stability within 0.3 mrad. The user interface features a touchscreen display and hand controller, designed for ease of operation. Electrical, mechanical, and communication interfaces meet standard military specifications, with a base turret weight of 2,500 lbs and peak power consumption up to 16 kW. RIwP is currently part of active and developmental programs including M-SHORAD, SGT Stout, M-LIDS 2.0/2.1, AMPV C-UAS, and RCV TRX SHORAD.

Compared to the earlier Pandur, the EVO has a higher total weight of approximately 18.6 tonnes and accommodates a crew of three plus eight fully equipped infantry soldiers. It is powered by a more powerful Cummins engine combined with a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission, offering increased power and a top speed of 118 km/h on roads. Protection has been upgraded to STANAG 4569 Level 3 with additional mine protection features, including a decoupled floor, an explosion suppression system, and NBC ventilation. Unlike the earlier model, the EVO includes independent suspension and an automatic drivetrain management system, contributing to improved off-road performance. Its dimensions and modular configuration allow air transport in a C-130 and integration of systems such as the Skyranger air defense turret.

The Pandur SHORAD could introduce a new layer of maneuver air defense capability to formations equipped with the 6x6 Pandur Evolution platform by integrating Moog’s Reconfigurable Integrated-Weapons Platform (RIwP) turret. Compared to the existing Skyranger variant, the new Pandur SHORAD offers a broader payload flexibility through its modular architecture—supporting not only air defense weapons like Stinger and Coyote missiles, but also a 30 mm cannon, radar, and counter-UAS systems. This integration would allow the Pandur SHORAD to address both rotary- and fixed-wing threats as well as drone swarms, while leveraging the EVO’s proven protection level, mobility, and transportability. The vehicle’s lower gross weight compared to platforms like the Sgt Stout (previously named Stryker M-SHORAD) makes it suitable for rapid deployment with infantry brigades, and its internally mounted drivetrain components improve maintainability in field conditions.