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KNDS Positions Dingo 3 APC as a Strong Contender for British Army Land Mobility Program.
KNDS is putting forward its Dingo 3-protected mobility vehicle in both 4x4 and 6x6 configurations as part of the British Army’s Land Mobility Program. This initiative aims to modernize the transport and protection capabilities of land forces by integrating vehicles that offer a high level of security and optimized mobility. The Dingo 3 emerges as a strategic option to meet these requirements, benefiting from extensive operational experience with over 1,200 units in service across ten nations. Its deployment in multiple theaters, including Afghanistan, Mali, and Ukraine, demonstrates its reliability and effectiveness in combat environments.
The Dingo 3 features reinforced armor against mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), small arms fire, and artillery shrapnel (Picture source: KNDS)
As the latest iteration of an already widely adopted vehicle family, the Dingo 3 incorporates notable improvements in performance, payload capacity, and protection. Its armor, validated through operational use, ensures a high level of security within its weight class. Built on the Mercedes-Benz Unimog chassis, it offers exceptional off-road mobility, a critical factor for the demanding missions of the British Army.
Designed for maximum protection in high-threat environments, the Dingo 3 4x4 balances compactness with performance, supporting a payload of up to 3 tons. It is powered by a 240 kW 6-cylinder diesel engine, paired with an automatic transmission and a central tire inflation system to enhance terrain adaptability. Its continuous safety cell allows direct passage between the driver and crew, featuring an internal height of up to 1.6 meters and a protected volume of 13 m³. This modular design allows for configurations tailored to various operational roles, including command posts, ambulances, and CBRN reconnaissance units.
In terms of protection, the Dingo 3 features reinforced armor against mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), small arms fire, and artillery shrapnel. It is also equipped with standard protection against CBRN threats. The vehicle can be fitted with a wide range of remotely operated weapon stations, adapting to different operational requirements. Its modular construction and integration within an established vehicle family ensure simplified logistics and cost-effective maintenance, making it a viable solution for military forces operating in high-risk environments.
The 6x6 variant of the Dingo 3 is specifically designed for troop transport, offering increased capacity and protection. Its expanded interior provides a protected volume of up to 17 m³ and an internal height of 1.7 meters, ensuring improved comfort and ergonomics for personnel. Built on a militarized Unimog chassis, it maintains high durability and reliability while incorporating a 260 kW 6-cylinder diesel engine with an automatic transmission. With a payload capacity of up to 5 tons and a maximum weight of 20 tons, the vehicle can be configured for various roles, including command missions, CBRN reconnaissance, or medical evacuation. Its automatic or manual central tire inflation system enhances terrain adaptability, while an electrically operated rear ramp facilitates rapid crew deployment.
Regarding protection, the Dingo 3 6x6 provides a high level of defense against ballistic threats, mines, IEDs, and artillery fragments. It also includes standard CBRN protection. The modular architecture supports the integration of various remotely operated weapon stations, ensuring adaptability to evolving mission requirements. Already in service with Germany, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Norway, Austria, and Qatar, the Dingo 3 6x6 is designed to maintain logistical continuity with previous Dingo models, streamlining procurement and maintenance.
The 6x6 variant of the Dingo 3 is specifically designed for troop transport, offering increased capacity and protection (Picture source: KNDS)
Should the British Army select the Dingo 3, KNDS plans to localize production and sustainment in the United Kingdom. This aligns with a strategy of strengthening industrial partnerships within the British defense sector, fostering a long-term economic model that supports national expertise, local employment, and an integrated supply chain. This proposal is also in line with the objectives of the Trinity House Agreement between the United Kingdom and Germany, already demonstrated through the Boxer program. Integrating the Dingo 3 into the British Army’s fleet would provide a modern and proven vehicle while reinforcing industrial and military cooperation with European partners.
The British Army’s Land Mobility Program is focused on modernizing and enhancing the transport and deployment capabilities of its land forces. The primary objective is to procure armored vehicles that combine optimal protection, enhanced mobility, and adaptability to contemporary operational requirements. This program reflects the UK’s commitment to maintaining a force capable of effectively responding to current threats and participating in international missions alongside allied nations.
Several defense companies are competing to supply vehicles for this program. In 2019, Rheinmetall and BAE Systems announced a joint venture in the UK, strengthening their position in the armored vehicle market. General Dynamics is also offering the Ajax infantry fighting vehicle, currently under development for the British Army. Each competitor presents different technical and operational solutions, highlighting the industrial and strategic stakes tied to the modernization of the British Army’s protected mobility capabilities.