New Zealand Welcomes Spanish-Built VAMTAC ST5 for Next-Gen 4x4 Tactical Vehicle Program.

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has taken a significant step toward modernizing its tactical mobility and digital warfare capabilities with the arrival of its first Spanish-made VAMTAC ST5 prototype vehicle. Delivered from the UROVESA military vehicle manufacturing facility in Galicia, Spain, the prototype was transported aboard one of the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s newly acquired C-130J-30 Hercules aircraft. This delivery marks the beginning of a transformative program aimed at replacing the NZDF’s most frequently deployed operational vehicle fleet, with a particular emphasis on advanced communications integration.
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The first VAMTAC ST5 Medium prototype arrives in New Zealand aboard an RNZAF C-130J-30, marking the start of the NZDF’s tactical vehicle modernization program. (Picture source: New Zealand Government)

The VAMTAC ST5, or Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico (High Mobility Tactical Vehicle), is a 4x4 light tactical vehicle developed and manufactured by URO Vehículos Especiales S.A. (UROVESA), a Spanish company based in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia. UROVESA has a long history of supplying rugged and highly mobile vehicles to armed forces and security services across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. The VAMTAC series is known for its modular design, off-road performance, and adaptability to a wide range of military roles, from troop transport and medical evacuation to weapons platforms and communication hubs.

What sets this VAMTAC ST5 prototype apart is its role as a testbed for the next generation of New Zealand Defence Force communications and digital systems. A joint Ministry of Defence and New Zealand Army project team will utilize the vehicle to design, install, and test these cutting-edge systems. This testing phase will be critical in finalizing the digital architecture that will be implemented across the future fleet. According to Sarah Minson, Deputy Secretary, Capability Delivery, "This vehicle is the first VAMTAC ST5 Medium variant to be built by UROVESA for the Ministry of Defence. Its arrival signals the start of a new era in military communications mobility for our forces."

Once system integration and testing are completed, the vehicle will transition to roles supporting operator training and operational release, ensuring troops are fully prepared for the deployment of the new fleet. The VAMTAC ST5 prototype is part of the first tranche of New Zealand’s utility vehicle replacement project, which includes the acquisition of 60 new vehicles comprising both Light and Medium-sized variants to replace the aging Unimog and Pinzgauer platforms.

These vehicles are intended for multi-role deployments including stability operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and search and rescue missions. Built for robustness and adaptability, the VAMTAC ST5 is equipped with a 6.7-liter Cummins turbocharged and intercooled engine, capable of reaching speeds up to 110 kilometers per hour. Its off-road capabilities are enhanced by a 4x4 drivetrain, inter-axle and inter-wheel differential locks, and a central tire inflation system that allows pressure adjustments directly from the cab, making it highly maneuverable in New Zealand’s diverse and challenging environments.

UROVESA’s tactical vehicles are already fielded by over 20 countries, including several NATO member states and Singapore, attesting to their reliability and operational effectiveness. In New Zealand, the fleet’s sustainment and support are being managed by EPE New Zealand Ltd., ensuring domestic integration and maintenance expertise are in place as the program moves forward.

The arrival of the VAMTAC ST5 is more than just a delivery. It represents a strategic investment in the NZDF’s future capability, enhancing both mobility and digital resilience for New Zealand’s deployed forces.