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Supacat and MSI-Defence Turn HMT Into a Drone Hunter at IDEX 2025.
At IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Supacat, in collaboration with MSI-Defence and OpenWorks Engineering, is presenting a new version of the High Mobility Transporter (HMT) integrated with a Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) solution. This partnership combines the HMT’s mobility with MSI’s Very Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) capabilities, addressing the growing threat posed by drones on modern battlefields.
The HMT is designed to integrate a variety of mission equipment, including advanced weapons systems, communication suites, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities, as well as force protection measures (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The HMT platform, originally developed for special forces and military units worldwide, is designed to accommodate a wide range of mission requirements. It features a modular architecture that allows for extensive customization, making it suitable for various operational roles.
The platform is available in multiple configurations, including the HMT 400 (4×4), HMT 600 (6×6), and the Extenda variant, which offers a convertible chassis capable of switching between 4×4 and 6×6 configurations by adding or removing a modular third axle. This adaptability enables armed forces to configure their fleet according to specific mission needs, whether for rapid deployment, extended range, or increased payload capacity.
The HMT is designed to integrate a variety of mission equipment, including advanced weapons systems, communication suites, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities, as well as force protection measures. Optional kits provide mine blast and ballistic protection, further enhancing crew survivability in high-threat environments. This adaptability has made the HMT a preferred platform for military forces operating in diverse and challenging environments.
The HMT 400, known as the Jackal in the British Army, has demonstrated its capabilities in demanding operational conditions such as Afghanistan, where its off-road performance and rugged design have proven essential for reconnaissance and rapid assault missions.
One of its key features is an adjustable air suspension system, which allows for variable ride heights to suit different terrains and enables internal transport within a CH-47 Chinook helicopter for rapid deployment in austere environments. In 2024, Supacat introduced the latest iteration of the HMT 400, the Mk3, following an order for 70 vehicles from the UK Ministry of Defence. This new version includes enhancements in protection, electronic systems, and modularity, reflecting the evolving requirements of modern armed forces.
The HMT 600, designated as the Coyote in the British Army, is a 6×6 variant that extends the capabilities of the 4×4 version by offering a higher payload capacity while maintaining comparable off-road performance. The variable-height air suspension system enables it to traverse difficult terrain while carrying additional equipment or personnel.
The Extenda model represents the most flexible iteration of the platform, with its ability to transition between 4×4 and 6×6 configurations depending on operational needs. This feature provides military units with a cost-effective and adaptable solution that can be reconfigured for different missions without requiring an entirely new vehicle. The latest version, the Mk3e, incorporates upgrades in armor, connectivity, and mission system integration, ensuring its relevance in modern military operations.
The introduction of an integrated anti-drone capability into the HMT platform aligns with the increasing proliferation of unmanned aerial threats. Small and agile drones are being deployed for reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and direct attacks, making them a growing concern for ground forces.
The combination of Supacat’s high-mobility vehicle with MSI-Defence’s VSHORAD solution offers a tactical advantage by providing rapid-response protection against drone incursions. This integration enhances battlefield survivability, allowing mobile units to detect, track, and neutralize aerial threats without relying on fixed air defense systems.
Currently, nearly 1,000 HMT vehicles are in service across multiple armed forces worldwide, performing roles in reconnaissance, force protection, logistics, and direct combat support. Their ability to integrate evolving technologies, such as CUAS systems, highlights their continued relevance in modern military operations.
As conflicts increasingly involve asymmetric and hybrid threats, platforms like the HMT that offer mobility, adaptability, and advanced protection are expected to play a critical role in future engagements. Supacat continues to refine its vehicle designs to meet emerging operational challenges, ensuring that the HMT remains a versatile and capable asset in contemporary and future battlefields.