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Allison Transmission Expands Market Share in Wheeled Defense Vehicles Beyond North America.
Allison Transmission is steadily advancing its position in the global defense market, securing significant contracts that will bolster the company’s presence in the wheeled defense vehicle segment and drive revenue growth. This progress is anchored by strategic partnerships with vehicle manufacturers to support defense programs worldwide, showcasing a growing interest in Allison’s advanced transmission solutions tailored for military applications.
The U.K. Ministry of Defence has ordered Jackal HMT 400 vehicles (Jackal 3), equipped with the Allison 2500 SP transmission, currently being produced in partnership with Supacat (Picture source: Allison Transmission)
The Allison Specialty Series (SP) automatic transmissions have been selected for a range of wheeled defense vehicles commissioned by various international military forces. A recent noteworthy project includes the Canadian Department of National Defence’s decision to equip its Mercedes-Benz Zetros 8x8 vehicles with Allison’s 4500 SP automatic transmission, as part of its Logistics Vehicle Modernization (LVM) program, in partnership with GDLS-Canada. Production of these vehicles is scheduled to commence in 2025.
Similarly, the ARTEC consortium, comprising KNDS companies Kraus-Maffei-Wegmann and Rheinmetall, has opted for the Allison 4800 SP transmission for the Boxer armored vehicle program of the U.K. Ministry of Defence. Initial transmissions have already been delivered in the U.K. to equip the 8x8 Boxer Mechanized Infantry Vehicles, part of a major order intended for the British Army. The German Bundeswehr also expects to receive Boxer vehicles, with deliveries slated to begin in 2025. To date, over 700 Boxer vehicles have been supplied to various nations, including Australia, Germany, Lithuania, and the Netherlands. Additionally, the U.K. Ministry of Defence has ordered Jackal HMT 400 vehicles (Jackal 3), equipped with the Allison 2500 SP transmission, currently being produced in partnership with Supacat.
In Poland, Allison has entered into a contract with AMZ-Kutno to provide Allison’s 3000 SP transmission for Bóbr-3 light armored reconnaissance carriers, as part of the Kleszcz program, with deliveries expected from 2025 through 2035. Furthermore, in Romania, the Ministry of Defence has renewed its contract with Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV) to supply logistics platforms, including an Astra 8x8 variant equipped with the Allison 4700 SP transmission.
Allison Transmission’s market positioning leverages its extensive experience in commercial vehicle transmissions, strengthening its foothold within the military wheeled vehicle sector. As noted by Heidi Schutte, Vice President of Sales for EMEA, APAC, and South America, “Allison offers a wide range of propulsion solutions that meet the diverse operational requirements of tactical wheeled vehicles, reflecting decades of proven reliability and durability.”
Allison’s international expansion within the wheeled defense vehicle market highlights its ability to meet the specific demands of armed forces, while adapting its commercial-grade technology to meet rigorous military standards. These collaborations are positioning Allison as a strategic and reliable partner in the defense industry, ensuring the long-term sustainability of its partnerships worldwide.
The company’s influence within the defense sector is further solidified by its longstanding history of supporting military forces globally. For over 70 years, Allison transmissions have equipped essential defense vehicles, establishing a notable presence within U.S. military fleets, where they are widely used in medium and heavy-duty combat vehicles due to their fuel efficiency and operational dependability. This military heritage has positioned Allison as a prominent supplier of automatic transmissions designed to withstand extreme environments and intensive operational cycles, supporting everything from disaster relief to combat missions.
Allison automatic transmissions deliver distinct advantages, including enhanced mission execution with increased mobility on all terrains—such as hills and soft ground—as well as exceptional braking and steering capabilities for tracked vehicles. With no mechanical clutch, maintenance costs are minimized, and service intervals are extended, often limited to routine fluid and filter changes. Additionally, Allison highlights improvements in vehicle handling and driver safety, which reduce fatigue and the risk of accidents, enabling operators to remain focused on their missions.
With a global presence, Allison provides consistent support through an extensive network of authorized distributors and dealers, with approximately 1,400 locations worldwide, ensuring rapid assistance and access to authentic replacement parts. This support network is further bolstered by manufacturing facilities in Hungary and India, enhancing Allison’s capacity to deliver customized solutions for military clients across the globe.