Dutch Army receives 200th Manticore medium tactical vehicle from Iveco Defence Vehicles.

On October 3, 2024, the Italian company Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV) delivered the 200th 12kN medium tactical vehicle to the Dutch Army, marking a milestone in its ongoing partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Defence. Known within the Dutch Armed Forces as the "Manticore," the 12kN is designed to support a range of defense and homeland security missions. The initial delivery took place on November 30, 2023, during the NIDV Exhibition for Defence and Security (NEDS) in Rotterdam, with Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman, Commander of the Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT) and National Armaments Director, in attendance.
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The initial delivery took place on November 30, 2023, during the NIDV Exhibition for Defence and Security (NEDS) in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Iveco MTV, designated as the Manticore by the Netherlands Armed Forces, is a Medium Tactical Vehicle (MTV) developed by Iveco Defence Vehicles. This vehicle is part of the Dutch Ministry of Defence's Joint Replacement Programme of Wheeled Vehicles, aimed at updating the military's fleet. The Manticore will replace the Royal Netherlands Army's Mercedes-Benz 290GDs, the Netherlands Marine Corps' Land Rovers, and the YPR-765s used by both the Royal Netherlands Air Force and the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee. Deliveries are scheduled from the second half of 2023 through 2026, with an estimated completion by 2027.

The Netherlands, as the first customer for the MTV, collaborated with the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) to ensure the vehicle met Dutch military requirements. The MTV, with a 12 kN payload capacity (approximately 1,200 kilograms), is modular and adaptable to various roles, including the integration of remote weapon stations, armor packages, jammers, and CBRN defense equipment. The MTV will replace several outdated vehicles, such as variants of the M577 command post vehicles, YPR-765 armored personnel carriers, and Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen ‘Wolf’ off-road vehicles.

On August 15, 2019, State Secretary of Defence Barbara Visser announced Iveco’s selection to supply 918 vehicles and 120 RCWS, with an optional order for an additional 357 vehicles and 10 RCWS. This contract allows for a potential total of 1,275 vehicles and 130 RCWS, with further orders possible within five years of the last delivery. In the September 2020 Defence Project Overview, the Ministry of Defence revised the order by removing 100 vehicles intended for the Netherlands Marine Corps, bringing the total number of Manticore vehicles to 1,185.

Vehicle variants include hard-top, soft-top, pick-up, and ambulance configurations, which will be allocated across various service branches: 948 to the Royal Netherlands Army, 108 to the Netherlands Marine Corps, 94 to the Royal Netherlands Air Force, 28 to the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, and six ambulances for the Defence Support Command.

The Manticore will replace the Royal Netherlands Army's Mercedes-Benz 290GDs, the Netherlands Marine Corps' Land Rovers, and the YPR-765s used by both the Royal Netherlands Air Force and the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee. (Picture source: Netherlands MoD)

The MTV is powered by a 6-cylinder, 6.7-liter diesel engine, producing 207 kW (278 hp) and 1,000 Nm of torque. It features an automated transmission, permanent 4x4 drive, three lockable differentials, and high and low gear ratios. Built on a high-yield steel frame, the MTV can handle a payload of up to 2,000 kg. It is equipped with disc and caliper brakes with ABS and meets NATO interoperability standards, including STANAG 2021, 4062, 4074, 4101, 4381, and 4478. Additional features include run-flat tires, a central tire inflation system (CTIS), blackout (STANAG 4381), and infrared lighting capabilities, supporting its deployment in diverse operational settings.

Protection features across all MTV variants are based on ballistic steel, with optional armor kits to enhance protection against ballistic threats and blasts. The vehicle family includes short and long cab versions, such as the Hard-Top, Soft-Top, Pickup, Medevac, and Military Police variants. Depending on the version, the MTV can transport a crew of up to 2+6 personnel, with specific configurations for personnel and casualty transport. The Medevac model, for example, accommodates two crew members and can carry either two lying or four seated casualties, while the Military Police variant can carry two crew members and up to six passengers, with an optional assault ladder attachment.

Technical specifications of the MTV include a maximum speed of 90 km/h, a range exceeding 600 km, and a ground clearance of 350 mm. It has a fording depth of 750 mm without preparation, which can be extended to 1,500 mm with preparation, allowing it to operate across various terrains. The vehicle’s turning circle is less than 16 meters, with approach and departure angles of 45° and 35°, respectively. It can tow up to 3,500 kg and has a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of at least 12,500 kg. The MTV is available with multiple armament options, including ring mounts, protected ring mounts, RCWS, soft mounts, C4I, assault ladder, and CBRN configurations, enabling it to support a range of mission profiles.

 Built on a high-yield steel frame, the MTV can handle a payload of up to 2,000 kg. (Picture source: Iveco Defence Vehicles)