General Dynamics Land Systems-UK (GDLS-UK) has announced a partnership with engineering firm Ricardo to develop a new series of light mobility vehicles for the British Army’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP). The collaboration aims to deliver modern, high-performance platforms that enhance the Army’s agility, payload capacity, and sustainment efficiency across future operations.
The companies are adapting the Ford Ranger Super Duty as the base model, modifying it to meet military-grade performance and protection standards. The prototypes, available in both 4×4 and 6×6 configurations, retain the Ranger’s proven safety systems, drivetrain, and towing capabilities while incorporating defense-specific upgrades to improve durability, off-road performance, and power output.
By leveraging the Ranger’s commercial reliability and global supply network, GDLS-UK and Ricardo are accelerating production timelines while ensuring cost efficiency. The approach combines civilian automotive technology with defense engineering expertise, helping the British Army transition toward a more versatile and sustainable vehicle fleet.
The project also supports UK industry and supply chain growth, creating opportunities for local manufacturers and maintenance providers. It forms part of a broader LMP modernization effort to consolidate existing vehicle fleets into fewer, more adaptable platforms. The LMP encompasses categories such as Light Mobility, Light Protected Mobility, and Medium Protected Mobility, with operational deployment anticipated by the end of the decade.
Parallel modernization initiatives complement this work, including the conversion of retired Warrior infantry fighting vehicles into unmanned mine-clearing systems under Project Atilla. Additionally, NP Aerospace has been contracted to provide ongoing support for the UK’s armored and utility vehicle fleets, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to strengthening its land combat capabilities.
