The Israel Defense Forces is testing an upgraded JLTV for long-range operational missions

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is conducting a series of tests of the advanced Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) armored vehicle, adapted to perform long-range operational tasks outside traditional conflict zones. During the recent exercises, scenarios were worked out in which the JLTV is transported both by air, using heavy transport aircraft, and by sea in preparation for possible operations in remote regions. These tests reflect a strategic shift: JLTV, originally designed for local tactical tasks and anti-bombing, is now considered a mobile platform for deep raids and expeditionary operations. The military assesses its endurance, compatibility with long-range communication and navigation systems, as well as its ability to support autonomous groups in conditions of limited logistical support. Special attention is paid to the integration of the machine into interspecific operations, including interaction with the Air Force and naval forces. Successful completion of the tests can lead to an expansion of the role of JLTV in the AOI structure — from tactical transport to a universal means of rapid response at the strategic level.

Production of the first Stryker 8x8 armored vehicles for the Bulgarian Ground Forces in the USA has begun — in accordance with the contract of 2023

 The production of the first Stryker 8x8 armored combat vehicles for the Bulgarian Ground Forces has officially begun in the United States and is proceeding according to contractual deadlines. This was confirmed by Brigadier General Stoyan Shopov, Chief of Staff of the Bulgarian Ground Forces. The purchase is regulated by the agreement on the supply of foreign military equipment (FMS), signed in 2023. It provides for the supply of 183 Stryker vehicles of various combat and auxiliary configurations, as well as 15 additional auxiliary platforms. The total cost of the program exceeds 1.376 billion US dollars, payment is made in tranches, the first of which was carried out in 2024 and included the purchase of modern ammunition, including 30 mm shells and anti-tank ammunition.

The first machines are expected in Bulgaria by the end of September 2025, followed by further refinement, configuration and integration of systems at the TEREM-Ivaylo plant in Veliko Tarnovo, which is being expanded to create a maintenance center and local production of components. The contract includes conditions for technology transfer and the development of the national defense industry.

Stryker infantry fighting vehicles are built on the basis of an 8x8 chassis with a Caterpillar diesel engine with a capacity of 350 hp, a maximum speed of up to 100 km/h and a power reserve of about 530 km. The Bulgarian vehicles will be equipped with an uninhabited Kongsberg MCT-30 turret with a 30 mm XM813 cannon, a 7.62mm machine gun, and possibly Javelin anti-tank missiles on some variants. The crew is protected by a double V-shaped bottom and armor according to the NATO standard STANAG 4569 level 4. The vehicle is integrated into modern command and control systems with digital communication channels and high mobility.

Overall, this project represents a significant step in the modernization of the Bulgarian ground forces, replacing outdated Soviet equipment and increasing compatibility with NATO in terms of technical and operational performance.

Stryker 8x8

Turkey has put air defense on wheels: IDEF 2025 showed an anti-aircraft Kaplan with a Teber-2 turret

 

Kaplan ADA

At the IDEF 2025 exhibition in Istanbul, the Turkish company FNSS presented not just a new machine, but a serious response to the main threat of modern wars: drones. Meet Kaplan ADA, a mobile anti-aircraft complex on a tracked platform, equipped with a powerful Teber-2 TMT turret. It's not just a tank with a cannon—it's the eyes, ears, and fists of mechanized units fighting for the sky.

The main idea is simple: previously, air defense was either stationary or lagged behind the advancing troops. And drones, as we see in Ukraine and the Middle East, are hitting precisely the frontline positions. So, Kaplan ADA closes this gap — it rides with tanks and armored personnel carriers and can shoot down an enemy drone, helicopter or even a cruise missile at any second.

The Teber-2 TMT tower is the heart of the system. It has a 30 or 35 mm cannon (depending on the configuration), a radar, a thermal imager and a laser rangefinder. The machine detects targets by itself, accompanies them and fires — even at night and in the rain. And all this is at speed, without stopping.

For Turkey, this is not just a novelty, but part of a larger strategy: to create fully domestic, integrated combat platforms. No dependence on foreign supplies — everything is your own: from armor to software.

In an environment where drones are flying everywhere, and control of the air decides the outcome of the battle, Kaplan ADA is just what you need. This is not just an anti-aircraft gun on tracks. This is a mobile shield for an entire combat group, capable of surviving and winning the hottest conflict.

Turkey has rolled out a new "scorpion" cannon: AKREP II with Cockerill turret at IDEF 2025

AKREP II with Cockerill turret

At the IDEF 2025 international arms exhibition, the Turkish company OTOKAR once again showed that it can make serious machines. The focus is on the updated AKREP II armored combat vehicle, but now with one important "feature": the CSE 90LP combat turret from the Belgian giant John Cockerill was installed on it.

What does it mean? In simple words, a small armored car has received tremendous firepower. The CSE 90LP turret is equipped with a 90 mm cannon, which is capable of piercing not only light armor, but also serious fortifications, and in the future, even outdated tanks. At the same time, the tower is lightweight, automated and ideal for platforms like AKREP II, which are valued for their mobility and fast delivery.

The AKREP II itself is already a proven vehicle: wheeled, fast, with good protection, it is used both for patrolling and in combat conditions. And now, with the new tower, he is turning into a real "hunter of technology" — especially in the context of local conflicts or urban battles.

Such cooperation between a Turkish manufacturer and a European gunsmith is not just a beautiful stand at the exhibition. This is a signal to the market: Turkey is seriously focused on exports, combining its reliable platform with advanced European weapons. And if you need a compact, but at the same time firing "heavyweight", the AKREP II with a Cockerill cannon can be an excellent choice.

Excalibur Army unveiled a new configuration of the Patriot II 4x4 armored vehicle with the Turkish Trakon 30 combat module at IDET 2025

Patriot II 4x4

At the IDET 2025 defense exhibition in Brno, the Czech company Excalibur Army demonstrated the latest version of its Patriot II 4x4 multipurpose armored vehicle. The main feature of this configuration was the installation of a Turkish-made Unirobotics Trakon 30 remote-controlled combat module (RCWS), which integrates a 30x113 mm Venom LR revolver cannon.

The Trakon 30 system was presented in both static and dynamic mode, demonstrating high compatibility with the modular Patriot platform. This integration reflects the continued development of the Patriot series, which is positioned as a versatile wheeled armored platform capable of adapting to various mission profiles and individual customer requirements.

The Patriot II is built on a Tatra 4x4 chassis with a unique central support tube design and a suspension with swinging axles, providing high cross-country ability and stability on rough terrain. The vehicle can carry up to eight people and is equipped with protection systems according to STANAG 4569 standards, including ballistic and mine protection.

The new configuration with a Turkish combat module enhances the firepower and capabilities to counter modern threats, including drones and lightly armored vehicles. This makes the Patriot II 4x4 a competitive solution for the armed forces and security forces seeking high mobility and versatility.

General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada unveiled the upgraded LAV 6.0 Mk II platform at CANSEC 2025

On May 29, 2025, General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada unveiled its most advanced Light Armored Vehicle platform, the LAV 6.0 Mk II, at the CANSEC 2025 Defense Exhibition in Ottawa, Canada. The new version of the armored vehicle is equipped with a modern combat module, including a 30 mm automatic cannon, anti-tank guided missile launchers and barrage ammunition, which significantly expands the combat capabilities of the Canadian armed forces.

The LAV 6.0 Mk II demonstrates significant technological progress and reflects Canada's strategic focus on modernizing ground-based combat systems. Increased firepower and the introduction of advanced weapons make it possible to increase the operational readiness of equipment to perform both internal tasks and allied missions within the framework of international cooperation.

The presentation of the new platform at CANSEC 2025 highlights Canada's commitment to maintaining a high level of combat capability and adapting to modern security challenges. The LAV 6.0 Mk II will be a key element in upgrading the armored vehicle fleet and ensuring the protection of troops on the battlefield.

LAV 6.0 Mk II