On 8 April 2024 the Austrian Ministry of Defence (MoD) ordered a batch of GRF patrol vehicles from Dutch vehicle manufacturer Defenture.
According to a statement from the manufacturer, the GRF is intended to replace the Puch G 290/LP Sandviper used by the Austrian Armed Forces as a new lightweight tactical and air-transportable mobile platform for the Austrian Armed Forces’ Jagdkommando special forces unit. Delivery of the vehicles is already scheduled to begin in 2024.
According to Defenture’s description, the GRF is recognised as a high-performance platform in terms of manoeuvrability, speed, traction and payload. Its high ground clearance for extreme off-road capability and a special four-wheel steering system result in a high degree of mobility and safety. The flexibility of the GRF platform also makes it possible to customise the vehicles with specific configurations tailored to the operational needs of the Jagdkommando.
Defenture and Austria’s Achleitner Group have entered into a strategic partnership for the supply and maintenance of the GRF, Defenture announced. As a partner, Achleitner will provide lifetime maintenance and service support on behalf of and in co-operation with Defenture. The strengths of Defenture and Achleitner will also be combined with regard to system integration and further configuration development.
“We are proud to be working with the Austrian Ministry of Defence and its special operations forces to ensure the highest level of military mobility and security,” said Henk van der Scheer, CEO of Defenture. “This once again recognises the GRF as the reference in the light tactical vehicle segment. The strategic partnership with Achleitner is a good example of how we work together with international partners to create a win-win situation for all parties involved.”
The special forces of Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland are or will also be equipped with a vehicle based on the GRF. The Netherlands has introduced its vehicles from 2023 under the name of Vector Terrreinwagen (ESuT reported: https://esut.de/2022/12/meldungen/38781/niederlaendische-luftlandetruppe-erhaelt-weitere-vector-von-defenture/); Switzerland ordered the vehicles under the name Light Reconnaissance and Support Vehicle (LAUF) in 2023 (Soldat-und-Technik reported: https://soldat-und-technik.de/2023/12/mobilitaet/36219/lauf-20-schweizer-spezialkraefte-beschaffen-grf-von-defenture/); and Germany has ordered vehicles based on the GRF in 2022 under the name Reconnaissance and Combat Vehicle (AGF 2) or Support Vehicle Special Forces Command (UFK) (Soldat-und-Technik reported: https://soldat-und-technik.de/2021/06/mobilitaet/27523/bundestag-billigt-haushaltsmittel-fuer-neue-spezialkraefte-fahrzeugfamilie/), of which prototypes are currently being trialled.
According to Defenture, the GRF is built on a chassis with an ultra-strong centre beam. Together with a 160 kW diesel engine, six-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive and steering, and seats for four or five people, the vehicle’s total weight remains under five tonnes. The payload of the GRF is typically 1,440 kg, but depending on the integrated protection up to 2.2 tonnes can be carried. The payload includes the crew’s personal (infantry) equipment, communications and reconnaissance equipment, weapons, other mission equipment and, if necessary, additional protective elements.
The weapon mounts on the GRF’s roll bars are designed for weapons in calibres from 5.56 mm to 12.7 mm. With external dimensions of 5.1 m x 1.8 m x 1.9 m, the GRF can be transported in a helicopter, such as a CH-47 Chinook, or in an ISO 20-foot container. The vehicle is well motorised at 32 kW/tonne and can reach a top speed of over 130 km/h.
“Defenture’s vehicles are built from the ground up to ensure that special forces can carry out their missions safely and return safely,” the company states. The vehicles fulfil all military requirements and are considered ‘military off the shelf’ (MOTS) mobility platforms. The company itself places high demands on mobility, safety, payload capacity and modular design while remaining focused on the lowest possible lifecycle costs.
In addition to supplying mobility platforms, Defenture also offers itself as a partner for system integration, service and maintenance, driver training and education.
