Protected patrol vehicles: A brief survey

Protected patrol vehicles (PPVs) are military workhorses, serving in a wide variety of combat and support roles. The following is a selected overview of currently marketed systems, presented by region.

Protected Patrol Vehicles form a diverse category comprised of a wide variety of platforms. Most of those currently being built are 4×4 or 6×6 vehicles. By definition, PPVs are ‘protected,’ that is to say armoured, with organic armour packages varying from light to heavy depending on user priorities and mission profiles. That being said, modern PPVs tend to place a higher premium on mobility and signature management than armour. Modularity is also a significant attribute, with most PPVs having access to a suite of appliqué armour, weapons, sensors and other mission systems which can be configured to meet the mission requirements and the operational environment.

USA

The United States Army and US Marine Corps (USMC) began procurement of the 4×4 Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) with the award of a Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) contract to Oshkosh Defense in August 2015. Full-rate production (FRP) of Oshkosh’s A1 variant was approved in June 2019. The base vehicle is 6.2 m long with a GVW of circa 10,200 kg. The basic protection level of STANAG 4569 Level 1 can be enhanced with modular armour kits. As of mid-2025, Oshkosh had delivered circa 22,000 JLTVs to the US armed forces and another 1,600 to allied and partner nations.

In 2022, the Pentagon re-competed the JLTV programme, and awarded a follow-on contract to AM General in February 2023, ending Oshkosh’s role as prime builder effective 2025. As with the JLTV A1, the new A2 variant was designed to balance mine/blast protection with high off-road mobility. Like the A1, it can be fielded in general purpose, heavy guns carrier, and close combat weapon carrier tactical configurations or as a utility vehicle. Despite the obvious similarities, the A2 variant incorporates more than 270 engineering changes over the A1, including improved suspension, electrical power generation, and digital backbone integration.

The LRIP of AM General’s JLTV A2 variant began in February 2025. However, in a surprise move the US Army announced on 1 May 2025 that it would cease procurement of JLTVs in accordance with a directive by Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth to “end procurement of obsolete systems, and cancel or scale back ineffective or redundant programs, including [excess ground vehicles]”.

 

The decision has largely been attributed to the Pentagon’s shift away from counter-insurgency operations in favour of a ‘pivot’ to the Info-Pacific region and a corresponding re-orientation to lighter, less protected but more mobile vehicles. Army Chief of Staff Gen Randy George compared the JLTV to a “complete shell,” adding that “the problem with some of those vehicles, too, is they’re not very mobile. They get stuck. When you get stuck, you’re also a target.” Ironically, George’s statement stands in stark contrast to a statement by the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) in a 2 September 2025 arms sale notification to the US Senate. The document describes the JLTV as “an optimal choice for a spectrum of light tactical vehicle missions anywhere in the world. All JLTV mission variants include a strong balance of protection, manoeuvrability, speed, reliability, and combat service support capability that far surpasses any similar vehicle in its weight class today.”

Unlike the Army, the USMC remains committed to procuring the JLTV, whereby Marine Corps Commandant Gen Eric Smith has cautioned that the Army’s cancellation will raise unit costs, which could force the Marines to reduce their acquisition target. The Corps’ continued interest in the JLTV is notable as that service is also currently returning to its emphasis on mobility, and is preparing specifically for littoral and island hopping missions in the Indo-Pacific theatre.

Despite the Army’s about-face, both Oshkosh and AM General continue to produce their respective variants for the export market, emphasising customisation to meet diverse customers’ needs. Exports will be fulfilled through both direct commercial sales as well as through government-brokered Foreign Military Sales (FMS).

In April 2025, Oshkosh netted a contract to supply 150 Dutch Expeditionary Patrol Vehicles (DXPV), a specialised JLTV variant tailored for littoral and multi terrain operations, to the Netherlands Marine Corps; this follows several FMS contracts to other nations which were announced in 2023.

On 2 September 2025, the DSCA informed the US Senate that Canada plans to acquire 60 JLTV A2 vehicles, presenting the first foreign sale for AM General’s variant. On 8 October 2025, the firm announced that it would partner with British defence contractor Marshall Land Systems to compete for the upcoming United Kingdom Land Mobility Programme (LMP) solicitation; AM General simultaneously announced that it had hosted a capabilities demonstration of its light tactical vehicle portfolio (including the JLTV A2) for the UK MoD at the UTAC Millbrook Proving Grounds.

France

The Serval 4×4 Véhicule Blindé Multi-Rôle Léger (VBMR-L, light multirole armoured vehicle) entered service with the French Army in 2022. It is produced jointly by lead contractor KMDS France (formerly Nexter) which manufactures the armoured hull and integrates mission systems, and Texelis Defense (currently being acquired by KNDS) which supplies the rolling chassis, driveline, and suspension systems. The 6.5 m long vehicle has a combat weight of 15-17 tonnes depending on configuration. It can be transported by air (A400M or larger), rail or ship, and has a road range of 600 km.

The base variant fits a two person crew plus eight dismounts (2+8). Modular architecture permits the Serval to eventually be configured as 31 variants or subvariants, allowing the vehicle type to cover the complete set of missions and functions that might be encountered during operations. These include reconnaissance, command and control, troop transport, fire support and logistic support missions. Advanced digital communications systems and enhanced battlefield connectivity guarantee full interoperability with other armoured platforms.

 

A remote-controlled weapons station (RCWS) can mount either a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun (HMG) or 7.62 mm machine gun (MG) or a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher (AGL) for fire support or self-defence; a secondary 5.56 mm or 7.62 mm MG is standard. A notable recent version is the LAD counter-drone configuration, equipped with radar, direction finder and ARX30 turret armed with a 30M781MPG automatic cannon chambered in 30×113 mm, and capable of firing airburst munitions.

The Serval protection suite includes base armour against ballistic, mine and IED threats; protection can be enhanced through optional ballistic armour kits. Other survivability systems include a 360° situational awareness suite, CRBN protection (optional), a Thales BARAGE radiofrequency jammer, and a Strike Launch Alert (SLA) detector combining acoustic, optical, and infrared sensors to detect muzzle flashes, missile launches, or incoming rounds.

The Serval has already been deployed on peacekeeping missions in Africa, as well as for multinational exercises within Europe. France plans to acquire about 2,000 Serval vehicles by 2035. The vehicle is also available for export.

Germany

KNDS Deutschland’s Dingo protected transport vehicle family has served with the German armed forces since 2000. Five other NATO nations and several other military forces also utilise Dingo vehicles, making a total of 1,200 currently in service. The protected vehicle is used for personnel transport and convoy operations as well as patrol, reconnaissance, and command missions. Specialised variants, including ambulance and battlefield repair vehicle, are also in use. All versions of the Dingo are known for a high level of protection as well as robust all-terrain performance.

The newest iteration is the Dingo 3. Its passive armour package provides protection against small arms and shrapnel, as well as mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). NBC protection is also offered. The protected core of the vehicle is formed by the armoured steel safety cell outfitted with side doors and an electrically driven rear ramp. The Dingo 3 is available in the 4×4 and the 6×6 troop carrier core configurations, and the 6×6 ambulance. The 4×4 and standard 6×6 accommodate a variety of RCWS including one proprietary to KNDS. The flexible layout permits customising the rear or crew compartment with mission-specific equipment kits depending on end-user requirements.

The 4×4 is oriented toward multifaceted mission profiles and extreme terrain conditions, with a road range of over 800 km. It is based on the militarised Unimog 14.5 chassis. The 6.6 m long vehicle has a maximum permissible weight of 14.8 tonnes (including a 3 tonne payload capacity), up from a 13.1 tonne GVW with the Dingo 2 4×4. The vehicle accommodates a two-person crew in the cab plus up to eight dismounts in the rear or crew compartment (2+8), with a passage connecting the two spaces. Alternate configuration options include NBC reconnaissance or mobile command post. The new vehicle can accept up to 2 tonnes of equipment, up from 1.5 tonnes for the equivalent Dingo 2.

 

Other improvements compared to Dingo 2 include a new drivetrain with a high-torque 6-cylinder turbo diesel engine, automatic transmission and automatic central tyre inflation system (CTIS), significantly increased electric power (11.2 kW) to support future installation of new mission systems, and a stronger air conditioning system (16 kW cooling power). The driver’s instrument panel has been modernised, including addition of a driver information system.

The 6×6 variant of the Dingo 3 based on the Unimog FGA 20 is 8.05 m long with a maximum permissible weight of 20 tonnes including 5 tonnes of payload, of which 3.5 tonnes can be used for equipment. With a crew compartment volume of 17 m³, the vehicle is capable of accommodating the crew plus ten dismounts (2+10) making it suited to the troop carrier role; however it is also modular and adaptable to numerous mission profiles including patrol, reconnaissance, command, maintenance, recovery or radar carrier vehicle or ambulance.

Switzerland

Mowag (now owned by General Dynamics European Land Systems or GDELS) introduced the Eagle family of vehicles (FoV) in 1992. The latest generation, the Eagle V, was presented in 2010. It is the first Eagle PPV to be built in both a 4×4 and 6×6 chassis. The 5.4-m-long 4×4 variant has a maximum weight of 11.5 tonnes including a 3.5 tonne payload capacity; it seats four including the commander and driver (2+2), and can accommodate a temporary fifth seat. The 6.9 m 6×6 vehicle has a maximum weight of 17 tonnes including up to 5 tonnes of payload; depending on configuration, it accommodates 12 including the commander and driver (2+10).

Both Eagle V variants use the de Dion suspension which enhances off-road mobility and stability. Like the Dingo, the Eagle focuses the primary protection around the crewed areas of the vehicle. A double-V shaped floor and internal decoupling measures maximise integrated mine protection. The vehicle’s ballistic STANAG 4569 Level 1 protection can be increased up to Level 3 via optional kit armour and can be augmented by counter-RPG measures; additional protection options include NBC filtration, automatic fire suppression, and a shielded engine compartment. A variety of weapons can be carried on the optional roof-mounted remote weapon station (RWS). The vehicle itself can be configured for a number of roles including general patrol, reconnaissance, surveillance, SHORAD and ambulance configurations.

Serbia

The BOV M16 Miloš 4×4 multipurpose armoured vehicle is designed and manufactured by Yugoimport. Production has been ongoing since 2017. The Miloš entered service with the Serbian armed forces in 2019, and is utilised for a wide variety of missions including patrol, reconnaissance, anti-terrorist operations, special operations force support, and anti-tank operations. The independent suspension system ensures high mobility in multiple terrains.

The 5.45 m long vehicle has a maximum weight of 14 tonnes. The 6.5 m³ crew compartment accommodates up to eight soldiers including the commander and driver (2+6). Four are seated in the forward section of the vehicle and disembark via four standard doors, while four additional personnel are seated in the rear and deploy via a hydraulic ramp or inbuilt rear door.

The hull is made of armoured sheet steel and offers STANAG 4569 Level 3 ballistic protection on the front and Level 2 on the other sides. Mine protection reaches STANAG 4569 Levels 2a and 2b.

The BOV M16 can be equipped with a remote or manually controlled weapon station capable of mounting a variety of weapons including a 12.7 mm HMG or a M134D minigun. Alternately, anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) and very short-range air defence (VSHORAD) missiles can be mounted.

The Miloš 2 entered service in 2023. The 6.5 m long variant has a maximum weight of 18 tonnes. It is armed with the 1,000 kg Kerber RWS, developed by Yugoimport and designed for carriage by light- to medium-armoured vehicles. The Kerber is provided with day and thermal optronic sights and a fire control system, and armed with three 20 mm automatic cannons chambered in 20 × 110 mm, providing the vehicle with a high-volume firepower capability against ground, air, and maritime threats. With procurement by the Serbian armed forces continuing, this vehicle is also offered for export.

Türkiye

BMC Otomotiv Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. produces the Vuran series of 4×4 PPVs. The baseline Vuran 4×4 personnel carrier variant is referred to as the ‘MPAV’ (Multi-Purpose Armoured Vehicle). The 6.22 m long PPV has a GVW of 19.1 tonnes can be deployed as a general patrol vehicle seating nine personnel including the commander and driver (2+7). The mission profile also includes area or point reconnaissance, point defence, and convoy escort. An optional roof-mounted RWS can be armed according to the user’s requirements. In addition to the patrol vehicle, specialised Vuran can be configured as a 120 mm mortar carrier or armed with a 107 mm multiple rocket launcher. The Vuran entered service with the Turkish armed forces in 2019, and has since been exported to seven additional countries.

The Vuran can operate in weather conditions between -32° and +49° and in high humidity. Off-road performance includes the ability to navigate 60% gradients and 30% side slopes. Ground clearance of 400 mm and fording capability of 800 mm translate to excellent manoeuvrability in difficult terrain. Standard equipment includes a fire suppression system, air conditioning, an arctic kit, run flat tyres and a central tyre inflation system, a self-recovery winch, jammer, gunshot detection system and front and rear cameras. RPG and CBRN protection are optional. The unibody, armoured cabin and shock-absorbing seats provide ballistic, mine and IED protection. BMC further cites compliance with DIN EN1522-1063 ballistic protection standards.

UAE

The Edge Group’s subsidiary Nimr Automotive LLC produces several lines of protected patrol vehicles ranging from light to heavy. The 4×4 Ajban 440A protected light tactical patrol vehicle was introduced as a derivative of earlier Ajban logistics and support vehicles. In 2021, Nimr launched the second generation Ajban light PPV line, designated Ajban Mk2. Despite the continuity of the name, the Mk2 features substantial changes, with significantly enhanced payload, ballistic and mine protection.

The Mk2 series is currently marketed in three configurations: the 442A, the 432AU, and the 452A. The vehicles features a V-hull structure for enhanced blast resistance, and a fully armoured monocoque cabin for effective protection from ballistic threats. A floating floor further enhances vehicle integrity and crew safety against under-vehicle blast. Critical ballistic protection for the engine is optional, as are sealed fuel tanks and an automatic fire-extinguishing system. Situational awareness and navigation are enhanced through front and rear external cameras. Weapons options include a roof-mounted weapon ring to accommodate a machine gun or grenade launcher. Gun ports in the cabin permit the crew to deploy small arms fire under armour. The interior layout facilitates integrating command, control and communication systems tailored to mission requirements.

The smallest and lightest configuration is the 442A; this 5.8 m long vehicle has a GVW of 14.5 tonnes and a 4,000 kg payload. It is designed for four soldiers (2+2 seating) but can accommodate a fifth. The mission profile encompasses general patrol including reconnaissance, surveillance, and light combat. The 432AU is somewhat larger than the 442A, and mostly intended for utility roles, although it can be configured as a mortar carrier.

 

Nimr introduced the enhanced Ajban 452A in 2025. Capacity has been expanded to 11 crew (2+9), with a 3,500 kg payload capacity and a GVW of 16 tonnes. It retains the common 4×4 chassis and modularity of the Mk2 generation. Dimensions (length 6.050 m, width 2.51 m, height 2.695 m, wheelbase 3.5 m) are slightly larger than the 442A, but still compact considering the fact that the vehicle’s capacity bridges into roles often filled by 6×6 platforms. In addition to patrol and personnel transport, specialised configuration options include command and control vehicle, artillery observation or ambulance. The 452A, which is still classified as a light tactical patrol vehicle, features an armoured hull with a V-shaped design for enhanced underbody blast resistance. NBC protection and smoke grenade launchers round out the protective package.

A premium on flexibility

In the past, PPVs were often developed with a premium placed on armour and other protective attributes at the expense of mobility. Early MRAPs for example, were deliberately designed with a high ground clearance to better survive mines and IEDs, but this higher centre of gravity increased the risk of rollover on uneven terrain. Current design philosophy is oriented toward a more even balance between firepower, survivability, mobility, and cost.

Sidney E. Dean