GDLS-UK and Ricardo have joined forces to advance the British Army’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) through the creation of light mobility vehicles based on the Ford Ranger Super Duty platform. The collaboration is designed to meet the Army’s evolving operational needs by delivering flexible, high-performance vehicles suitable for rapid deployment and multi-role missions.
Under the partnership, the companies are producing 4×4 and 6×6 prototype variants tailored for military payload, endurance, and terrain mobility. These models will retain the Ranger’s commercial strengths — including its high safety rating, proven drivetrain, and trailer capabilities — while integrating defense-grade modifications for enhanced protection, power, and off-road resilience.
The initiative highlights the UK’s strategy of leveraging proven commercial technologies to develop affordable and sustainable military platforms. By building upon a globally supported design, the program ensures streamlined logistics, easier maintenance, and strong industrial participation across the UK supply base. Both GDLS-UK and Ricardo emphasized that the effort will support local jobs and contribute to long-term equipment sustainment.
The new vehicles fall within the broader LMP modernization framework, which seeks to replace aging fleets with modular and adaptable platforms under three classes — Light Mobility Vehicle, Light Protected Mobility, and Medium Protected Mobility. The first operational systems are expected to enter service by the late 2020s.
This project complements the UK Ministry of Defence’s ongoing modernization initiatives such as Project Atilla, which repurposes retired MCV-80 Warrior vehicles for unmanned mine-clearing roles. Meanwhile, NP Aerospace continues to expand its role in maintaining and upgrading the nation’s armored and tactical fleets, ensuring readiness for future missions.
