BAE Systems has joined forces with GM Defense and NP Aerospace to form Team LionStrike, which is bidding to modernise the British Army’s ground vehicle fleet, the company stated.
The partnership will compete in the Ministry of Defence’s Land Mobility Programme, which is intended to replace ageing vehicles with more capable and cost-efficient platforms. GM Defense will contribute its vehicle portfolio, including commercial trucks, SUVs and its Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV).
BAE Systems will adapt and enhance these platforms for military use, while NP Aerospace will ensure compliance with UK requirements and act as the proposed UK-based design authority.
According to BAE Systems, the work would be led by its Weapons Systems UK business, which provides a range of combat systems and support to British and international customers. John Borton, Managing Director of Weapons Systems UK, said:
“The combined capabilities of Team LionStrike enable us to lead the charge for the UK Government’s ambitions to revitalise and sustain vital UK defence capacity, and ensure the British Army has the best capabilities to support their evolving needs.”
Steve duMont, President of GM Defense, argued that the approach would deliver operational benefits: “We have formed Team LionStrike with BAE Systems and NP Aerospace to make the UK more secure with fast, flexible and effective mobility solutions that reduce the complexity, cost, and risks of training and deploying troops.”
NP Aerospace’s role focuses on integration and support. CEO James Kempston said: “As the team’s proposed UK-based Design Authority, specialist integrator, and support provider, NP Aerospace brings proven expertise and a strong track record of delivery. This ensures that Team LionStrike can be relied upon to deliver future vehicle programmes, including LMV.”
The company added that the project would sustain skilled jobs at its Midlands site and generate new supply chain opportunities. Team LionStrike will showcase its proposal at the Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition in London beginning 9 September.
Lots of big words but few if any real facts. What vehicles are they on about, ie type/numbers?. And when will this happen. Our army and the MOD are good at talking, focus groups, asking for bids etc but ordering any other than spares or service seems be way out of their minds, and has been for a while now. All you ever see its options, ideas, window shopping, briefings, and nothing else. 2 years since we gave most AS90′, then all AS90’s away and nothing ordered. Less for 14 wheeler Archers, Still no firm answer on what is replacing Warrior just ideas and thoughts. no orders.
No large ammo orders to replace gifted ammo, and on the farce goes.
Hang on Martin, thats simply not fair….
I know for a fact that only last week a new steering group has been set up to oversee the new focus group on the sandwich options for Warrior Replacement sub committee monthly meetings.
The Coffee and Tea steering group is of course a separate sub group of the sub group steering committee of the Mod meetings refreshment department.
Cam you imagine organising their Christmas party!
Indeed people do underestimate the complexity of supplying Brandy and cigars to these committees on such a large scale on a modest multi million pound budget. Not to mention booking appropriate sized oak panelled meeting rooms at the various much in demand prestigious London Gentlemen’s Clubs. This stuff doesn’t come cheap and even scheduling time for those vital follow up meetings can be a pig as they work tirelessly pursuing urgent multi national contacts and deals in international hot spots as wide ranging as Monaco and Monte Carlo. Tough work but someone’s gotta do it… especially since Prince Andrew is otherwise engaged.
These press releases sound more like a double glazing sales pitch every day. *Team Lionstrike* FGS.
Russias going to be scared stiff of all these multiple and frankly terrifying naming regimes we are producing. Bet China wished they had so many to parade yesterday too, they will be furious to have been so upstaged. Meanwhile while Bae US are involved in all manner of vehicle platforms, Bae UK have to go to GM to find a range of vehicles to snap up. Probably following up on Trumps behind the scenes ‘tariff’ regs.
We should end up with more capable vehicles….probably, but more cost efficient platforms…….not in this universe.