Moog and General Dynamics Land Systems UK (GDLSUK) have revealed a new short-range air defence (SHORAD) variant of the British Army’s Foxhound 4×4 protected patrol vehicle at DSEI 2025 in London.
The vehicle integrates Moog’s Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP), already in U.S. Army service for SHORAD and counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) missions, onto the proven Foxhound platform. The result is a mobile system capable of countering drones, aircraft and other aerial threats while retaining the flexibility of Foxhound’s modular design.
The DSEI configuration is equipped with Starstreak or Martlet missiles, a 30×113 mm cannon, a 7.62 mm machine gun, and an electro-optic sensor. According to Moog, this demonstrates how light forces could leverage significant firepower in both air defence and C-UAS roles.
Richard Allen-Miles, EMEA Capture Lead at Moog, said: “We’re excited to showcase this highly capable SHORAD vehicle at DSEI 2025 and highlight even more cutting-edge solutions with General Dynamics Land Systems. The RIwP-equipped Foxhound is one of the most advanced platforms available today for SHORAD and thanks to its reconfigurability and base hub design, can be used for other missions, including C-UAS and MCCO.”
Nick Williams, Head of Strategy and Business Development at GDLSUK, added: “The RIwP-equipped Foxhound is a powerful example of British-led innovation and industrial collaboration. By integrating Moog’s proven RIwP system onto the battle-tested Foxhound platform in just weeks at our Merthyr Tydfil facility, we’ve demonstrated how agile, sovereign capability can be rapidly delivered to meet evolving threats. But this is just the beginning. Foxhound’s modular architecture and adaptability unlock significant untapped potential — not only for SHORAD and counter-UAS missions, but also for a wide range of operational roles.”
The companies emphasised that both Foxhound and RIwP are already mature systems in service, allowing for accelerated entry into service if adopted. The project also showcases UK industrial capability, with the integration carried out in Wales by British-led teams.
GDLSUK and Moog said the system could evolve for roles beyond SHORAD, including anti-armour and mounted close-combat overwatch, while offering an attractive option for export customers seeking adaptable, sovereign capability.
Great. Very very pressing and urgent requirement. Any chance of HMG actually ordering some GBAD systems? A few dozen of these will come in very handy for the army ditto RAF and RN for ground installation defence.
We can’t very well say industry is not trying can we?
Agree Jacko. This vehicle is precisely what we should be deploying. A relatively cheap polyvalent SHORAD system using a proven vehicle platform that is already in service.
It offers a graduated response. High end high value high performing drones get a missiles, medium capability drones get the canon whilst cheapo FPV drones deploying a kg or so of explosives get either the canon or machine gun.
The UK armed forces need dozens of these vehicles pronto. Evidence from yesterday’s Russian incursion into Polish airspace shows that. GBAD is NATOs and the UKs Achilles heel. We supposedly all committed to a 5 fold increase in GBAD capability. We’ve ordered a few more land Ceptor launchers for £150 million and that’s it. No low coat polyvalent unit to defeat masses of cheap drones. This vehicle is PRECISELY what we should be ordering.
Mr Bell you win the best word prize of the week with polyvalent 👏
Beyond that I agree with everything you just said.
BOOM.
All this great 🇬🇧 kit, why don’t the MOD order some? Common sense, good value, and needed surely?
A mystery for our time?
The UK’s 7,000 missile strategy should be largely based around 4 missiles which are all homegrown:
1. CAMM – hundreds more inc in ER variant for Army and RN. Possibly CAMM-MR for RAF (and RN?) for area defence.
2. Martlet – mounted on Army vehicles like this article but also Army Wildcats. Deployed on RN ships inc the Rivers for SHORAD and defending from asymmetric surface attacks. Deployment on Camcopter drones too
3.SPEAR 3 – rollout integration with Typhoon to get into service faster. Surface launched variant too.
4. SPEAR 5/STRATUS for RAF/RN strike.
Can’t argue against that logic. Stick to a nice mix of high-end and cheaper shorter ranged units but standardise production techniques, fortify the supply chain and order in adequate numbers
I took the 7,000 as Strike weapons to hit ground targets, not AD missiles like CAAM.
To my cynical mind, some thousands will be Strike Drones, but the MoD spin machine says missiles, more sexy sounding.
Show room only
Perfect fit for what our armed forces need and should be there at ALL military installations and our critical infrastructure installations. Possibly could this also be fitted to warships? Perfect fit for them and RFA’s. Lets see some orders coming in ASAP. As so far this Gov have ordered nothing of any substance for our Miltiary!
There was a trial to mount HVM/LMM to the DS30M mounts a few years ago, but I don’t think it went anywhere. A system like this or Thales RapidRanger would be a good way to give some of the smaller ships like the OPVs some basic air defence capabilities. Perhaps there’s potential to build a RIM-116 style CIWS system based off of HVM, but that’s a question for Thales to answer.
From memory, LMM worked perfectly fine when mounted on the DS30 and took out a number of targets. However, there was a problem of the back blast impinging the walls of the ship. Where some of the lockers contained 30mm ready rounds for the DS30. To be used on the mount, there needs to include a jet exhaust deflector or LMM is modified to use a soft launch system, where the 1st stage is ignited in front of the launcher by a few metres.
I’d be very surprised if backblast is an issue considering that LMM is meant to be shoulder fired.
Just because something is shoulder fired doesn’t mean backblast isn’t an issue. Even NLAW requires the operator to check behind them for people, walls, or other objects before firing for exactly this reason (and also why you often see ATGM’s fired from on top of roofs rather than from in rooms).
There’s a good picture on the Navy Lookout piece on the DS30 mount fitted with five round Martlet launcher. This was the trial on HMS Sutherland back in 2019. Not sure if the link below will work. But the picture showing a Martlet being fired shows how long the exhaust plume is.
https://www.navylookout.com/royal-navy-test-fires-ship-mounted-martlet-lightweight-multi-role-missile/
Thanks, I had forgotten that it has a boost stage while still in the tube, that’s quite a considerable backblast.
Can we order some and send them to Ukraine for testing. Seems like the perfect cost effective system we could use for guarding airfields and other instillations from drones. Much better idea than trying to put Sky Sabre batteries everywhere.
The US is developing programmable airburst munitions for the 30×113 mm cannon so this system should be able to defeat everything from drones swarms to low flying cruise missiles.
Would that airburst ammunition work be compatible with the Royal Navy 30mm cannons?
That is interesting because it’s one of the real weakness of the Rivers 2 weapons fit as will as the secondary weapons fit for the older escorts and larger ships getting a good proximity fused airburst on the 30mms in RN service would make a real difference.. it’s why I keep harping on about giving the carriers and Rivers 2 40mm Mk4s.
It’s a different calibre to the 30mm cannons the RN uses, but airburst ammunition already exists in 30x173mm anyway.
In April 2019 Northrop Grumman said it was is developing new proximity fuzed air bursting 30x113mm ammunition for the its M230 series Bushmaster Chain Guns.
The RN uses the MSI-Defence Systems 30mm DS30M Mark 2 mount using the 30mm Mark 44 Bushmaster II cannon firing the 30x173mm round, MSI-Defence Systems sold a variant to the USN as the MK 38 MOD 4 30 mm gun weapon system (GWS), a twin-mount MK 38 MOD 4 fit comprising the MK 88 MOD 4 gun mount together with the associated L3Harris MK 48 MOD 2 Electro Optical Stabilised Sight, EOSS, which is installed off-mount, the stabilised, dual-axis EOSS director contains both TV and a high refresh rate laser rangefinder to counter C-UAS and C-USVs being backfitted to Burkes.
Amendment the MK48 MOD 2 also contains thermal camera.
Now buy them in quantity. In recent weeks, there has been some cooling of UK defence spending, according to rumours emanating from the Treasury; however, that was before the Polish border drone incident and the political turmoil in France. Now, this new situation leaves the UK more exposed and with fewer fiscal options, and forced to hike taxes at the next budget. The Ukrainian War is now beginning to trigger unexpected scenarios, which can only be faced if the UK rapidly rearms to take a leading role in the defence of Europe, and I believe this can only be achieved through emergency actions, cutting red tape and taking the initiative.
Question for anyone who knows Moog. The optics here look very low down and could have some vision obscured or, are they telescoped? Maybe its not an issue.
Another question, if Moog can put 2×4 StarStreak/Martlet on a 30mm can they do the same with the Naval 30mm mounts?
I see Angus above asking same.
Foxhound’s out of service date appears to be 2030. If (big if?) that’s true, is it the right platform for this SHORAD fit?
Well if it’s got a 30mm cannon and martlet missiles it would also make one nasty little direct fire platform as a secondary role. This would be pretty perfect for 11th, 4th, 7th and 16th brigades.
All sorts of possibilities? However the only possibility that will come out of it is the fact we won’t buy any🙄
It’s enough to make you seriously as what politics is at play upstairs at Andover and with HMG.
Are they that cash stripped?
I think they are to be honest.. my worry is in year savings is crippling what needs to happen..
It’s interesting when one looks at 12RA and it’s component Batteries.
HVM Stsrstreak on Stormer was once plentiful, compared to other types, in it’s allocation to BGs and Brigades.
Until Labour gutted it, along with the RAF Regiments GBAD Sqns in 2004, as we didn’t need AD anymore against tribesmen in Helmand.
Recently, another Fire Battery has formed in 12 RA.
I’ve not counted recently, but I question whether enough Batteries exist in 12 RA for 12,20,DRSB,7,4,16 Bdes so they each have a Battery allocated, which, as I understand it, usually happens with these high demand, low density niche capabilities.
As some have said here, even if the Batteries exist, the kit doesn’t.
And another point:
The much reported urgent order fir 12 VAMTAC Rapid Ranger with LMM to replace the 6 Stormer sent to UKR didn’t seem to progress.
Why?
As usual, the wait to see what this mythical trippling of SHORAD comprises continues.
Yep in the end what matters is buying a load and having the correct number of regiments and batteries active to support all your deployable formations.. let’s keep our fingers crossed for sanity..
I do think lots and lots of SHORAD may be a priority because what Ukraine has shown is the air threat is now not just high Tec small numbers is back to low tec attrition.. any old tribal group can now throw hundreds of drones at a formation.. a peer army can literally bury you.
I think our armed forces have again started to just about twig onto the fact almost all wars are long attritional affairs and a couple of gold plated HMS Massives will lead you to lose…Ukraine has really helped in that regard.. on land in the air and on seas.
Ive been told it was something to do with safety issues as to why rapid ranger didnt come in and also to do with the potential replacement vehicle coming in sooner as ranger was only due to be an interim bit of kit, on a more interesting bit of news from the fall out of DSEI 25, 12RA are due to get 120 + patria 6×6 by 2027 to replace all stormers and bulldogs and uplift what we have. Apparently the regt CO confirmed this.
If so the moog riwp turret would be f***ing awesome from someone who would be the end user this is exciting news, the potential future roles we could offer would be a massive asset and certainly achieve the increase in lethality that army wants. Here’s to hoping.
Hi Ben.
Thanks for this.
On a previous discussion that we’ve had about Sky Sabre, it looks like you were correct.
I was sceptical, but clearly wrong.
A FOIA request I saw has MoD refusing to admit to launcher numbers in 16, so looks like they were as few as you said.
You did tell me it was only 6, or something, doubling to 12 with the latest order.
All rather pathetic.
On 12 Reg, 120 Patria would get the Regiment back a lot closer to what it was before the 2004 cuts, it had many Stormer HVM back in the day.
Assume then this is the “tripling” of SHORAD that the CGS spoke of some time ago.
You probably cannot say, but has there been any indication that 12 RA will get the Moog Turret with the Cannon, MG, and HVM?
A game changer to be able to engage targets with AA fire,which the British Army has not had for some time.
Yea agreed pretty dismal for 16 RA.
As for 12 this is just CO confirming what everyone suspects about the the patria buuuuut….. this could be wrong until the official statement from mod is released. As for moog I have heard nothing not a whisper, not even in the duty gen smoking areas. But it has been featured alot on various light and medium platforms pushed for the LMP except for patria 6×6. The only thing I did hear in this regard was from a member of Thales saying moog didnt ask for permission to use a replica for the prototype that was on demo a while back.
Hopefully moog and thales can collaborate on this and we take this option instead of placing the rapid sentry on top, as this would provide self protection aswell giving another option to shoot drones down instead of using the expensive missile. Every logical choice would be for this turret standard across many units and platforms making interobility with not only our American allies but also within our own army, especially for reme moving around all the time training them in the maintenance side would be less time as the turret and gun would be generic.
Agreed. Every Platoon, Company, Squadron, could have one.
Making SHORAD integral to sub units throughout the Field Army.
My scepticism says such effective solutions never happen, and they go for some expensive, niche solution in small quantities to be ineffective.
I mean, even if 12RA expands to 120 plus Patria, you guys cannot be everywhere, and by my understanding, your Batteries are allocated 1 Per Bde.
Which for SHORAD is pretty wide frontage?
Would be ideal but unfortunately we dont have an American budget, with the moog system being modular its also future proofing aswell, I did see different setups like the sgt stout for u.s mshorad, you could use it for brimstone, jav and many more with a small amount of work the options are vast saving money in the long run.
There is rumours we are to get a 3rd GBAD regt to be announced this side of xmas, again smoking area gen and just that until confirmed. This could all just be smoke and mirrors to keep the lads excited to stop them signing off hahaha
Hi Ben.
I too am aware of that rumour, and have shared it here already.
Adding a 3rd AD Reg goes along with stories that 7 ADG will become a Bde and a 1* Command.
Although, from what I suspect, the Army create new formations by halving existing ones, so no real expansion.
Though of course it looks good for their spin machine.
Though I do believe that 16 had real uplifts in personnel over the last year, which does fit with the new launchers ordered.
I wait eagerly for the news as this would certainly mean one of the 3 regt would have to move.
Interesting….I’d read of the new builds at Baker Barracks but no space for a 3rd Regiment?
Assume still quite local as MoD like to have similar assets clustered in certain areas.
Surprised no mention of the UK joining the Patria 6×6 program.
It was discussed on the Ajax IFV thread.
But yes, no article yet.
I’ll be amazed if it doesn’t happen. There is no better option out there for an affordable protected vehicle to massively boost numbers, bot just as an APC but also in other roles i.e. mortar.
So….this vehicle is used by Infantry Battalions of 7 Light Mech Brigade.
Even if the Bde ends up on Boxer, and the Foxhounds are given to 4 Bde, or the Reserve, it seems such an obvious purchase?
Until one looks at our only Regular SHORAD Regiment, 12RA, to see if they even have a Battery allocated to 7 Bde.
Even if they don’t, SHORAD is meant to triple, according to the CGS.
Spin? Or reality.
There seems to be a never ending conveyer belt of GBAD kit, often from UK suppliers, like some version of The Generation Game.
And the Army and HMG sit and watch the offerings go by and do nothing.
Why?
We ever going to buy any or just have meeting about it? Good system on vehicle we already have, and fills a large gab with have. Lets wait and see if any thing happens or will drown in endless MOD speak and waffle but get no where.
In the US BAE Inc awarded a $1.7 billion contract for ~ 55,000 conversion kits for the Mach 2 APKWS II lots 13-17 to Dec. ’31, ~$31,000 ea., appears to include the laser seekers fitted on the forward fins and not the new variant under development which includes the addition of an infra-red seeker to make it a pseudo fire and forget missile. APKWS is a 2.75″ rocket of modular design to fit warheads and fuses etc, basic rocket said to only cost $1200! BAE inc also exploring using new gen Highly Loaded Grain propellant technology to extend range.
Some Viper APKWS kits were supplied to Ukraine to fit on back of trucks but US has limited supply, US has been using them in Red Sea fired from F-16s & F-18s with seven round launchers with success at the Houthi drones, drastically reduce costs in not using Sidewinders at ~$400,000 each. At first glance APKWS would appear an order of magnitude cheaper than Thales Martlet, anyone know the cost of a Martlet.
I love it I love it I love it I want one.
Foxhound is my favourite wheeled military vehicle and just the GREATEST MRAP! 😁
Is that true? I don’t care.
The only disappointment was the slight underuse of the modular cabin.
Rectified!!! 🤩
Dear bob she’s beautiful, I want one
Still three years out of date, too expensive and not enough for their invasion plans.
Bear in mind Ukraine has lost around six hundred air defense assets so far