The New Zealand Defence Force has decided on the vehicle to be used in its ‘gap crossing capability’ program, choosing an 8X8 MAN platform to deploy a bridging unit developed by General Dynamics European Land Systems.
The NZDF chose to form a collaborative program with the UK Ministry of Defence, utilising a vehicle procurement program to replace the UK Army Medium Mobility transport system.
MAN NZ facilitated the delivery of three units, with an option on a fourth, and will provide parts and servicing.
The vehicles arrived in December last year and are currently being pre-delivered and used for operator training before being officially unveiled.
MAN has recently won a contract to supply vehicles to the Australian army, so it looks likely that MAN will likewise be chosen for a refreshed NZDF fleet.
These weren’t the only MANs to arrive in New Zealand recently, as 45 Singaporean army vehicles were logged in as ‘used imports’ as they arrived for a military exercise in Waiouru.
