NP Aerospace has announced that it has secured a contract from the Belgium Ministry of Defence (BeMOD) to supply 87 Light Tactical Transport Vehicles (LTTV). The current contract follows the original programme aimed at delivering a total of 199 vehicles based on the Mercedes-Benz UNIMOG to replace their aging Unimog vehicles used by Special Operations Forces. As of the latest information, 80 vehicles had been delivered, with 32 more expected soon, leaving this last batch of vehicles still to be manufactured.

The new contract is a direct consequence of NP Aerospace acquiring the assets of Jankel Armouring Limited on June 10, 2024. In addition to manufacturing the LTTVs, this contract includes comprehensive lifetime support for the vehicle fleet, which will be managed through NP Aerospace's established Vehicle Systems, Services, and Spares division. Furthermore, NP Aerospace has also entered into a support agreement for the Belgian Ministry of Defence’s Rapid Reaction Vehicles (RRV) fleet, for which it now holds the intellectual property rights.

The Light Tactical Transport Vehicle (LTTV) for Belgium is based on the Mercedes Unimog U5000 platform, using the civilian version rather than the military one. It has an empty weight of 9.2 t and can weigh up to 10.8 t when fully loaded for Paracommando service. The vehicle is designed to carry 8 fully equipped and armed troops in the rear compartment, plus a driver and vehicle commander, for a total of 10 personnel.

The LTTV features a modular design with removable mission modules, allowing it to be rapidly reconfigured for different roles. The Belgian contract includes 167 troop transport/special forces modules, 8 ambulance body modules, and 24 logistics modules. The vehicle is equipped with a removable ballistic protection kit, a Roll-Over-Protection-System (ROPS), weapon mounts, communications equipment, 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm machine guns, and 40 mm smoke grenade launcher systems. The LTTV has a theoretical range of 1,200 km. Its gearbox can operate in both automatic and manual modes, with manual mode useful for off-road conditions or in case of electronic failure.

The acquisition of Jankel by NP Aerospace is expected to help fulfill the remaining order. Production will begin at NP Aerospace's Coventry facilities, with a renewed focus on meeting quality standards and timelines as agreed with Belgium. The company boasts a robust UK-based supply chain and plans to implement best practices to ensure that production meets or exceeds customer expectations.

The acquisition of Jankel Armouring Limited's assets impacts NP Aerospace's operations in several ways. NP Aerospace is integrating Jankel's product line into its existing portfolio, including tactical vehicles, civilian armoured vehicles (CAVs), armour technologies, seating systems, and through-life support services. The acquisition is expected to create or sustain 60-70 skilled jobs and retain key personnel from Jankel, including engineers and executives. This influx of talent is likely to bring valuable expertise and knowledge to NP Aerospace's operations.

In the latest press releases, NP Aerospace's CEO James Kempston confirmed immediate priority to advance existing customer contracts and deliver successful programs to a global customer base. Indeed, the acquisition is expected to strengthen NP Aerospace's global defence export line, potentially opening up new international market opportunities.

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