Land Rover unveils new Defender for British Army after "extreme" testing

The light mobility vehicle is the latest Defender model to be used by the military, with four variants set to be unveiled at the British Army DVD 2026 event.

It uses Defender’s purpose-engineered D7x monocoque construction, allowing for a stiffer body structure to tackle tough environments.

The Defender Wolf Series II is Defender’s first military vehicle launch since the original Defender Wolf, which has been used by the British Armed Forces for more than 70 years.

Defender has confirmed that the Wolf Series II will compete for the Ministry of Defence Light Mobility Vehicle contract.

Jaguar Land Rover has also introduced a new Defender Defence Division to support the requirements of other defence organisations.

The Wolf Series II is the latest addition to the Defender Expert portfolio, which is used by emergency services around the world.

This includes border force, police, military and fire, given its success in extreme environments.

Patrick McGillycuddy, Defender Managing Director, said: "British design and engineered with pioneering off-road technologies and an engine built in Wolverhampton.

"The Defender Wolf Series II is intended as a light mobility solution for people and equipment transportation for the defence sector."

Mr McGillycuddy emphasised the testing regime of the new Defender Wolf Series II, having undergone more than 62,000 trials before being signed off.

Defender stated that it had undergone "extreme" testing, with the chassis and architecture being engineered to withstand the JLR Extreme Event Test.

This involves the car taking repeated and sustained impacts, above and beyond the normal standard for SUVs and passenger cars.

Mr McGillycuddy continued, saying: "Our Defender Wolf Series II has been tested to the extreme and is highly suited to military light mobility purposes.

"Defender already demonstrates its versatility in tough roles for emergency organisations around the world such as border force, mountain rescue, police and fire."

The upcoming British Army DVD 2026 event will feature four variants of the new Defender, including a tactical mobility vehicle, a general mobility vehicle, an ambulance and a utility vehicle.

It will take place at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire in mid-September, with thousands of people set to be in attendance.