The UK and the Czech Republic have strengthened defence export prospects as new Defence Minister James Cartlidge visited the International Defence and Securities Technologies Fair (IDET) in Brno. Visiting stalls from some of the UK’s key Defence companies, including SUPACAT, Marshall Land Systems and BAE Systems, Cartlidge discussed how the UK defence industry can further support the Czech Armed Forces through defence exports and government-to-government support. Meeting with senior government officials, Cartlidge outlined how the UK would continue to support Czechia, building on a long-standing defence and security partnership between the two nations.
The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia is about to complete negotiations to sign a contract with UK-based defence company, SUPACAT, for 24 High Mobility Transport (HMT) vehicles for their Armed Forces, known in the British Army as the JACKAL series of reconnaissance and long range patrol vehicles. The UK has been producing these vehicles for more than ten years, with contracts delivering on the Prime Minister’s priorities to grow the economy and support UK jobs. The strong defence partnership between the UK and Czechia is showcased by the British Military Assistance Training Team (Czechia) in place for 23 years.
The Jackal or MWMIK (from “Mobility Weapon-Mounted Installation Kit”) is a family of vehicles designed and developed by Supacat Ltd at their factory in Honiton, Devon, UK, for use by the British Army and Royal Air Force Regiment. The primary role of the vehicle in the British Army is deep battlespace reconnaissance, rapid assault and fire support – roles where mobility, endurance and manoeuvrability are important – and it has also been used for convoy protection. The vehicle is based on the HMT (High Mobility Transporter) 400 high-mobility 4×4 design developed by a former subsidiary of Supacat, now built under licence from Lockheed Martin.
The HMT 400 series is a supremely versatile platform with unparalleled cross-country performance by Supacat Group. Already well-proven in the harsh terrain of the Afghanistan battlefield, the 400 has a unique air suspension system that allows the selection of a variable ride height to match the terrain and also, enable internal loading within CH-47 Chinook. Supplied with an optional mine blast and ballistic protection kit, the 400 can be fitted with a variety of mission specific hampers, weapons, communications, ISTAR and force protection equipment to suit a wide range of operational roles.
