Valhalla Turrets, in cooperation with General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) and the Slovenian Armed Forces, has conducted a live demonstration of the Mangart 25 remote turret system mounted on a Pandur 6×6 armored personnel carrier (APC). The trials subjected both the platform and the turret to continuous high-intensity operational stress in exceptionally demanding terrain and environmental conditions. The Mangart 25 is armed with 25 × 137 mm single-barrel automatic cannon. According to demonstration results, the system delivered outstanding firing precision and maintained exceptional stability throughout sustained engagements. It is designed to engage a wide spectrum of targets, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), helicopters, low-flying fixed-wing aircraft, and ground targets at ranges of up to three kilometers. The turret is equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and a comprehensive electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) suite for all-weather detection and tracking. An infrared warning system (BANS) provides additional threat awareness. Future development plans for the Mangart 25 include integration of a laser designator, acoustic shot detection, anti-tank and surface-to-air missiles, loitering munitions or tactical drones, and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to accelerate target detection, identification, and tracking.
The Pandur 6×6 is a wheeled APC originally developed in the 1980s by Austria’s Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeuge (SSF) as a private venture. Following the acquisition of Steyr by General Dynamics, the vehicle line is now managed by General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), which also oversees the MOWAG, Santa Bárbara Sistemas, and German operations within the group. Pandur Evolution (Evo) represents a revolutionary advancement in protected mobility for maneuver forces. Built with survivability at its core and drawing on decades of operational experience and research, the Pandur Evo delivers maximum crew protection without compromising its renowned mobility and mechanical reliability. Powered by a Cummins 6-cylinder ISLe 8.9L engine producing 455 hp and 1,200 lb/ft of torque at 1,300 rpm, coupled with a ZF Ecomat 6HP 602S Plus transmission, a shift-on-the-move two-stage transfer case, Automatic Drivetrain Management, and ABS, the vehicle achieves a maximum speed of over 65 mph and an operational range of 400 miles. With substantial power and payload capacity, the Pandur Evo can accommodate both crewed and uncrewed turret systems up to 105 mm, offering exceptional multimission capability that seamlessly combines high lethality with superior protected mobility.
The Slovenian Armed Forces have expressed interest in acquiring new Pandur EVO variants. In late 2019, Slovenia requested 14 Pandur EVO vehicles. Austria is reportedly facilitating a government-to-government arrangement, with GDELS positioned to supply the vehicles. As of the latest information, the potential deal—estimated at approximately €40 million—is awaiting final approval from the Slovenian government.The recent live-fire demonstration of the Mangart 25 on the Pandur 6×6 is seen as a significant validation of the platform’s potential as a highly capable multi-role combat system, particularly in the context of modern air and ground threats, including proliferating drone systems. Industry sources indicate that the combination of the battle-proven Pandur chassis with the sensor-rich, precision-focused Mangart 25 turret offers a cost-effective solution for forces seeking enhanced firepower and situational awareness without transitioning to heavier tracked platforms. The successful trials under harsh conditions further underscore the robustness of the integrated system, positioning it as a contender for both Slovenian requirements and potential export opportunities in the European and broader markets.
Valhalla Turrets is a Slovenian-based European defence company founded in 2019 and headquartered in Komenda, specializing in the development and manufacturing of advanced remote-controlled weapon systems (RCWS) and turrets. Trusted by leading European defence primes, the company offers a comprehensive portfolio ranging from lightweight remote weapon stations to heavy-calibre turrets, including its flagship Mangart 25 and Mangart 30 systems optimized for counter-UAS, anti-air, and ground target engagements. With strong in-house engineering capabilities in rapid prototyping, FEM analysis, digital twins, and next-generation integration, Valhalla Turrets delivers high-precision, modular solutions designed for modern battlefield challenges. The company has rapidly expanded its workforce amid growing European demand and continues to strengthen its position as a key innovator in remote weapon systems for both crewed and uncrewed platforms.
