Netherlands MoD Okays Purchase of 179 Small All-terrain Patrol Vehicles

The Netherlands MoD has approved the purchase of 179 small all-terrain patrol vehicles for the Marine Corps to replace some of the current BV206D, Viking and Landrover vehicles which are at the end of their lifespan.

While no manufacturer has been shortlisted, a civilian or military vehicle 'off the shelf' that already complies as much as possible the Dutch MoD’s requirements and can be adapted. The project will start this year and will last until 2028. The first vehicles are expected to arrive in 2025.

The so-called Littoral All-Terrain Mobility Patrol Vehicles (FLATM PV) project aims to provide future-proof, all-terrain and snow mobility for the light amphibious units. Their occurrence can take place in coastal areas, in arctic conditions and in very difficult terrain, State Secretary Barbara Visser informed parliament about the purchase on June 14.

The need for new vehicles arises from increased mobility and in-vehicle access to information systems. For this, the vehicle comes in 4 variants: the basic variant, a version for command and control and 1 for reconnaissance. A 4th type is intended to carry out repairs in the field. The intention is that the variants are as similar as possible to the basic version.

The vehicle must provide sufficient transport options for 4 soldiers and their equipment. The vehicles must be simple, reliable and deployable under extreme weather conditions. In addition, new information and communication means must be able to be linked to the vehicle. Due to the amphibious transport suitability, the project is closely aligned with the future replacement of the heavy and medium landing craft.

Challenging demands are placed on the vehicle. This applies in particular to the so-called over-snow requirement, so that it is also possible to operate in areas with deep snow. Research shows that no existing vehicle meets this requirement. However, an extensive development process is not desirable due to the duration and costs.

That is why we are looking for a civilian or military vehicle 'off the shelf' that already complies as much as possible and can be adapted. Research institute TNO is involved in this process.