Spanish mobility developer Urovesa has secured a significant contract with the New Zealand Army to replace its aging fleet of Unimog and Pinzgauer utility vehicles. Under this agreement, Urovesa will provide 20 VAMTAC ST5 light utility vehicles and 40 VAMTAC CK3 medium utility vehicles, which together will constitute approximately 25 percent of the Army’s current utility fleet.
The New Zealand government has allocated 100 million New Zealand dollars (about $58.4 million) for the first tranche of this modernization project. The investment covers not only the vehicles themselves but also spare parts, support equipment, and essential computing and communication solutions that will enhance operational capabilities.
Deliveries of the vehicles are planned to commence in 2027. This initiative represents a critical step in modernizing the New Zealand Army’s operational capabilities, as the Unimog and Pinzgauer vehicles have served for around four decades. Recently, these vehicles played vital roles in various operations, including participation in a multinational military coalition aimed at addressing civil unrest in the Solomon Islands and supporting domestic responses to a severe tropical cyclone.
New Zealand Army Chief Major General Rose King expressed his enthusiasm about the transition away from these legacy vehicles. He noted, “Both the Unimog and Pinzgauer vehicles have served the New Zealand Army well over the years – but their retirement from service is overdue. And so, it is with great excitement that we can see the replacement of these essential platforms begin.”
The VAMTAC ST5, one of Urovesa’s offerings, is designed for versatility and performance. It weighs 6,000 kilograms (13,228 pounds) and stretches to a length of 6 meters (20 feet), with a payload capacity of 1,700 kilograms (3,740 pounds) and a top speed of 110 kilometers (68 miles) per hour. The VAMTAC CK3 is slightly heavier, with a gross weight of 9,950 kilograms (21,930 pounds) and a cargo capacity of 4,000 kilograms (8,810 pounds), while maintaining a similar chassis length and maximum speed to the ST5.
Sarah Minson, New Zealand’s Deputy Defence Secretary for Capability Delivery, highlighted the importance of the operational utility vehicle fleet in land operations, stating, “The operational utility vehicle fleet has long been the backbone of the New Zealand Defence Force. The VAMTAC ST5 and CK3 vehicles are modern, efficient, and fit for purpose. They have a proven track record, with more than 20 countries around the world using them, including Singapore, as well as Spain and a number of other NATO nations.”
This contract marks a forward-looking development for the New Zealand Army, ensuring that its fleet will meet contemporary operational demands and enhance national and international capabilities in various mission scenarios, including training, operational tasks, and disaster relief efforts.
