Defender has revealed a new military-spec ute as part of its Wolf Series II range, a next-generation light mobility vehicle developed for the UK Ministry of Defence.

The Utility Vehicle (UV) is one of three Wolf Series II variants, alongside a Tactical Mobility Vehicle (TMV) and Mono-Tactical Mobility Vehicle (M-TMV). In the UK, Defender operates as a standalone JLR brand, while in Australia it sits under the Land Rover umbrella.

All three use Defender’s D7x architecture, a heavy-duty monocoque platform developed to handle the loads associated with serious off-road use. The vehicles have been developed by JLR’s new Defender Defence Division for the Ministry of Defence Light Mobility Vehicle tender and will also be offered to NATO defence organisations.

Mud-covered pickup truck with a spare tire in the bed, stuck on a muddy forest path surrounded by dense greenery.
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“I am delighted to reveal three new variants of Defender Wolf Series II, our next-generation military vehicle. Through our newly established Defender Defence Division, we will offer Defender Wolf Series II to defence organisations worldwide, while also bidding for the UK Ministry of Defence Light Mobility Vehicle tender,” said Patrick McGillycuddy, Defender Managing Director.

The Wolf Series II is Defender’s first military vehicle launch since the original Land Rover and Defender Wolf vehicles, which served with the British Armed Forces for more than 70 years.

“Defender Wolf Series II is exceptionally robust and versatile. Its D7x monocoque construction enables us to adapt the platform to the wide range of roles and operational requirements demanded by military organisations. It is a modern successor to the world-famous Defender Wolf and Land Rovers that have served the British Armed Forces for more than 70 years. Designed and engineered in Britain, with an engine built in Wolverhampton, Defender Wolf Series II also delivers sovereign capability,” McGillycuddy said.

Off-road pickup truck driving through a muddy dirt trail surrounded by trees and bushes, mud splashing from the wheels.
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Defender says more than 62,000 tests were carried out during development, while the chassis and body architecture were engineered to withstand JLR’s Extreme Event Test procedure.

The Wolf Series II has also undergone off-road testing at an independent Ministry of Defence facility. Defender says it was the only vehicle to successfully navigate all of the obstacles during the demonstration.

The three variants were displayed at the Millbrook proving ground in Bedfordshire, UK, on 16 September.

What it means for Australia

Not much, at least for now. The Wolf Series II has been developed for the UK Ministry of Defence, with no Australian availability announced.

For local 4×4 enthusiasts, the main point of interest is the use of the D7x architecture and the fact that Defender is developing a military vehicle around its existing platform. But there’s no direct impact on the Australian Defender range at this stage.

The Wolf Series II also joins Defender’s existing Expert portfolio, which is used by emergency organisations including border forces, police, military and fire services.

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