At the Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2025 defense and security exhibition, scheduled for September 9–12 at the ExCeL center in London, the German group Rheinmetall AG showcased, among other systems, a new LMV (Land Mobility Vehicle) light tactical vehicle based on the Caracal 4×4 and the Mission Master CXT ground-based air-defense combat vehicle equipped with the Oerlikon Skyranger 762 weapon module.
Photos: Jakub Link-Lenczowski, MILMAG
At stand no. S9-110, the German defense giant presented the LMV platform, designed to meet the tactical and technical requirements of the UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP). With an expected service life of more than 10 years, it is covered by comprehensive manufacturer support, ensuring long-term reliability and operational readiness throughout its lifecycle.
Importantly, the platform has been integrated in the United Kingdom, with around 50% of its components sourced from British suppliers. As a result, this solution will support more than 800 jobs for skilled workers and apprentices in engineering, manufacturing, and the broader supply chain.
The platform is based on Rheinmetall AG’s Caracal 4×4 vehicle family, offering flexibility, interoperability, and performance within the LMP program while supporting the ambitions of the UK’s Land Industrial Strategy.
“This programme represents Rheinmetall UK’s commitment to delivering value, capability, and operational readiness to the British Army,” said John Abunassar, CEO of Rheinmetall UK. “It is a mission-ready, sustainable solution built with and for the United Kingdom.”
Caracal 4×4
The Caracal light air-transportable vehicle premiered on June 13, 2022, at the Eurosatory exhibition in Paris.
It is based on the latest Mercedes G-Class chassis, designed for rescue and special operations. The Caracal offers maximum mobility, a lightweight design, and optionally fitted protection and armor elements to counter ballistic and mine threats. The vehicle is equipped with a six-cylinder Euro III diesel engine producing 249 horsepower, giving the 4,900-kg vehicle a top speed of 140 km/h.
The compact design of the Caracal allows two vehicles of this type to be carried in the cargo hold of a CH-47 Chinook transport helicopter (in service with the UK). It can also be transported as an underslung load beneath a helicopter.
Thanks to its modular design and two available wheelbase options, the Caracal can be used in airborne operations for a variety of tasks, for example, as a basic troop transport, a medical support vehicle, or a supply carrier, all on a single automotive platform.
Rheinmetall offers full lifecycle support for the vehicle, extending beyond twenty years. In 2023, Germany and the Kingdom of the Netherlands jointly ordered 3,058 Caracal vehicles for 1.9 billion EUR.
Mission Master CXT armed with Oerlikon Skyranger 762
Current conflicts show that ground-based air defense has regained importance in military operations. At the London exhibition, Rheinmetall AG presented the autonomous unmanned Mission Master CXT with the Oerlikon Skyranger 762 weapon module, designed for very short-range air defense. It combines the capabilities of the proven Skyranger turret system family with the cutting-edge autonomous ground system technology of Rheinmetall Canada.
The Mission Master CXT2 is the next generation of the Mission Master family. It offers state-of-the-art unmanned ground system technology, enabling it to overcome extreme terrain conditions and even water obstacles. At the same time, it can carry payloads of up to 1,000 kg. This makes it a versatile robotic vehicle that multiplies combat power on today’s and tomorrow’s battlefields.
The Oerlikon Skyranger 762 is a remotely operated weapon station intended for very short-range air defense (V-SHORAD). It is also suitable for countering unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), particularly the increasingly threatening small drones. The Skymaster C2 command system allows seamless integration with other Skyranger, Skynex, or Skyspotter air defense systems. The Mission Master CXT Skyranger 762 can be operated by a single soldier, saving resources. Training requirements are minimal. Compact and economical, the Oerlikon Skyranger 762 is equipped with all-weather sensors and uses the widely deployed and combat-proven M134D electrically driven 7.62×51 mm Gatling machine guns as its main armament. If required, the Mission Master CXT Skyranger 762 can also provide effective fire support against ground targets.
The Skyranger 762 is part of Rheinmetall’s proven Oerlikon Skyranger family. This family delivers state-of-the-art mobile air defense, combining precise gun systems, advanced sensors, and seamless integration with battlefield networks. Thanks to configurable armament options, including 35 mm and 30 mm automatic cannons, as well as modular sensor and short-range missile configurations, the Skyranger adapts to diverse tactical requirements while ensuring effective protection against current and future air threats.
