At the 29th edition of Eurosatory 2026, the international defense industry exhibition organized by Coges Events and held June 15-19 this year at Paris-Nord Villepinte near Paris, German group Mehler Systems and Austrian company STEYR – part of the British-American conglomerate CNH Industrial and a renowned manufacturer of premium-segment tractors – are presenting a concept tractor, the Terrus CVT, fitted with the M-RACC KE armor package from Mehler Protection.
Images: Mehler Systems
The armored STEYR Terrus CVT was designed as a multifunctional work and transport platform for demanding operational scenarios.
With the M-RACC KE, Mehler Protection presents an armor integration concept that meets key requirements of military users – particularly with regard to crew protection – for tractor platforms. The solution, which is being presented at the Eurosatory exhibition, demonstrates how Mehler Protection’s comprehensive protection system can be applied to the STEYR Terrus CVT tractor series.
At its heart is the powerful and versatile STEYR Terrus CVT platform. The Terrus range, with up to 340 hp, delivers high pulling power with a maximum load capacity of over 11 tons at the rear and just under 6 tons at the front. The compact design and optimized all-around visibility facilitate front and rear attachment use – a key advantage in demanding conditions such as military training grounds, airports, or critical infrastructure facilities. This concept sets a new standard for crew protection, particularly in hazard-prone locations, and significantly exceeds the requirements set out in the German insurer DGUV’s 201-027 standard (BGI 833).
Mehler Protection ensures comprehensive system protection through high-quality, military-grade construction. The M-RACC KE armor was developed in accordance with the NATO STANAG 4569 standard. The cabin, including the roof, is protected on all sides in accordance with the AEP-55 STANAG 4569 standard, and optimized additional armor across the entire system reinforces the vehicle’s most critical areas. This provides not only protection for the tractor against grenade fragments, but also mine protection at level 2 per STANAG. This concept sets a new standard for crew protection, particularly in hazard-prone environments, and significantly exceeds the requirements set out in the DGUV 201-027 standard (BGI 833).
Drawing on years of experience, Lindnerhof Taktik, also part of the Mehler Systems group, developed a concept for storing personal equipment in the cabin.
The combination of the Terrus CVT series platform with the M-RACC KE protection concept creates a robust, highly flexible solution for engineering, clearance, and support tasks, as well as for transport and logistics operations in high-risk environments. The platform can be equipped with a wide range of attachments, including dozer blades and scraper blades, excavator and crane booms, trencher excavators, and front loaders.
Christian Vahldieck, Managing Director of Mehler Protection Platform Armour, emphasizes Mehler Protection’s role in the project:
“Our contribution to M-RACC KE is consistently focused on crew safety. We have channelled our experience in military platform armouring into a concept that provides comprehensive protection for the cabin body, underbody and key components, ensuring the multifunctional tractor platform benefits from a level of survivability normally found on specialised military vehicles. Our goal is to give crews the best possible protection against ballistic threats, shrapnel and mines, without compromising the platform’s operational flexibility.”
Markus Müller, President EMEA at CNH, welcomes the opportunity to exhibit the solution at Eurosatory together with Mehler Protection:
“Our deep experience in manufacturing equipment designed to operate at scale in demanding applications positions STEYR as a strong partner for the defence sector. By combining STEYR’s engineering expertise with Mehler Protection’s specialist knowledge, we are positioned to meet the extremely high standards of this sector. We are delighted to exhibit this pioneering STEYR innovation at Eurosatory, as CNH evaluates a potential entry into defence-related activities.”
Mehler Systems is presenting this pioneering STEYR innovation at Eurosatory, as CNH considers entering the defense business.