ISTEC Services Limited, a British company with 36 years of operationally proven experience in the design, manufacture and supply of complex weapon integration solutions and smoke discharger systems (SDS) for military platforms, is launching their Mk2 Softmount for the M2 Heavy Machine Gun (HMG). This announcement coincides with DSEi 25, taking place at Excel, London, 9-12 September 2025, where ISTEC will be exhibiting this mount, alongside their other products at booth N5-210.
ISTEC Mk2 Softmount with M2 HMG fitted to Fering Pioneer X E-vehicle / Photo: ISTEC Services Limited
ISTEC has a significant pedigree in providing robust weapon integration solutions for crew-served weapons such as the L7A2 GPMG, M2 HMG and other machine guns, across Land, Sea and Air domains. They also have an extensive operational record supplying Universal Gun Mounts (UGMs) for key vehicles such as WMIK, Mastiff, Husky and Jackal platforms used for Land operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
ISTEC’s portfolio of HMG softmounts have been successfully deployed with NATO allies since the ‘90s, with 1000s in service globally. The HMG Softmount Mk2 is the latest addition to that portfolio. It is a buffered mount specifically designed for use with the 12.7mm M2 and M2 QCB weapon systems and, with an interface plate fitted, can also mount a 70mm rocket launcher giving users an organic fires capability without needing separate platform infrastructure. It has a modular design ethos to maximise its utility in a wide variety of roles including fire support, air defence and close vehicle protection. The mount system incorporates an auxiliary firing mechanism on the mount handlebars. This feature along with the battle proven ISTEC HMG buffering mechanism, which removes approximately 40% of the max peak felt recoil during firing, improves target acquisition time and the firing experience for the user. The softmount can also be fitted with a link and case catcher, and shoulder bar assembly.
The new Softmount Mk2 will be on display at DSEi 25 on the ISTEC stand (N5-210). It will be displayed mounted on a Naval pedestal suitable for all specialist and grey fleet vessels and fitted to a tripod with a 70mm Rocket launcher. The Mk2 Softmount will also be on top of the new Fering Pioneer X (pictured). The Pioneer X is an ultra-high-mobility, expanded capability variant of the world’s longest range all-terrain electric vehicle, specifically designed for the complex mission profiles typical of specialist user groups for which an HMG top mounted is the perfect fit. The Pioneer-X shown on the ISTEC stand, also incorporates the new Thales FZ275 LGR laser-guided rocket, successfully trialled to engage variable drone classes and swarm attack. In addition, the Mk2 Softmount can be found on the Precision Technic Defence Ltd stand (N2-210) showing an HMG fitted with the Support Weapons Enhanced Sighting Systems (SWESS) kit.
Adrian Webster, Operations Manager at ISTEC said:
We are very pleased to be launching Mk2 of this incredibly successful HMG Softmount. Our weapon integration systems have been designed and manufactured to ensure they are easy to use, robust and of the highest quality whilst maintaining excellent value for money. We currently have trials in progress in the maritime and land domains and are looking forward to announcing new orders in the near future.
