Plasan SandCat MkV Spotted at DEFEA

Plasan SandCat MkV displayed at DEFEA 25 in Athens [© Bob Morrison]

The latest evolution of the Plasan SandCat, the MkV or 5th Generation, was spotted at DEFEA 2025 in Athens last month, reports Bob Morrison.

Recently introduced by London’s Metropolitan Police Service in an earlier version, believed to be the MkIII, the MkV displayed in Greece is the latest addition to Israeli company Plasan’s SandCat Family of Vehicles (FOV) “designed specifically for Special Forces”.

The SandCat MkV is a five-door 9.2 ton GVW armoured vehicle [© Bob Morrison]

The MKV appears to have a V-shaped hull ~ note firing ports below door vision blocks [© Bob Morrison]

According to the manufacturer: “This 4×4 vehicle features a powerful 330Hp engine, 10-speed automatic transmission, and exceptional tactical mobility with Mud/Snow 335/80 R20 run-flat tires.”

Based on the Ford F-Series Super Duty pickup truck, powered by a 6.7 litre Ford Power Stroke V8 OHV turbo-diesel engine, the MkV SandCat has a kerb weight of 7300kg and offers a payload of 2000kg giving a class-leading GVW of 9.3 tonnes. Up to eleven troops or armed police officers can be carried by this five-door armoured personnel carrier, though if a turret or remote weapon station is fitted in place of the roof hatch it is likely fewer passengers would be carried.

For maximum troop carrying capability the version displayed at DEFEA had inward-facing rear bench seats [© Bob Morrison]

No details of armour level have been released by the manufacturer of this vehicle, which appears to have a V-shaped hull, but they do state: “An optional mine protection system further enhances its survivability.”