Defender reveals next-generation military vehicle for the modern era – introducing Defender Wolf II which will compete for the UK MoD LMV tender.
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Press Release, Gaydon, 04 September 2026: Defender is today revealing its new Defender Wolf Series II, its next generation light mobility vehicle. The vehicle, based on Defender’s purpose-engineered D7x architecture and monocoque construction, is Defender’s first military vehicle launch since the original Defender Wolf, which served the British Armed Forces for more than 70 years.
Defender Wolf Series II will compete for the Ministry of Defence Light Mobility Vehicle tender, while JLR has also established a new Defender Defence Division to engage with and support the requirements of other defence organisations. During development, Defender was tested to the extreme undergoing more than 62,000 tests for engineering sign-off, while the chassis and body architecture were engineered to withstand JLR’s Extreme Event Test procedure. Now, Defender Wolf Series II adds to the existing Defender Expert portfolio that currently serves emergency organisations around the world in practical roles including border force, police, military and fire, proving the vehicle’s versatility to operate in tough environments.
Four [LMV] variants of Defender Wolf Series II, including a tactical mobility vehicle, a general mobility vehicle, an ambulance and a utility vehicle, are to be unveiled at the British Army DVD 2026 event, at Millbrook proving ground in Bedfordshire, on 16-17 September.
Patrick McGillycuddy, Defender Managing Director, said: “The Defender Wolf Series II is our next generation military vehicle. British design and engineered with pioneering off road technologies and an engine built in Wolverhampton. The Defender Wolf Series II is intended as a light mobility solution for people and equipment transportation for the defence sector. We are bidding for the UK Ministry of Defence Light Mobility Vehicle tender, with a modern replacement for the world-famous Defender Wolf that served the British Armed Forces for over 70 years.
“Our Defender Wolf Series II has been tested to the extreme and is highly suited to military light mobility purposes. Defender already demonstrates its versatility in tough roles for emergency organisations around the world such as border force, mountain rescue, police and fire.”
New Defender’s recent success at Dakar and a demonstration at the MoD’s independent testing ground, where it was the only vehicle to have successfully navigated all obstacles, shows the vehicle’s supreme off-road capability. Defender’s expert engineers have end-to-end control of Defender Wolf Series II’s engineering process, removing unnecessary complexity and fit and finish, to produce a vehicle that meets military requirements for a new, modern fleet at pace and scale with enduring sovereign capability, backed up by JLR’s global supply chain.
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