SETE LAGOAS, Brazil - IVECO Defence Vehicles, a subsidiary of Leonardo, has opened a new production line for the LMV-BR 2 4×4 multirole vehicle at its facility in Sete Lagoas, marking an expansion of armored vehicle manufacturing capacity in Brazil.

The first vehicles produced on the new line will fulfill a contract with the Brazilian Army for 420 LMV-BR 2 vehicles. The LMV-BR 2 is derived from the company’s Light Multirole Vehicle platform and is intended to support a range of operational roles, including troop transport and security missions in varied terrain and operating environments.

The Brazilian Army currently operates 32 LMV-BR vehicles, which are supported through ongoing maintenance and logistics services. The additional procurement is expected to expand the fleet and standardize capabilities across units.

The Sete Lagoas facility is also intended to support future export opportunities. The company said the expanded production capability could position Brazil as a regional manufacturing hub for light armored vehicles. The LMV platform has more than 4,000 vehicles in service worldwide across multiple configurations and protection levels.

The expansion signals a transition in Brazil’s defense procurement from direct acquisition to localized production. The move strengthens domestic defense manufacturing while securing a long-term supply chain and maintenance infrastructure for the Brazilian Army. For Leonardo and its subsidiary, the new line supports regional growth and potential export opportunities in Latin America and other markets.

Source: Forecast International
Associated URL: https://www.idvgroup.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Army awarded Leonardo DRS a $44.9 million contract to deliver 20 Joint Assault Bridge systems in Missouri. The contract covers production and spares through March 2027.

Source: Army Recognition
Associated URL: https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2026/u-s-army-expands-m1-abrams-tanks-breach-capability-with-20-m1074-joint-assault-bridges

KARLSKOGA, Sweden - BAE Systems has received a contract worth 180 million dollars from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration to supply the TRIDON Mk2 anti-aircraft system. This agreement follows a previous procurement in February where Sweden and Denmark acquired the systems to bolster the air defense capabilities of Ukraine.

The TRIDON Mk2 is a truck-mounted 40mm artillery system designed to fill specific gaps in modern air defense. It is capable of engaging a diverse range of aerial threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles, and fixed-wing aircraft. The system also maintains the flexibility to target ground-based threats such as armored vehicles, providing a layer of security for both military personnel and civilian infrastructure.

The platform utilizes a modular design, which allows it to be adapted as new technologies emerge or as combat requirements change. It is engineered for rapid deployment and simplified maintenance, distinguishing it from more complex fixed-position defense systems. By using kinetic 40mm rounds rather than expensive guided missiles for short-range engagements, the system is intended to provide a more sustainable economic model for long-term defense operations.

The contract highlights a growing military trend toward mobile, high-rate-of-fire kinetic systems to counter the proliferation of low-cost drones. As modern warfare increasingly relies on expendable aerial technology, defense agencies are prioritizing versatile systems that can manage multiple threats at a lower cost per engagement than traditional missile batteries.

Source: Forecast International
Associated URL: www.baesystems.com/en-us