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 -- On March 31, 2026, Teledyne Marine announced that it had been awarded a contract by the U.K. Ministry of Defence in support of the Royal Navy’s Future Maritime Data Gathering (FMDG) program. Under this contract, Teledyne will supply numerous autonomous ocean observing systems, including Sentinel and Slocum gliders and APEX floats.

The contract aims to improve the Royal Navy’s collection of oceanographic and environmental data using uncrewed technologies. Under the FMDG program, Teledyne’s systems are set to provide long-term data collection from complex and remote locations at sea, furthering the Royal Navy’s access to environmental intelligence.

This contract continues the Royal Navy’s use of Teledyne’s autonomous platforms. Teledyne Marine has supplied unmanned systems, including Slocum gliders, APEX floats, and Gavia autonomous platforms, to the Royal Navy since 2015.

Source: Teledyne Marine
Associated URL: https://www.teledynemarine.com/en-us/news/Pages/UK-Royal-Navy-Awards-Teledyne-Contract-for-Autonomous-Underwater-Vehicles-and-Floats.aspx

PARIS -- On March 31, the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) placed an order with Naval Group for a fifth Defence and Intervention Frigate (FDI) for the French Navy, expanding a program launched in 2017 to modernize the country’s surface combatant fleet. The lead ship, Amiral Ronarc’h, was delivered in October 2025 and is currently undergoing initial operational deployment, with the remaining vessels scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2032.

Naval Group's FDI frigate design is currently planned for service with both the French and Greek navies.

The FDI is equipped with Exocet MM40 Block 3C anti-ship missiles, Aster 15 and 30 surface-to-air missiles, MU-90 Impact torpedoes, and 76mm and 20mm naval guns. Aviation facilities support simultaneous operation of a helicopter and an unmanned system, while onboard capacity allows for deployment of special forces and commando boats.

The class incorporates a fully digital architecture, centered on a cyber-secure and redundant onboard data infrastructure supporting combat system functions and sensor integration. Operationally, the design includes a dedicated station for countering asymmetric threats such as UAVs and small surface attackers, separate from the primary operations center. The FDI also features an integrated mast housing sensor system, including the Thales Sea Fire fixed-panel radar, enabling continuous 360-degree surveillance and enhanced situational awareness.

Source: French Ministry of the Armed Forces
Associated URL: https://www.defense.gouv.fr/dga/actualites/dga-commande-cinquieme-fregate-defense-dintervention-fdi-naval-group