At the DSEI 2025 London exhibition, Singapore-based ST Engineering presented a solution to meet the needs of the British Army in reconnaissance and strike systems for light infantry. The solution includes a light transport platform, an electronic architecture kit, a GDAMS mortar system, and a remote-controlled firing system.
In its solution, ST Engineering acts as a system integrator, using as many British components as possible. The TAC-6 is a versatile 6x6 platform based on the Toyota Land Cruiser 79. It can operate in 6x2 or 6x6 mode, has a range of 2,200 km and can carry 4,400 kg of cargo. The cockpit can accommodate four people, with the commander sitting on the right in front of the UltraEAK screen.
TAC-6 Universal Light Infantry Platform
The Ultra Electronic Architecture Kit is a joint development between ST Engineering and Ultra PCS, a division of the British company Ultra Electronics. The kit is offered as a ready-made military solution for electronic vehicle architecture.
UltraEAK Control Unit
UltraEAK is a digital system that allows the integration of various sensors and actuators. The management system is delivered via the UltraPGI platform gateway software and is fully open, as it includes an open application programming interface. The latter allows third parties to develop their own plug-ins to integrate their systems. Bowman radios are also installed in the cabin, providing voice communication and data transmission.
The main goal of the concept is to increase the lethality of light infantry through a platform for firing from closed positions. The platform should accompany tactical units and provide them with firepower without having to transmit a request to open fire to the highest echelons of command, which significantly reduces the OODA command cycle (observation, orientation, decision, action).
The main means of destruction is a mortar. In the rear of the vehicle there is an advanced GDAMS (Ground Deployed Advanced Mortar System) mortar system, which can be equipped with 81 or 120 mm barrels. GDAMS was first presented by ST Engineering at DSEI 2023.
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| GDAMS Mobile Mortar for Light Infantry |
| Source: GDAMS Mobile Mortar for Light Infantry |
The hydromechanical system allows the mortar to be installed in the rear of the machine. At the same time, the base plate is lowered to the ground, so that almost no recoil force is transmitted to the chassis of the machine. This allows you to fire a heavy mortar from a light vehicle. The diagram shown at the exhibition shows that 20 shells are placed on two racks on the sides of the platform, immediately behind the cabin. In the rear compartments there are electronics and mechanisms for firing a mortar.
While GDAMS provides the ability to fire from closed positions, the stabilized Adder Twin ("Adder") remote-controlled combat system provides both direct fire protection from ground threats and protection from UAVs.
Remotely controlled Adder Twin installation
The main armament of the Adder, located in the center of the tower, is a 40-mm Mk2 automatic grenade launcher (AGU) from ST Engineering, firing 40-mm high-explosive fragmentation ammunition. The optoelectronic complex, which includes a laser rangefinder that determines the distance to the target, is a key element for programming ammunition and is located to the right of the turret.
Additional armament is installed on the left – a 7.62×51 mm machine gun. At the same time, to further increase the anti-drone power of the light infantry reconnaissance and strike vehicle, a silencer is installed to the right of the 40 mm AGU, which reflects the Adder's ability to gently defeat drones. The angle of inclination of the "Adder" varies from -20° to +60°.
All sensors and actuators of the light infantry reconnaissance and strike group system are fully integrated. The Singapore-based company has involved as many British companies as possible in the development of its platform. One of them is Babcock, which demonstrated the advanced GDAMS system developed in collaboration with ST Engineering at DVD 2024. If the British Army chooses this system, it will be manufactured at the Babcock factory in Devonport, Plymouth.
According to available information, the concept is being tested in the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment, which includes a number of other sensors and actuators. The concept of a light infantry reconnaissance and strike group combines mobility, digital integration and autonomous systems to form a cohesive, mission-ready unit. It is designed to increase the firepower and reconnaissance capabilities of the brigade through rapid deployment and increased range on the battlefield. The British Army developed this concept based on operational experience, including that gained during the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
Source: edrmagazine.eu
