At DSEI 2025 in London, British defense manufacturer NMS UK debuted two new armored vehicle platforms—the Nomad and the Dragon—marking a strategic push into the global light armored vehicle segment. Designed with modularity, protection, and off-road agility in mind, both platforms aim to meet evolving military requirements for expeditionary operations and multi-role adaptability.
Nomad: A Multi-Mission 4×4 Built for Rapid Deployment
The Nomad is a highly mobile 4×4 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle tailored for rapid deployment forces. It features a monocoque hull design with integrated mine protection and offers STANAG Level 2 ballistic protection as standard—with optional upgrades to Level 3. The vehicle accommodates up to eight personnel including the driver and commander.
Key specifications include:
- Combat weight: ~12 tonnes
- Engine: Cummins diesel (300–350 hp range)
- Suspension: Independent with coil springs or optional hydropneumatic system
- Payload capacity: ~2 tonnes
- Top speed: ~110 km/h on road
- Cruising range: ~700 km
- Optional remote weapon station (RWS) integration up to 12.7 mm caliber
The platform is designed with modularity in mind—allowing configurations such as troop transport, command post vehicle (CPV), reconnaissance variant with mast-mounted sensors, or even counter-UAS roles. Its V-hull design provides enhanced blast deflection against mines and IEDs.
Dragon APC: Heavier Protection for High-Risk Environments
The Dragon is a larger wheeled armored personnel carrier (APC) optimized for high-threat environments such as urban combat zones or peacekeeping operations where mine/IED threats are prevalent. It features a higher level of protection than the Nomad—reportedly up to STANAG Level 4 ballistic protection with modular applique armor kits.
The Dragon’s key characteristics include:
- Combat weight: ~18–20 tonnes depending on configuration
- Crew capacity: Up to ten troops + crew of two
- Engine powerplant likely in the range of ~450–500 hp diesel
- Independent suspension system optimized for off-road performance
- Integrated RWS capability with options ranging from machine guns to automatic grenade launchers (AGLs)
- C-IED suite integration optional via open architecture electronics bus
- NBC overpressure system standard in base variant
The Dragon is positioned as a cost-effective alternative to heavier IFVs like Boxer or Patria AMVXP while still offering robust protection levels suitable for asymmetric warfare theaters.
Tactical Modularity and Export Focus
NMS UK’s approach emphasizes modularity across both platforms. Both vehicles share common sub-systems—including powertrain components, electronic architecture (CAN bus-based), and suspension elements—to reduce lifecycle costs and simplify training/logistics chains. This commonality also facilitates rapid reconfiguration between mission profiles.
The company has indicated that both vehicles are ITAR-free designs—a strategic decision aimed at easing export clearance processes. NMS is reportedly targeting markets in Eastern Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America where demand exists for affordable yet capable MRAP-class vehicles that can be locally assembled or co-produced.
DSEI Debut Signals Ambitions Beyond the UK Market
DSEI served as a global launchpad for NMS UK’s offerings. While no formal procurement contracts have been announced yet from the British Ministry of Defence (MoD), company officials stated they are in discussions with several export customers. The vehicles were displayed alongside digital mockups showing potential variants including mortar carriers and medevac versions.
NMS UK also highlighted its partnership strategy—seeking collaborations with regional integrators or local defense industries to facilitate offset agreements or joint production lines where required by end-users.
Competitive Landscape and Strategic Positioning
The global MRAP/APC market remains crowded—with established players like Oshkosh (JLTV), Streit Group (Typhoon series), Paramount Group (Marauder), Arquus (Bastion), Otokar (Cobra II), among others. NMS UK’s success will depend on its ability to offer credible performance data through trials/demonstrations while undercutting competitors on price-performance ratios.
If proven reliable through operational testing—including blast trials—the Nomad could appeal to border security forces or rapid reaction units seeking lighter protected mobility without full IFV complexity. Meanwhile, the Dragon could serve paramilitary units or militaries seeking scalable protection without investing in tracked platforms.
