New Zealand Defence Force Welcomes Final New Truck into Service
The last of the 194 new Medium Heavy Operational Vehicles (MHOV) was handed over to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)
in a ceremony at Trentham Military Camp today.
Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia Pty Ltd won the contract to provide the new logistics support vehicles,
which will replace the aging Unimog and Mercedes fleet.
The 4x4 six tonne (HX60); 6x6 nine tonne (HX58), and 8x8 fifteen tonne (HX77) MHOVs are more powerful, offer increased
carrying capacity for cargo and supplies, and are operationally proven. Bolt-on armour kits and weapon mounts are
available, offering greater crew protection and self-defence.
The new vehicles are also fully deployable, with all variants able to be transported via the HMNZS CANTERBURY’s side
ramp. The HX58, HX60 and HX77 variants can also be loaded on and off the CANTERBURY via landing craft, and bulk water
vehicles refilled using the ship’s internal systems.
Chief of Army, Major General Dave Gawn, said the MHOVs were a major leap forward in capability and technology for the
NZDF.
“Across a range of employment contexts, the MHOV offers us a significantly enhanced logistics and movements capability
as a land force for the future. Further to the normal troop and equipment carrying roles, additional vehicles are fitted
with winches and cranes which will enable fully independent operations.”
Four HX60 models and a HX77 carrying a Gap Crossing (Bridge) system are currently in Australia, having been transported
there by HMNZS CANTERBURY in order to participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre.
ENDS