Ford Ranger LMV Program: UK Ministry of Defence Bid

Ford Ranger Platforms Enter UK Light Mobility Vehicle Competition

On September 2, Ford announced a partnership with General Dynamics Land Systems UK and Ricardo to compete for the UK Ministry of Defence’s Light Mobility Vehicle program. The proposed solution is based on Ford’s Ranger and Ranger Super Duty pickups, using their commercial vehicle capabilities as the foundation for a military application. The collaboration combines Ford’s vehicle platforms and support capabilities with military conversion, systems integration, and engineering expertise intended to address British Army requirements.

Ranger and Ranger Super Duty Provide High Payload and Towing Capacity

Ford is positioning its commercial vehicle platforms around acquisition speed and the strategic depth provided by a global parts and service network. The Ranger offers a 1-tonne payload and up to 3.5-tonne towing capacity, providing a combination of load-carrying and towing capability for the proposed LMV application. The Ranger Super Duty increases these capabilities with nearly 2 tonnes of payload and up to 4.5 tonnes of towing capacity, supported by a British-built 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine producing 209 PS and 600 Nm of torque.

Companies Divide Vehicle, Military Integration and Engineering Responsibilities

Under the proposed arrangement, Ford will provide the base vehicle platform, upfitting integration, and aftersales support for the program. General Dynamics Land Systems UK will serve as the prime contractor and lead military conversion and systems integration from its facilities in South Wales. Ricardo will contribute engineering expertise to help ensure the vehicles meet British Army requirements. The structure gives each company a defined role, combining commercial vehicle production and support with specialist defense integration and engineering capabilities.

UK Partnership Combines More Than 7,000 Employees

The collaboration also brings together a substantial workforce across facilities in the United Kingdom. Together, the three companies employ more than 7,000 people across UK operations, including Ford’s engineering and manufacturing activities and the integration capabilities of General Dynamics Land Systems UK and Ricardo. The partnership therefore combines established vehicle manufacturing, military systems integration, and engineering resources within the country. The companies are seeking to use these combined capabilities to present a commercially based and strategically supported solution for the Ministry of Defence’s Light Mobility Vehicle requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ford proposing for the UK Ministry of Defence Light Mobility Vehicle program?
Ford is partnering with General Dynamics Land Systems UK and Ricardo to compete for the UK Ministry of Defence’s Light Mobility Vehicle program using Ford Ranger and Ranger Super Duty pickups as the base platforms. Ford will provide the vehicle platforms, upfitting integration, and aftersales support, while General Dynamics Land Systems UK will lead military conversion and systems integration. Ricardo will provide engineering expertise to address British Army requirements. The Ranger offers a 1-tonne payload and 3.5-tonne towing capacity, while the Ranger Super Duty provides nearly 2 tonnes of payload and up to 4.5 tonnes of towing capacity.