Significant parts of the New Zealand Army’s operational vehicle fleet are being replaced or upgraded over the next decade under the Protected Mobility Capability Project (PMCP).
These vehicles - both armoured and non-armoured - are used for a wide range of operations, ensuring appropriate protection is available when people and equipment need to be transported quickly and safely.
This project has delivered 43 armoured Bushmaster combat vehicles (Protected Vehicle - Medium) and is now focused on the procurement of a new fleet of general service utility vehicles.
High Mobility Light Vehicles
In 2022, a fleet of High Mobility - Light Polaris MRZR vehicles was delivered to the New Zealand Army. These readily deployable, lightweight vehicles can be operated across diverse environments, including rugged terrain. Operational Release was achieved in 2024.
Utility Vehicles
Utility Vehicles
In November 2024 the Government approved $100 million funding for an initial 60 vehicles to be purchased, and a contract was signed with Spanish firm UROVESA for 40 VAMTAC CK3 medium general service vehicles and 20 VAMTAC ST5 (shown at the top of this page) light general variant vehicles. They will be readily deployable, and capable of operating in difficult and off-road environments.
These new light and medium operational utility vehicles will replace some of the non-armoured Pinzgauers and operational Unimogs currently used by the NZDF to transport personnel and critical equipment where they are needed.
Along with the vehicles, computing and communications equipment is being acquired to support the fleet and its operation.
Deliveries are expected from 2027.
Protected Vehicle - Medium:
In 2023 a fleet of 43 Bushmaster NZ 5.5 protected vehicles was delivered to New Zealand.
The Bushmaster is an Australian-manufactured vehicle with the 5.5 model adapted to meet NZDF requirements.
Since 2023, instructor training for the operation and maintenance of the vehicles has been delivered and some vehicles are now deployed by the New Zealand Army to training and multinational exercises, including Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia in July 2025.
Work is underway to design, build and integrate new and enhanced communications equipment in the Bushmaster fleet, as part of the Network Enabled Army Programme.
Cabinet's 2023 decisions regarding Bushmaster Communications appropriations can be found here (PDF 2.4MB).
In November 2025, Cabinet approved an updated preferred option for the project.
