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UK-based ISTEC Services Limited, a specialist in advanced weapon integration and smoke discharger systems, has secured a new contract to supply key components for the latest Supacat Jackal 3 Extenda vehicles.
ISTEC will provide Universal Gun Mounts (UGM), traverse control mechanisms, and swing arm systems for 53 Jackal 3 Extenda platforms, produced in collaboration with Babcock. Manufacturing is scheduled to commence in early 2025.
Renowned for delivering rugged and reliable weapon mounting solutions, ISTEC has a proven track record in integrating crew-served firearms such as the L7A2 GPMG and M2 HMG across land, sea, and air applications. The company’s UGMs have been extensively deployed on platforms including WMIK, Mastiff, and Husky, as well as earlier iterations of the Jackal, supporting operations in conflict zones like Iraq and Afghanistan.
In September 2024, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) awarded Supacat a contract for 53 Jackal 3 Extenda vehicles—a variant of the High Mobility Transporter (HMT) series. This order follows a previous MoD acquisition in February 2023, which saw 70 Jackal 3 vehicles procured.
Engineered for high-speed maneuverability and enhanced payload capacity, the Jackal 3 Extenda is capable of reaching speeds up to 120km/h. Its modular architecture allows conversion between 4×4 and 6×6 configurations, ensuring adaptability for diverse operational scenarios. The Jackal series has played a pivotal role in British Army deployments, particularly in Afghanistan, where its agility and versatility have been instrumental. Supacat’s ongoing partnership with Babcock International strengthens their production capabilities for these cutting-edge military platforms.
ISTEC’s UGM and swing arm mounting systems will equip the Jackal 3 Extenda with robust weapons integration capabilities. Designed to accommodate a variety of light, medium, and heavy firearms, the UGM supports dedicated soft mounts and can be fitted with adaptors for anti-armor weaponry or even a 20mm cannon. Its precision-engineered traverse and elevation mechanism (T&E) enables fine-tuned adjustments for unparalleled accuracy in both single-shot and rapid engagement scenarios. The system’s modular nature allows for customization with additional fittings such as frontal armor and foldable interface components, delivering a flexible yet highly stable firing platform.
Mick Coulson, Managing Director of ISTEC, said, “We have a long and successful history of working with Supacat and are extremely pleased to be supporting them again with our highly effective weapons integration solutions on this important project. I believe it is a testament to the quality of our products and support services that we deliver that Supacat has again chosen our UGM and swing arm solutions for the Jackal 3 Extenda variant. We look forward to working with them on this project and hopefully many more in the future.”
Lizzie Jones, Operations Director Supacat, added, “We have a fantastic working relationship with ISTEC and have used their superb weapons integration solutions on multiple Supacat projects for nearly 20 years. We are really pleased to continue that relationship and provide the best possible weapon mount capabilities for the Jackal 3 Extenda Variant.”
