The three models are the first vehicles developed under JLR’s newly established Defender Defence Division and are configured around requirements set out in the UK light mobility tender. Defender said the programme represents its first military vehicle launch since the original Land Rover and Defender Wolf vehicles that served the British Armed Forces for more than 70 years.
Wolf Series II is designed and engineered in Britain and uses British-made engines and technologies, including an engine manufactured in Wolverhampton. The platform is based on Defender’s purpose-engineered D7x architecture and monocoque construction, which the company says allows it to be adapted for a broad range of military roles and operational requirements.
During development, Defender underwent more than 62,000 tests for engineering sign-off, while its chassis and body architecture were engineered to withstand JLR’s Extreme Event Test procedure. The company said the development process is intended to deliver a modern military fleet at pace and scale while maintaining sovereign capability backed by JLR’s global supply chain.
“I am delighted to reveal three new variants of Defender Wolf Series II, our next-generation military vehicle,” said Patrick McGillycuddy, Defender Managing Director. “Through our newly established Defender Defence Division, we will offer Defender Wolf Series II to defence organisations worldwide, while also bidding for the UK Ministry of Defence Light Mobility Vehicle tender.”
“Defender Wolf Series II is exceptionally robust and versatile. Its D7x monocoque construction enables us to adapt the platform to the wide range of roles and operational requirements demanded by military organisations,” McGillycuddy said.
“It is a modern successor to the world-famous Defender Wolf and Land Rovers that have served the British Armed Forces for more than 70 years. Designed and engineered in Britain, with an engine built in Wolverhampton, Defender Wolf Series II also delivers sovereign capability.”
Defender said its engineering teams retain end-to-end control over the Wolf Series II engineering process while removing unnecessary complexity. The company said this approach is intended to support production of a modern military fleet at pace and scale while preserving enduring sovereign capability.
Wolf Series II will join the existing Defender Expert portfolio, which serves border force, police, military, fire and other emergency organisations around the world. Defender said that experience demonstrates the vehicle’s versatility in demanding environments.
The company also pointed to Defender’s recent Dakar performance and a demonstration at the Ministry of Defence’s independent testing ground as evidence of its off-road capability. Defender said it was the only vehicle at that demonstration to successfully navigate every obstacle.
