Built for battle: Ineos Grenadier lands first military contracts

The Ineos Grenadier was designed as a no-frills, back-to-basics four-wheel drive for buyers who reckon modern SUVs have gone a bit soft. Now it has found customers who take ruggedness more seriously than most: the military.

Ineos Automotive has won its first sovereign defence contracts with Italy and Austria. Italy will start taking deliveries from early 2027, while Austria's vehicles will be fitted with extra protection before they enter service.

Ineos Automotive’s defence contracts are notable milestones for a vehicle that has only been on sale for a few years, most of which it has spent carving out a niche with off-road enthusiasts, fleet operators and adventure tourers.

The biggest win is the Italian Army order. Ineos hasn't said how many vehicles are involved or what the contract is worth, but it says Italy is the first NATO member to lodge a significant military order for the Grenadier.

Austria signed up after a government tender. Its vehicles will be converted by specialist Valentin Tusch GmbH, which will fit enhanced protection systems before deliveries and trials start later this year.

The military interest isn't all that surprising once you look past the retro styling.

Unlike most modern SUVs, the Grenadier sticks with a ladder-frame chassis, solid axles, permanent four-wheel drive and deliberately simple mechanicals.

With so many new cars stuffed full of complex electronics, that recipe makes repairs and maintenance easier in remote places and tough conditions. Fewer gizmos means fewer things to go wrong a long way from a workshop.

It's the same formula that won the Grenadier a following among serious off-roaders.

Italy and Austria could be just the start.

Ineos says the Grenadier is now in trials for the British Ministry of Defence's Light Mobility Vehicle program, which could lead to a much bigger defence deal on home soil. The Ford Ranger is also in the running for the hugely lucrative British contract, complete with 6x6 versions of the Aussie-developed ute.

Ineos says it's also in advanced talks with other European and NATO militaries, though it hasn't named them.

Away from the army, the Grenadier is already used by police, border protection, emergency response and specialist tactical units across Europe.

Not bad for a vehicle born from a desire to revive the spirit of the old-school Land Rover. Plenty of new four-wheel drives get tested in the bush. Very few end up preparing for active duty.

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