Australian defence vehicle manufacturer Supacat has developed a new military-grade vehicle based on the popular Toyota Hilux ute.
Designed with affordability and serviceability in mind, the Hilux-based 6×6 Medium Utility Vehicle (MUV) aims to offer regional defence forces a capable, cost-effective option for demanding off-road and littoral operations.
Hilux with a military twist
The Supacat MUV is built on a dual-cab chassis version of the Toyota Hilux, but with one standout enhancement - the addition of a third axle, making it a true 6×6 beast.
This configuration, combined with aggressive all-terrain tyres and Toyota’s proven ladder-frame chassis, ensures that the MUV is more than capable of handling rough environments. Its design lends itself to high manoeuvrability in difficult terrains, including littoral zones where water and land intersect.
Equipped with a snorkel, off-road bumpers and additional LEDs, the MUV is clearly engineered for extreme conditions. A rugged bull bar enhances its front-end protection, while military-grade side steps and a GPS antenna further bolster its field readiness.
A custom rear bed also allows for easy storage of weapons and other essential military equipment. This modular setup means the vehicle can be rapidly reconfigured to accommodate emerging technologies or new mission requirements, providing long-term versatility for defence forces.
Built for affordability and reliability
Supacat’s approach focuses on cost-effectiveness without compromising performance. The company has opted to use a significant number of commercial-off-the-shelf components to simplify both production and maintenance.
Supacat's Head of Future Business, Matt Grech, emphasised this point, stating, “We believe the MUV will find favour with regional forces seeking to maximise capability while being able to support the product locally from existing resources and infrastructure.”
The MUV’s impressive 2.72-tonne payload capacity and gross vehicle mass of 5.9 tonnes provide ample room for personnel and equipment.
Meanwhile, an upgraded 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine, capable of delivering 150kW and 500 Nm of torque, powers the vehicle.
Customers can opt for either manual or automatic transmissions, depending on operational needs.
While complete technical details remain limited, the MUV’s specifications suggest a highly capable and adaptable platform.
Supacat’s Hilux-based MUV is expected to appeal to defence forces that value a balance of capability, affordability and serviceability.
As regional forces look for dependable, cost-effective solutions, Supacat’s MUV could find itself at the forefront of military vehicle fleets in the years to come.