Pathfinder Platoon get the MWMIK

10.04.2008

With 16 Air Assault Brigade in the process of taking over from 52 Infantry Brigade in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, it has been reported that the Pathfinder Platoon are to be the first non-UKSF unit to operate the MWMIK

The MWMIK (Mobility Weapons Mounted Installation Kit) is widely regarded as a big improvement over the WMIK Land Rovers previously used by the Pathfinders. These improvements include:

• improved armour, although the open design, ideal for fast moving recce units, does still leave the operators vulnerable to small arms and shrapnel
• better off-road performance, especially on the rough, rocky ground found in Helmand
• greater operational range

The MWMIK, built by Babcock Marine, based in Plymouth, is based around the Supacat HMT 400 off-road vehicle. It is believed that the SAS and SBS have been operating the HMT 400 for some time.

The Pathfinder Platoon are 16 Air Assault Brigade's reconnaissance force, and are likely to be amongst the first Brigade assets deployed as part of their upcoming 6 month roulement to Afghanistan.

Further reading:
Army unveils all-terrain 'Pitbull'
(The Telegraph)
Awesome firepower and agility puts Jackal in class of its own
(MOD Defence News)

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