New Zealand's elite SAS soldiers have received a multi-million dollar fleet of new special operations vehicles, although just how many remains top secret.
The rugged high-tech cross-country Special Operations Vehicles – Mobility Heavy (SOV-MH) have been delivered by British vehicle specialists Supacat and will roll into service over the coming months.
Designed for the world's elite special forces units, the HMT Extenda MK2 can be used either as four- or six-wheel machines depending on the crack soldiers' mission or terrain.
Its "open architecture" means it can be fitted with varying amounts of armour, or none at all, depending on operational needs, Supacat said in a statement.
The off-roaders can be fitted with an "optional mine blast and ballistic protection kit" as well as a range of weapon systems including 12.7mm / 7.62mm machine guns and 40mm automatic grenade launchers, communication equipment and intelligence, surveillance, and target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR).