General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) unveiled the Pandur SHORAD (Short-Range Air Defense) 6×6 armored vehicle, marking a significant advancement in mobile air defense technology. This new system integrates the Pandur EVO 6×6 armored vehicle with Moog Inc.’s Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP) turret, creating a versatile and lethal platform designed to address modern battlefield threats.
At the core of the Pandur SHORAD is the RIwP turret, developed by Moog Inc., a leading American defense technology manufacturer. The RIwP is one of the most modular and scalable remote weapon systems available, supporting over 125 different weapon and sensor combinations. In its SHORAD configuration, the turret is equipped with a 30mm XM914 automatic cannon, dual Stinger missile pods, and advanced electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor suites. This setup allows for simultaneous engagement of multiple air and ground threats, offering 360-degree situational awareness, automatic target tracking, and slew-to-cue capability, which significantly reduces operator workload and response time.
The RIwP’s open architecture design supports plug-and-play integration with new technologies, enabling future upgrades without the need for full system replacement. This flexibility is crucial for forces facing rapidly evolving threats. Additionally, the turret’s combat effectiveness is enhanced by programmable airburst munitions, which are particularly effective against drone swarms and concealed targets. The integration of EO/IR sensors with an advanced fire-control system ensures precision target acquisition and engagement in both day and night conditions.
The Pandur EVO’s 6×6 chassis provides excellent off-road performance, a top speed of 118 km/h, and high levels of protection, making it ideal for frontline units that need to move quickly and strike effectively. The vehicle can carry a crew of three plus up to eight infantry soldiers, allowing for combined air defense and infantry operations from a single platform. This combination of mobility, protection, and firepower ensures that the Pandur SHORAD can keep pace with mobile formations and respond rapidly to emerging threats.
The timing of the Pandur SHORAD’s live-fire demonstration is particularly relevant given recent conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, and the Middle East, which have highlighted the strategic importance of mobile, decentralized air defense systems. In Ukraine, loitering munitions and drone swarms have overwhelmed traditional, stationary defenses. In Israel, layered air defense has proven vital in intercepting rocket and drone attacks from multiple directions. Meanwhile, non-state actors in Syria and Iraq have weaponized commercial drones, posing persistent threats to deployed forces and critical infrastructure.
In response to these trends, platforms like the Pandur SHORAD are emerging as essential battlefield tools, offering rapid, maneuverable, and autonomous air defense options that can adapt to the dynamic nature of modern warfare.
The Bushmaster Users Conference 2025 provided an opportunity for military stakeholders to witness firsthand how this next-generation SHORAD platform performs under live combat conditions. General Dynamics’ participation in the conference signals its continued focus on integrating agility, firepower, and survivability into the future of air defense.
According to information published by General Dynamics Land Systems on April 12, 2025, a striking image emerged from the Big Sandy Range in Arizona, showcasing the Pandur SHORAD 6×6 armored vehicle in preparation for a live-fire demonstration at the conference. The photo captures the cutting-edge system as it readies to deliver a powerful demonstration of mobile air defense capabilities, signaling a significant advancement in short-range air defense technology designed for today’s evolving battlefield threats.
The Pandur SHORAD represents a critical milestone for General Dynamics Land Systems, combining the highly mobile Pandur EVO 6×6 armored vehicle with Moog Inc.’s RIwP turret to create a SHORAD solution purpose-built for decisive lethality and protected mobility. Its modular design, advanced weaponry, and sensor integration make it a formidable platform capable of addressing the complex and rapidly evolving threats of modern warfare. As conflicts continue to underscore the need for agile and responsive air defense systems, the Pandur SHORAD stands out as a significant advancement in the field.
