Defender now available with ballistic and blast protection

Land Rover has partnered with armoured protection specialist Trasco to offer a more defensive version of its Defender 110.

The vehicle is virtually indistinguishable from a standard Defender 110

Available exclusively through accredited converter Trasco, the vehicle is aimed at clients with the need for enhanced security such as government departments or “high net worth individuals”.

It’s equipped with “discreet” ballistic and blast features, offering specialist Anti-Kidnap, or A-KIP, protection without drawing attention.

Nick Collins, executive director, vehicle programmes, Land Rover, said: “Defender is the most capable Land Rover ever made and this new collaboration makes it even more dependable than before. The new A-KIP lightweight protection solution from Trasco turns our award-winning all-terrain vehicle into a highly capable and discreet refuge for its occupants, providing enhanced security and protection.”

The A-KIP conversion includes lightweight security-grade steel, glass and composite materials. Two levels of ballistic protection are available: VPAM 4 or VPAM 6.

Areas fitted with VPAM-certified ballistic materials include the windscreen, doors and door glass, roof, footwells and a new ballistic rear partition with window situated behind the second row of seats.

Options for those requiring added protection and/or security include a fire suppression system for the engine compartment with automatic or manual deployment, front grille-integrated blue light pack and siren, an intercom system, run-flat tyres, heavy-duty window lifters, underbody ballistic protection and a self-sealing fuel tank.

Allan Petty, European sales manager, Trasco, commented: “Discretion is often the best form of defence, and what we have created for Defender allows those who need additional protection to blend in with normal traffic as the vehicle is virtually indistinguishable from a standard model.”

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.