The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has signalled its intent to modernise the British Army’s heavy equipment transporter (HET) capability. This move marks a pivotal moment for the defence supply chain. HET provides a critical function, delivering heavy armoured vehicles like the Challenger 2 MBT swiftly and safely, without adding undue mileage or strain to their drivetrains.
Though the current Oshkosh HET platform has performed reliably since its introduction in 2001, the requirements of modern land warfare have evolved. Heavier vehicles, like the Trojan AEV variant used to breach mine fields, are pushing the limits of existing logistics platforms. There is an increasing need to rethink how strategic assets are moved across theatre.
The ability to transport equipment of this scale is not a luxury, it is a military necessity. Whether for training exercises in Europe, deployment readiness or domestic mobility, a capable, reliable HET fleet remains essential for any land force wishing to maintain combat effectiveness.
A notice of opportunity
In early 2025, the MOD issued a prior information notice under its ‘Materiel Distribution Land programme’, outlining plans to develop a new HET capability. This early market engagement offers industry the chance to demonstrate technical readiness and help shape future requirements.
The current platform, built by Oshkosh and operated under contract by KBR, has served well for over two decades. It features a tractor unit with an eight-wheel drive configuration, pulling a seven-axle trailer with a dual winch system to load and unload armour and other heavy equipment. But like many legacy systems, it is approaching obsolescence.
As the MOD begins market engagement, EKA looks forward to presenting solutions that can enhance the capability, adaptability, and resilience of the next generation of HET platforms.
Winch thinking: more than supply, it’s integration
At the heart of EKA’s offer is its ability to deliver integrated winch solutions tailored to the demands of military heavy transport. This is not just about supplying winches. It is about specifying the right configuration, managing installation, delivering supporting accessories and ensuring long-term support through a UK-based service and spares infrastructure.
“Our value is not limited to supplying the winch system,” explains Michael Keech, Managing Director at EKA. “It’s in how we support integration, operation and maintenance over the full life of the platform, especially with UK-based capability that keeps support close to home and having the UK customer and user at the heart of what we do.”
A prime example is the ROTZLER TARVOS TA 25 twin winch system. In dual configuration, these winches enable precise control during the loading and unloading of damaged or misaligned vehicles. Each winch delivers a maximum pulling force of 250 kN, with dynamic operation capabilities at up to 200 kN and rope speeds reaching 40 m/min in speed mode. Together, they enable controlled loading of vehicles weighing 80 tonnes or more.
Optional elements of the adaptable TARVOS based system include pressure rollers, slack rope control, rope guides, auxiliary winches, snatch blocks, four-strand chain assemblies and full safety platforms with fall protection. The result is a flexible package that can meet multiple mission profiles, from peacetime deployment to forward recovery in contested environments.
A smarter way to integrate capability
TARVOS twin winch system
Beyond the headline specs, the real differentiator lies in how EKA delivers these systems. As the UK agent of ROTZLER, EKA provides full lifecycle support for all equipment it supplies, including documentation, integrated logistic support servicing and repair. Its field service representatives (FSRs) are UK-based, fully deployable and experienced, enabling faster response times and reducing dependency on overseas support.
EKA’s plans go beyond simply integrating proven winch systems. The company intends to carry out most of the engineering and manufacturing work in the UK, combining ROTZLER’s specialist winch expertise with EKA’s own sovereign capabilities in development, assembly, integration and support.
Andrew said: “This approach allows us to deliver a best of breed load handling system with a high level of UK content. It ensures defence spending delivers greater social value, benefiting the British Army while supporting UK industry and local economies. We’ve worked with a range of defence contractors to integrate winch systems onto vehicle platforms at all stages of development. What they need is low-risk, high-capability delivery that’s backed by expertise and experience. That’s exactly what we offer.”
EKA also provides winching accessories for all applications, which enhance the effective pulling force of the system through mechanical advantage. New developments in control technology, such as the either wired or wireless ROTZLER Apex system, allow both winches to be operated in synchronisation with a single input – simplifying operation, reducing training burdens and improving safety for military users.
EKA’s track record in delivering bespoke solutions to leading defence contractors makes it a low-risk, high-capability choice for integration onto new platforms. Whether the winch system is installed behind the driver’s cabin, on the trailer frame, or as a fully independent power unit, EKA can support platform designers with technical consultation from day one.
Strategic support without strings
While EKA is engaged in discussions with various potential primes, this article makes no assumption about who will win the future HET contract. Nor does it favour any single platform configuration. The message is simple: regardless of who leads the bid, EKA stands ready to deliver a critical subsystem that will elevate the effectiveness of the end product.
This neutrality is deliberate. In a market where final specifications remain fluid, suppliers must be adaptable. EKA’s offering is scalable, modular and grounded in proven products supported by an agile UK-based team.
“We’re not here to dictate how the platform is built, we’re here to support it with systems that work,” adds Andrew. “Whoever leads the next HET programme, we’ll be ready to help them deliver.”
This also aligns with broader MOD objectives around supply chain resilience, sovereignty and through-life support. By keeping expertise, servicing and logistics within the UK, EKA enables contractors to meet strategic goals without compromising on performance or reliability.
Prepared for what comes next
HET is not just a vehicle; it is a strategic enabler. Without it, armour cannot be moved at speed. Armoured brigades cannot deploy at scale. Training cycles slow and readiness suffers. As new threats emerge and vehicle weights increase, the case for a modern, upgraded HET platform becomes ever stronger.
Whoever builds the next generation of HET, they will need a winch system that delivers confidence. That means more than pulling force. It means integration expertise, responsive support and a full package of compatible components.
EKA brings all of this to the table. With deep technical understanding, a proven supply chain and a practical approach to delivery, it is ready to support the contractors designing tomorrow’s tank transporters.
