Alford Technologies Ltd has announced the award of a significant contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), initially valued at £1 million and subsequently increased to £1.5 million, for the supply of its Gladius off-route mine systems to the British Army. This procurement marks an enhancement of the UK’s anti-tank capabilities and reinforces NATO’s collective defence posture.
The MoD’s decision to acquire the Gladius system addresses a critical capability gap in the British Army’s arsenal, specifically in the area of lethal barriers for both defensive and offensive operations. The Gladius system will provide British forces with a modern, flexible anti-tank mine capability.
“This procurement directly increases lethality by providing a means for defensive actions, offensive ambush and sabotage. This equipment will be used to support training, capability development and to bolster NATO readiness and interoperability for operations,” according to an MoD tender notice.
The Gladius off-route mine system features a modular design and versatile munitions options. It incorporates the Krakatoa and Vesuvius shaped charges, offering operators a choice between Explosively Formed Projectile (EFP), Gladius Fragmentation Projectile, and Jet Forming Cone (JFC) configurations. These features enable Gladius to address a wide range of mission requirements and significantly enhance the lethality and survivability of light forces.
Operators can customise the explosive charge and select the optimal projectile for each mission. This approach eliminates the logistical and safety challenges of transporting factory-filled explosives and reduces long-term storage costs.
The system focuses explosive energy toward the target, maximizing efficiency against armoured vehicles while minimising collateral damage.
Gladius can be deployed and detonated remotely, providing greater tactical flexibility and safety for operators.
The system is lightweight compared to traditional anti-armour solutions, allowing for rapid deployment, retrieval, and repositioning—ideal for ambushes and mobile operations.
Already in service with 11 NATO nations, Gladius ensures shared training, operational compatibility, and access to common spares, enhancing multinational operational resilience.
Ongoing research and development aims to evolve Gladius into a smart, multifunctional munition, further supporting anti-access and area denial (A2AD) operations.
The MoD contract, signed in early 2025, is scheduled for delivery within approximately three months, depending on production timelines. It is expected to support not only operational deployment but also training and capability development for the British Army.
Alford Technologies is actively seeking to expand the Gladius system’s presence across NATO and other international markets. The company offers comprehensive support, including tailored marketing materials, live demonstrations, and ongoing technical assistance, to facilitate adoption by allied military forces.
Alford Technologies is represented in South Africa by ECM Technologies.
Established in South Africa in 1985, ECM Technologies is a highly specialised technology-driven company with 35 years of experience in the supply of superior solutions to the defence industry. The company is South Africa’s leading supplier of CBRN defence solutions. The company also specialises in optics and electro optics, EOD/C-IED (bomb disposal) equipment, runflat systems for armoured vehicles and modular steel bridging systems, amongst others.
Editorial contacts:
Eric Milburn
(012) 329 4116
[email protected]
www.ecmtech.co.za
