In a move that strengthens Europe’s domestic defence manufacturing base, Polish company Bumech SA has forged a production agreement with South African armoured vehicle specialist OTT Technologies to localise the assembly and eventual full manufacture of military-grade platforms in Poland. Announced in early September 2025, following an initial letter of intent signed in July, this partnership marks Bumech’s expansion from its roots in mining and industrial services into the defence sector, capitalising on rising demand for versatile armoured vehicles amid regional security tensions. The deal focuses on adapting OTT’s proven designs to European standards to supply armed forces, border agencies, and police units across the continent.
Bumech, a publicly traded entity on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, has traditionally centred its operations on coal extraction and machinery production, but recent diversification efforts have pushed it toward high-growth areas like defence. The company operates facilities equipped for heavy engineering, which it plans to repurpose for vehicle production without major new investments in infrastructure. This strategic pivot aligns with Poland’s national priorities for bolstering local industry and reducing reliance on foreign imports for military hardware, especially as Warsaw ramps up spending on modernisation programs. OTT Technologies, founded in 1980 and headquartered in Pretoria, stands as South Africa’s leading producer of armoured vehicles, with additional operations in the United States. Over four decades, OTT has delivered more than 2,000 units worldwide, including to United Nations peacekeeping forces, earning a reputation for rugged designs suited to demanding environments. The firm holds ISO certifications for quality management, environmental standards, and occupational health, while complying with South Africa’s National Conventional Arms Control Committee for exports. Its portfolio emphasises mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) platforms that prioritise crew safety and operational flexibility.
At the core of the agreement lies the licensed production of three OTT models: the Puma M36, LM series, and Bulldog M34, all tailored for multipurpose roles in combat and security operations. The collaboration begins with Bumech assembling vehicles from OTT-supplied kits, progressing to independent manufacturing using components sourced predominantly from within the European Union, aiming for over 70 per cent local content. This “Europeanization” process involves redesigning elements like drivetrains and engines to meet EU emissions and regulatory requirements, alongside integrating advanced features such as anti-drone systems to counter modern threats. OTT will provide technology transfer, joint engineering support, and training during the setup phase, ensuring seamless knowledge handover. The initial term runs through December 2027, with provisions for automatic renewal if performance thresholds are met.
The Puma M36 emerges as a flagship offering in this lineup, designed as a high-mobility MRAP vehicle capable of withstanding severe blast and ballistic hazards. With a V-shaped monocoque hull that deflects explosive forces, it achieves STANAG 4569 Level 4a/4b protection against mines and improvised explosive devices, alongside EN1063 ballistic resistance. The vehicle accommodates up to 12 personnel, including driver and commander, in a configuration that allows rapid ingress and egress through multiple doors. Powered by a Mercedes-Benz OM 926 LA 7.2-litre inline-six diesel engine delivering 240 kilowatts or higher variants up to 300 kilowatts, it pairs with an Allison automatic transmission for speeds reaching 100 kilometres per hour on roads. Empty weight hovers around 11 metric tons, with a gross vehicle mass of 14 tons permitting payloads of 3 tons, and a fuel range exceeding 800 kilometres. Independent suspension and all-wheel drive enable traversal of rough terrain, while modular options support roles from troop transport to ambulance or command post, often fitted with remote weapon stations for 12.7mm machine guns or grenade launchers. Field-tested in African conflicts and certified by NATO, the Puma’s design emphasises ergonomics and maintainability, with common driveline components reducing logistics burdens.
Complementing the Puma, the LM series—encompassing models like the LM13—targets lighter, more agile applications in paramilitary and internal security scenarios. The LM13 features a 340- or 400-horsepower diesel engine coupled to a six-speed automatic gearbox, delivering high torque for urban and off-road manoeuvres. Its independent suspension system enhances ride quality and stability, while certified protection covers ballistic threats, landmines, and IEDs at levels comparable to STANAG standards. Seating configurations vary, typically for eight to ten occupants, with emphasis on quick deployment for patrol or riot control duties. The Bulldog M34 rounds out the trio as a robust multipurpose security vehicle, seating up to 12 crew members with access via side plug doors, a large rear entry, and separate front doors for the driving team. Driven by the same Mercedes OM 926 LA engine producing 240 kilowatts, it offers a balance of protection and mobility, with V-hull deflection and space for turret-mounted weapons. Like its counterparts, the Bulldog supports diverse missions, from personnel carriage to specialised variants like recovery or surveillance units.
This partnership arrives at a time when European nations, particularly Poland, face pressing needs for fleet replacements. Estimates suggest the Polish armed forces alone require approximately 3,000 high-mobility multipurpose vehicles to phase out ageing stocks, with additional demand from border guards and law enforcement for enhanced patrol capabilities. Broader markets in Central-Eastern Europe, the Baltics, Nordics, Scandinavia, and the Balkans present opportunities, where OTTs’ battle-tested designs can address gaps in mine-protected transport amid hybrid threats. Bumech’s entry into this space supports Warsaw’s reindustrialisation agenda, fostering job creation and technological sovereignty while mitigating supply chain vulnerabilities exposed by recent global conflicts.
Timelines for rollout remain ambitious, with the full license agreement slated for signing by late October 2025. Bumech aims to complete three initial prototypes by the close of the first quarter in 2026, leveraging these for exhibitions and client demonstrations to lock in orders. Michał Kończak, Bumech’s vice president, described the venture as transformative: “Using our resources, infrastructure, and newly acquired know-how, we are entering the rapidly growing defence market. Cooperation with OTT Technologies opens up new opportunities, allowing us to offer Europe-proven, now locally manufactured military solutions.” He added that serial production would utilise adapted facilities, positioning the company to respond swiftly to procurement calls.
Similarly, in 2024, OTT Technologies and ADG Mobility, two leading South African military vehicle manufacturers, announced a strategic partnership with Rakaa Security and Military Supplies, a Saudi company that provides security and military equipment to various government agencies in the Kingdom.
The partnership was unveiled at the World Defence Show (WDS) 2024, a global event that showcases the latest innovations and technologies in the defence sector.
The aim of the partnership is to align with and enable the Saudi 2030 vision, a national plan that seeks to diversify the economy, enhance social development, and strengthen security and stability in the region.
