German automotive armouring specialist Trasco Bremen has launched the A-Kip level Land Rover Defender 110 SUV.
Even before the new Land Rover Defender was introduced, it was obvious the next-gen model would receive plenty of attention from coachbuilders and secure vehicle companies, given the model’s traditional use by international organisations and embassies and high wealth customers.
The classic Defender, despite being used by many military forces throughout the world, was never easy or inexpensive to armour discretely given the relatively thin pillars, upright windshield, and the geometry of the roof, despite many armoured versions having been developed for military use. Classic Defenders converted by armouring specialists for military duty, therefore, were neither subtle nor particularly appealing for on-road use by private owners, even if they were able to shrug off assault rifle rounds.
The new Defender model promised to blend the luxury of modern Land Rovers with the off-road abilities of their predecessors, all while offering plenty of interior space and everyday usability – the perfect set of qualities for most armored vehicle customers.
A few months ago Trasco Bremen, one of the oldest and most trusted names in the business, has rolled out a special armour package for the Defender 110 developed to the anti-kidnapping VPAM4 and VPAM6 standards, aimed at traditional private buyers of armoured SUVs. This standard combines a medium level of ballistic protection with nearly unnoticeable installation—ideal for higher-risk countries, but less ideal for active war zones.
The VPAM 4 and 6 level armour package includes ballistic glass all around.
Trasco Bremen’s A-Kip (anti-kidnapping level of protection) uses lightweight materials to preserve the Defender 110’s handling and performance characteristics. This starts with ballistic glass all around, certified to the VPAM 4 or VPAM 6 grades, including composite or steel panels for the model’s Alpine windows. The rear cargo section, as is customary in the industry for SUVs, stays stock, with Trasco adding a wall immediately behind the vehicle’s rear seats.