06/15/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/15/2026 00:01
Ordnance-protected Terrus CVT tractor concept hasmilitary-tactical deployment possibilities / Result of collaboration withMehler Protection unveiled atEurosatory '26
St. Valentin, June 15, 2026
Tractors and defense may seem an unlikely pairing - but modern operations increasingly demand fast, all-terrain vehicles capable of powering multiple roles, from logistics through to specialist engineering tasks such as mine clearance. At the same time, defense planners are under pressure to reduce the total cost of mission, fielding capable platforms at scale and speed from proven production lines rather than traditional expensive, low-volume specialised systems. Advanced tractor technology answers precisely this need - and CNH is pioneering the entry of its STEYR® brand into the European defense sector, with the ambition to explore these opportunities further.
Designed to handle the world's most challenging environments, an ordnance-protected Terrus CVT tractor concept positions STEYR for entry into the defense sector, through its partnership with Mehler Protection, a leading provider of high-quality ballistic protection systems for law enforcement agencies, the military, and special forces. On its debut at the Mehler booth at Eurosatory 2026, the global defense and security event taking place from June 15-19 in the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, the new protected STEYR tractor concept offers an off-the-shelf tailored solution for specialized applications. Rapid scaling is supported by CNH's established industrial manufacturing and supply chain processes.
Markus Müller, President EMEA at CNH, welcomed the opportunity to exhibit in co-operation with Mehler Protection at Eurosatory. "Our deep experience in manufacturing equipment designed to operate at scale in demanding applications positions STEYR as a strong partner for the defense sector," he said.
"By combining STEYR's engineering expertise with Mehler's specialist knowledge, we are positioned to meet the extremely high standards of this sector. We are delighted to exhibit this pioneering STEYR innovation at Eurosatory, as CNH evaluates a potential entry into defense-related activities."
Using the proven STEYR Terrus CVT tractor platform, equipped with up to 340hp and a continuously-variable transmission for smooth, fuel-efficient operation, the pioneering modular integration concept enables precise configuration according to specific usage requirements use. Mehler is applying its specialized military vehicle experience to the tractor's platform protection, including the cab structure, underbody and key components. Meeting the NATO STANAG 4569 standard, this creates a multifunctional work and transport platform for military-tactical deployment, with protection for specialized applications and operations. STANAG is the set of recognized NATO standards for occupant protection in light armored and logistic vehicles.
The protected cab is also designed to NATO STANAG AEP-55 Level 2, for full occupant protection without affecting ergonomics or driving comfort, while optimized additional all-round armor protects particularly critical areas from a range of blast and projectile impacts. The vehicle thereby far exceeds the requirements of DGUV 201-027 (BGI 833), the safety standard for hazard assessments and protective measures during ordnance disposal.
A modular exchange concept eases maintenance and servicing, and means the design can be adapted to customer requirements, such as STANAG protection levels I, II, or III. Further adaptations include storage solutions installed by Lindnerhof Taktik to match specific sector requirements.
The result is a robust, highly adaptable platform that fully protects the operator while exceeding armed forces' requirements. A wide range of possible attachments includes grading and clearing blades, excavator and winch attachments, trenching machines and front loaders, meaning the machine can be used for a wide variety of tasks, from clearing paths and preparing terrain through to security, protected transport and logistics. Further information on the concept previewed at Eurosatory will be provided in due course.
Christian Vahldiek, the Managing Director of Mehler Protection, emphasized that the two exhibition partners bring together unique expertise for the defense and security sectors.
"We are able to offer the blend of innovation, protection and safety that is an absolute must for these industries, working together as European businesses to develop and implement the required focus on reliable industrial value creation and strong partner networks within the EU. Our exhibit at Eurosatory enables us to show the combination of a scalable platform, industrial expertise and proven protection/integration capabilities that offer a coherent, modular overall concept to one of the world's most demanding sectors."