IDET 2025: All-terrain Mobility Combined with Precise Remote Firing with Excalibur's Hector System.

At the IDET 2025 defense exhibition held in Brno, Czech Republic, Excalibur Army presents the Hector system, a tactical vehicle solution developed in partnership with the Czechoslovak Group (CSG). Although previously introduced in limited professional contexts, this appearance marks Hector's first formal presentation at a major European defense trade show. The system integrates the widely used Toyota Land Cruiser 79 chassis with the Guardian 1.5 remote-controlled weapon station, armed in this configuration with a 12.7 mm M2 Browning heavy machine gun. This setup is designed to meet contemporary military and paramilitary operational requirements, particularly for reconnaissance missions, border control, area surveillance, and the engagement of lightly armed threats.
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Hector’s combat effectiveness is enhanced by the integration of the Guardian 1.5 weapon station, a stabilized, remotely controlled system developed to allow accurate and responsive fire without exposing the crew (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The key operational value of Hector lies in its ability to deliver high firepower from a compact, agile, and reliable vehicle platform. Unlike heavier armored vehicles, which require extensive logistical support and are often unsuitable for narrow, rugged, or underdeveloped terrains, Hector offers a much lighter footprint while maintaining offensive capabilities. The Toyota Land Cruiser 79 is widely used in military and security forces around the world due to its proven mechanical durability, ease of repair, and performance in harsh environments such as deserts, jungles, and highlands. These characteristics make it particularly suitable for operations in regions where infrastructure is limited and vehicle self-sufficiency is crucial.

Hector’s combat effectiveness is enhanced by the integration of the Guardian 1.5 weapon station, a stabilized, remotely controlled system developed to allow accurate and responsive fire without exposing the crew. Operated from inside the protected cabin, the system provides a significant increase in crew survivability in hostile or ambush-prone environments. The fire control system includes a high-resolution day/night optical suite with stabilization features, allowing effective engagement of moving or concealed targets even when the vehicle is in motion. This provides a substantial tactical edge in mobile operations, convoy protection, and reaction force roles.

The Guardian 1.5 offers three selectable operational modes, combat, manual, and maintenance, allowing quick adaptation to the battlefield situation. Fire settings can be customized through the control interface to deliver single shots, short bursts, or a continuous predefined firing sequence, giving the operator full control over ammunition management and target engagement. While the showcased version is armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun, the station supports interchangeable weapons, including 7.62 mm and 5.56 mm calibers, as well as a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher. This modularity makes the Hector system adaptable to a wide range of missions, from patrol and checkpoint security to perimeter defense and convoy escort in complex environments.

Compared to similar systems fielded internationally, such as the Plasan SandCat with Samson RCWS, Streit Group’s Typhoon with various remote turret options, or upgraded HMMWVs equipped with U.S.-designed CROWS, the Hector offers a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing operational functionality. Its use of a civilian-based yet militarized chassis provides logistical benefits in terms of parts availability and reduced lifecycle costs, which is particularly relevant for militaries in emerging regions or for paramilitary forces operating under budget constraints.

Excalibur Army, supported by CSG, leverages its expertise in modular land platforms and weapon systems integration to propose a solution that balances firepower, crew safety, operational agility, and logistical simplicity. The system is likely to appeal to countries and forces operating in conflict zones or unstable regions where rapid reaction, mobility, and adaptability are essential. Its debut at IDET 2025 underscores the increasing demand for platforms that combine commercial vehicle reliability with modern weapon systems integration in a compact and flexible format.

The widespread use of the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 in defense and internal security roles across Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia positions Hector as a platform with strong export potential. Its compatibility with preexisting vehicle fleets, along with its straightforward maintenance profile and scalable armament, facilitates rapid deployment and integration into existing force structures. As asymmetric threats continue to shape modern combat scenarios, systems like Hector represent a growing segment of the defense market focused on mobile, low-signature, and operator-protected fire support solutions.