What makes the Pioneer X mobile command vehicle so valuable to the special forces?

A new advanced long-range self-supported utility vehicle intended for the special forces has been unveiled at the International Armoured Vehicles Conference (IAV) 2025 in Farnborough.

Known as the Fering Pioneer X, this battery-powered mobile command centre can serve various functions on the battlefield.

Created by the British company Fering Technologies, the Pioneer X is built to increase the survivability of its operators.

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Fering Chief Technology officer and former F1 engineer, Ben Scott-Geddes said: "It's an all-new vehicle platform from the ground up.

"It was born from a gap in the market, or an opportunity where there's a need for a long-range self-supported utility vehicle.

"We're taking all the benefits of an electrical vehicle platform. High torque and low revolutions per minute (RPM), and great mobility.

"We've packaged in a very small battery system, so the car runs on batteries, but they're very benign, tough batteries for that use as well.

"The car battery is continuously topped up by an onboard generator.

"There's lots of space on board for fuel. That gives us a 4,000-mile or 7,000km potential range."

The Pioneer is also capable of running for 80km on pure electric power.

This reduces the vehicle's chances of being detected and increases the survivability of its crew.

In battle, the vehicle can be used as a mobile command centre, support unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and other mission-critical technology.