Answering an age-old problem with a civilian off the shelf solution: Modular Protective Structure

NATO militaries have been facing the new realities of conventional combat, with attritional warfare becoming more commonplace. We are seeing this within recent conflicts, like the war in Ukraine, requiring a different set of skills and equipment toz protect troops. Here, Thomas Ambery, Business Development Manager – Military at MH International, explores further… 

After the decades of many NATO members and partners conducting stabilisation and counter insurgency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, there was a reshaping and differing approach to military operations, with more visible methods of protection favoured – such as Hesco Bastion, Expeditionary Sangar or concrete barricades. These provide both effective shelter for troops and visible positions to deter or engage opposition forces from. 

However, forces are now increasingly finding themselves engaged in static engagements where a defensive posture must be adopted. This requires providing ample protection for troops, both in the direct and in-direct fire zones.  

It is this change in style that is prompting a revival of the older techniques, such as digging in trenches and creating bunker emplacements using sandbags and trees to increase concealability and protection. These methods, whilst fairly effective, do require extensive manpower and resources to create stable defensive positions.  

Therefore, it is important that modern armies are provided with the equipment to properly adapt to these changing circumstances, with the civilian sector increasingly assisting with this aim. A great example of this is our Modular Protective Structure (MPS), a lightweight and high structural integrity field fortification system, made from an off the shelf civilian solution.  

Designed to be used sub-surface, this system provides end users with side and overhead protection when within an Indirect Fire zone. Its small and lightweight construction makes the MPS perfect for manual building in confined spaces, with three different packs available to choose from. These packs can be used to create different battle winning solutions, such as medical triage centres, troop accommodation and more, with the ability to design a scheme specifically for different mission parameters.  

Our MPS solution is an All-Arms product, with its simplicity in design reducing the training burden on troops and removing the need for any specialist assembly. Modular in nature and with no tools required to set up the frame, simply excavate the intended location using small plant equipment and backfill over the erected structure.  

This makes it ideal for indirect fire zones, where Overhead Protection (OHP) needs to be provided for troops who could be consistently barraged by artillery, rocket or drone strikes over the course of an engagement. Due to its high structural integrity, our MPS system allows for 1.2m overburden for OHP, the recognised level for adequate protection against 155mm artillery and 122mm rocket attacks. This system can also be used to harden existing positions, such as linear trenches or buildings, providing protected Command Posts, aid posts and fighting positions.  

MPS is the perfect solution for modern militaries fighting in attritional warfare, where they need to provide protected locations for troops to rest, receive medical treatment or for operations to be conducted.  

Find out more about this system and how we can support you, here.