The Mowag Piranha 8×8 stands as one of the most successful and influential families of armoured fighting vehicles ever designed. This Mowag was on display at Tankfest 26.
Developed by the Swiss company Mowag (now part of General Dynamics European Land Systems), this highly adaptable eight-wheeled platform has served as the baseline design for numerous major military vehicles globally, including the US Army’s Stryker and the US Marine Corps’ Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV). Engineered for maximum versatility, its modular design allows it to be configured for a vast range of roles—from standard infantry trundling and command posts to specialised ambulance, mortar carrier, and heavy direct-fire reconnaissance variants. Driven by an independent suspension system and an all-wheel-drive configuration, the Piranha combines excellent off-road mobility and high road speeds with robust protection against small arms fire, shrapnel, and mines, making it a cornerstone of modern mechanised infantry units worldwide.