£3m To Keep Man's Best Friend On Battlefield Safe

It's a dog's life — and it's worth a lot to the British Army and our other armed forces. That's why procurement agency Defence, Equipment and Support (DE&S) is spending an estimated £3.1 million on training and kit for soldiers' four-legged friends.

As per a recent press statement from the procurement arm of the U.K.'s Ministry of Defence (MoD), a Surrey-based firm has won a deal to for a ‘canine catalogue’ to support and train more than 500 military working dogs.

Over at least the next five years the protected pooches, which include German shepherds, springer spaniels, Labradors and range of carefully selected breeds among their number, will be trained and kitted out by Von Wolf K9 Sport & Service Dog Equipment Limited. The Small Medium Enterprise (SME) firm will be taking on an extra dedicated member of staff to deliver the contract.

The Canine Support Solution package agreed as part of the deal will provide protective equipment for the dogs including goggles, ear defenders, safety boots for their paws, cool vests, and flotation devices.

Military dogs are trained for detecting explosives, arms, vehicles and drugs, as well as providing protection and assistance to their handlers. Four-legged friends are deployed across the Army, RAF, Ministry of Defence Police (MDP), Germany Guard Service, and MoD Guard Service and also serve as Regimental Mascots.

The Specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search (EOD&S), Exploitation and Countermeasures (SEEC) team within DE&S tendered for the Canine Support Solution contract.

Liam Brown, SEEC Operations Manager at DE&S said: “The welfare and security of all Military Working Dogs and handlers is of paramount importance to us, and this contract with Von Wolf will enhance our offering by catering to their needs and specific requirements in the most efficient way."

Director at Von Wolf K9 Sally Dickinson said: “As a trusted partner to the Ministry of Defence, we at Von Wolf K9 Sport & Service Dog Equipment are incredibly proud and excited to be awarded this contract. It underscores our commitment to providing the best possible support to the UK’s military working dogs, ensuring they have the equipment needed to thrive in both training and operational environments. This is more than just a business opportunity for us – it’s a responsibility we take to heart, knowing that the safety and wellbeing of these remarkable animals play a crucial role in our nation’s security.”

• You can read more details on the DE&S website