DSEI UK 2025: ISTEC Unveils New HMG Softmount

ISTEC Services Limited has introduced a new Mk 2 Softmount designed for the M2 Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) during DSEI UK 2025, according to a company press release. The Mk2 Softmount is designed for use with the 12.7mm M2 and M2 QCB weapon systems. It is also compatible with a 70mm rocket launcher when an interface plate is fitted, allowing for what the company refers to as an organic fires capability. The mount is designed to be used in various roles, including fire support, air defence, and vehicle protection.

A key feature of the new softmount is its buffering mechanism, which is intended to absorb recoil during firing. According to the company, this mechanism removes approximately 40% of the peak felt recoil, which can assist with target acquisition and the user’s firing experience. The mount also includes an auxiliary firing mechanism on the handlebars. Attachments such as a link and case catcher and a shoulder bar assembly can also be fitted.

The Mk2 Softmount will be displayed in several configurations at the exhibition. It will be mounted on a naval pedestal, a tripod with a 70mm rocket launcher, and on a Fering Pioneer X. The Pioneer X on display will also be equipped with the Thales FZ275 LGR laser-guided rocket. Additionally, an Mk2 Softmount will be on the Precision Technic Defence Ltd stand, fitted with the Support Weapons Enhanced Sighting Systems (SWESS) kit.

ISTEC will be exhibiting this mount, alongside the company’s other products at booth N5-210.

Company Profile: ISTEC

ISTEC Services Limited is a British company founded in 1989. Based in Dorset, England, the company specialises in the design, manufacture, and supply of weapon integration solutions and smoke discharger systems for military platforms. ISTEC provides mounting solutions for crew-served weapons, which have been used on a variety of land, sea, and air platforms, including the WMIK, Mastiff, Husky, and Jackal vehicles. The company also provides smoke grenade launchers for the UK’s M270A2 MLRS.

Calibre comment

Softmounts enable light vehicles to carry a range of heavy weaponry, ensuring that they have the lethality needed for mission success. There is a growing trend for light vehicles that are well-armed and able to manoeuvre rapidly through an area. Speed has been shown to be something of a survivability mechanism in Ukraine, and lightly armoured but well-armed platforms can provide the blend of speed and capability that many forces are looking for. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on September 9, 2025. Credit for the lead image is Fering, it shows the Pioneer X equipped with the HMG Softmount.