Place of origin Switzerland Designer Bucher-Guyer AG | In service 1994 - Present Designed 1994 | |
 | ||
Used by Switzerland, Germany, Venezuela, UK, Ireland, Denmark Manufacturer Bucher-Guyer AG, 1994-2003
MOWAG, 2003-present | ||
The MOWAG DURO (Durable Robust) is a tactical military vehicle in both four and six wheel drive. Initially developed for Switzerland by Bucher-Guyer AG in Niederweningen, Switzerland. An initial 3,000 vehicles order for the Swiss Armed Forces came through in 1994. In January 2003 the production was transferred to MOWAG in Kreuzlingen. Over 4,000 DURO 4x4 and 6x6 vehicles are now in service worldwide. Main customers are Switzerland, Germany, Venezuela, and the UK. In addition to these, the vehicle is used in many other countries for special purposes. The latest versions are the DURO II and DURO III. Germany has ordered the DURO IIIP 6x6 ballistic and mine protected version.
Contents
DURO II in Service with the Irish Army
The DURO II 6X6 has been in service with the Irish Army since 2004 in two variants; a mobile workshops vehicle for armourers and an armoured EOD vehicle.
The DURO II has been shown not to be the most reliable vehicle on service with the Irish Army; although when the vehicle is serviceable it is very capable especially off road. Both variants have shown themselves to be prone to electrical faults and the armoured variant is too heavy for the vehicles suspension and braking system. In service with the Irish Army in Kosovo the vehicles have frequently been off the road for long periods at a time since two of them were deployed there in 2006 in order to support one IEDD team, typically speaking one team would only need one EOD vehicle but given the problems with the DURO II it was felt necessary to deploy two in order to maintain operational capability. This would seem to be mainly due to the long lead time for parts from the manufacturer and the aforementioned issues arising from the suspension and braking system not being able to handle the extra load of the armour. German troops have also reported similar reliability problems with DURO trucks in service with the German Army.
DURO III
The DURO III is available as a 4x4, 6x6, and an armored 6x6 with modular shelter. The Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles YAK, used by the German Army, is based on the DURO IIIP 6x6 chassis.
DURO IIIP / DURO GMTF
The DURO IIIP in the Swiss Army also Named DURO GMTF is the latest version only available in 6x6 form. It is heavy armoured and has a remote controlled Machinegun. It is used by the Danish Army as ambulance, and by the Swiss Army as APC, as NBC-Reconnaissance and ambulance in international peace support missions of Swissint.
Civil use
The 4X4 and 6X6 Duro was also offered in various configurations as a fire engine:
These vehicles are in different fire units in Switzerland in use, such as the fire departments of Bern, Frick, Baar, etc.
In the 1990s consideration was given, to introducing the Duro to the fire service of the former GDR as a substitute for the Robur LO. Robur and Duro have similar exterior dimensions, so in the existing fire houses no structural measures would be required for new vehicles. The conversion failed due to the purchase price of Duro, which exceeded the financial strength of the fire departments.
The 4x4 Duro was also offered as a commercial vehicle for communities and municipalities as dump trucks or with solid aluminum construction as service vehicles, but there were no significant sales. Also in the configuration as a civilian ambulance, there were no successes.
A small number of vehicles are provided as expedition vehicles, privately owned. Converted from civilian companies or individuals as offroad campers, coach expedition and expedition vehicle based on 4x4 and 6x6 Duros.