Laem Chabang, December 27th, 2024 – Laos had over two million tons of ordnance dropped during the Vietnam War (1964-1973), equivalent to a plane-load of bombs every eight minutes for nine years. An estimated 80 million unexploded submunitions remain buried, leaving 30% of the country contaminated and continuing to cause casualties, including 20,000 deaths or injuries since the war. Despite ongoing efforts by the Lao government to remove the bombs, the scale of the problem continues to threaten lives and hinder development. RMA Automotive is very proud to be doing its bit to reduce casualties and deaths in one of our prime markets.

The new blast and shrapnel protected JCB tractor loader from RMA Automotive sets a new standard for operational safety and performance in challenging environments. It has B7-level ballistic protection across the walls, roof, and floor, along with spall protection, offering superior defense against fragmentation. Additionally, it is equipped with efficient heat insulation and air-conditioning, creating a comfortable working environment for the operator, even in extreme conditions.

Ordered by the Halo Trust, it will be deployed in Laos in areas covered with unexploded ordnances.  The vehicle balances robust protection with excellent visibility, allowing operators to maintain optimal awareness of their surroundings. At the same time, it ensures a high level of blast protection, making it ideal for workers to continue their daily forestry work in safety in case they inadvertently run over an unexploded ordinance.

With this innovative design (also available on John Deere Tractors), RMA Automotive continues to prioritize both safety and functionality in our products, ensuring that operators can work with confidence and efficiency in even the most demanding settings.