- Special Protection
- Government Vehicles
Magirus Informs
Innovation Initiative for Defense & Security: Magirus develops Mobile Antenna Mast Systems
- Mobile antenna mast systems with deployment heights of up to 100 metres under development
- Market-leading Magirus technology from turntable ladders and aerial rescue platforms as the basis for
fast, robust and mobile mast solutions
- Bundeswehr TaWAN project provides orientation; initial talks with potential customers
- Expansion of defense and specialist vehicle capabilities at Magirus’ sites in Ulm and Radfeld
Around six months after the acquisition of Achleitner Fahrzeugbau GmbH, Magirus is launching the development of mobile antenna mast systems for security- and defense-related applications. The systems are intended above all for use wherever communications, reconnaissance or command infrastructure needs to be made available quickly, flexibly and reliably.
Current demand in this area significantly exceeds the capacities available on the market. Magirus therefore sees an opportunity to transfer its technological capabilities in a targeted way to an adjacent field of application. As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of turntable ladders and aerial rescue systems, Magirus draws on more than a century of experience with proven technology, a high level of systems competence and extensive expertise in the development of mobile solutions with working heights of up to 68 metres.
Building on this, Magirus is now developing mobile antenna mast systems with heights of up to 100 metres. The focus is on rapid deployment, robustness in operation, high mobility and integration on suitable vehicle platforms with short lead times.
International strategy with initial customer discussions
Magirus has already held initial talks with potential customers. The feedback confirms the demand for powerful, mobile solutions that can be made available at short notice in this segment. The market for mobile antenna mast systems is a specialised niche with only a few established suppliers. At the same time, the need for robust, rapidly deployable and highly mobile solutions in the security- and defense-related environment is growing significantly.
“With Magirus Defense & Security we are systematically expanding our capabilities. Mobile antenna mast systems are a logical next step in transferring our experience with robust, mission-critical specialist vehicles to new applications,” says Aron Literski, Head of Defense & Security at Magirus.
One point of reference is the Bundeswehr’s TaWAN programme (“Tactical Wide Area Network for Land-based Operations”). It underlines the growing importance of resilient communications networks between tactical units and rear command structures. Mobile antenna and microwave radio systems play a central role in ensuring range, data transmission and command capability even under demanding operational conditions.
Established structures in Ulm and Radfeld
The development work will build on the existing competencies at the Ulm and Radfeld sites. While Magirus in Ulm, Germany, has extensive experience in the development and production of turntable ladders, aerial rescue systems and fire-fighting vehicles, the Radfeld site in Austria – with the former Achleitner Fahrzeugbau GmbH – contributes many years of expertise in protected and highly specialised vehicles.
By combining these areas of competence, Magirus aims to further strengthen its position in the defense and security environment and to open up new applications in the specialist vehicle segment.
Specialist vehicle competence to be further expanded
In parallel, Magirus is examining further market potential in the field of protected vehicles up to 18 tonnes gross vehicle weight. The company is open to strategic partnerships, whilst also serving customers in the specialist vehicle sector directly.
With the planned expansion of its portfolio, Magirus underlines its ambition to continue developing its technological base and to contribute to strengthening security-relevant capabilities in Europe and international markets.
Magirus informs
Magirus strengthens leadership team: Aron Literski takes over responsibility for Defense & Security at Magirus Group
- Since 1 June 2026, Aron Literski has been leading the Defense & Security business worldwide as
Head of Defense & Security
- Magirus Defense & Security develops specialised vehicle and protection solutions for emergency and
security forces, communities and critical infrastructure
- Strategic development of the business and product portfolio to continue
When it comes to protecting lives, uncompromising technology is essential – and so are people who are deeply committed to that mission. Aron Literski is one of them. Since 1 June 2026, he has taken over global leadership of the Defense & Security business at Magirus – at a time when the importance of protection and resilience continues to grow in light of current geopolitical challenges. Magirus sees it as its responsibility to contribute to greater protection, security and resilience through its solutions.
Aron Literski: An experienced leader with Magirus roots
“Through Magirus Defense & Security, we have consistently expanded our protection mission – beyond firefighting and disaster relief towards becoming an integrated provider of solutions for the protection of emergency and security forces, communities, and critical infrastructure,” says Fatmir Veselaj, CEO of Magirus Group. “With Aron Literski, we are bringing back an experienced colleague who will shape this journey with conviction and expertise. He knows Magirus from his previous roles in the firefighting business, brings a strong technical and commercial background and has demonstrated in international leadership positions his ability to successfully develop organisations and sites. We are delighted to welcome him back.”
At 56, Aron Literski combines deep technical expertise with extensive business experience. The graduate engineer and industrial engineer was already part of Magirus between 1998 and 2013, serving among other roles as Head of Rescue Vehicles and Head of Product Development. He subsequently held senior management positions in several international companies, including KION (Still/Linde), most recently serving as Regional Director DACH at ASSA ABLOY Group. He now returns to Magirus with a clear mandate to further develop Magirus Defense & Security.
Magirus Defense & Security: Protection solutions for the most demanding requirements
The Defense & Security business unit develops and manufactures specialised vehicle solutions for security authorities, armed forces and operators of critical infrastructure – technology that is equally important for civil protection and security-related governmental tasks. The business unit builds on decades of accumulated expertise and recognised industry know-how. As part of the Magirus Group, Defense & Security benefits from additional synergies in technology, networks and international market presence.
“Developing and building technology that protects lives is much more than a business responsibility to me – it is a responsibility towards society,” explains Aron Literski. “Only societies capable of protecting their people and critical infrastructure are fit for the future. Security and stability are essential, and Magirus Defense & Security plays an important role in delivering both.”
Further developing the product portfolio: Eurosatory provides valuable insights
“The expertise within Magirus Defense & Security is exceptional: a highly experienced team, deep technical know-how and products that are needed more than ever before. Our task now is to build on these strengths and create the capacities needed to meet increasing demand. Protection is our mission – and we deliver on it,” says Literski.
At the same time, Magirus Defense & Security is exhibiting at Eurosatory in Paris from 15 to 19 June 2026, one of the world’s leading trade fairs for defence and security systems. At stand H6 G219, the company is engaging with international customers, partners, institutions and technology providers to discuss current requirements and future developments. Initial discussions and insights have already provided valuable additional insights that enrich the strategic direction of Magirus Defense & Security and reveal further development opportunities. These insights will contribute to the further development of the business and its product portfolio.
High quality as standard
Vehicle construction
Magirus is a global name at automotive engineering and production of customized bodies, trailers and all-wheel-drive vehicles, as well as at the manufacturing of special vehicles prepared for police, military and paramilitary purpose - protected and unprotected. Located in Radfeld/Tyrol, Austria all vehicles gets adapted and manufactured according to customer and mission requirements.
Starting with an individual and unique piece, optimized and innovative vehicle concepts are offered. Along the entire value-added chain the vehicles are developed to series, produced, thoroughly tested, type-approved and delivered with in house competence.
The basis therefore is the knowledge and practical experience of our specialists, which has been grown over decades. Consistent progress and investments in machinery, coupled with the courage to start Industry 4.0 view already in the 2000s, is what Magirus makes a global player with highly complex vehicles systems.
At the beginning there was a traditional handcrafted blacksmith which was founded in 1932.
More than 9 decades of a regular solid development have been passed Magirus Magirus Defense Systems GmbH already.
Saftey and quality
Research
Our highly trained workers with years of company-specific experience regularly develop our products and their related equipment. This guarantees maximum quality and the most up-to-date technology.
Through its close cooperation with customers, users, suppliers, institutions and based on the use of tested and market-ready components, Magirus vehicles are produced that can be clearly distinguished from the standard series-produced vehicles made by other manufacturers.
Quality, functionality, durability and design - despite flexibility and customer-oriented solutions - are paramount. Magirus vehicles must also have the capacity of working under extreme stress. To achieve this, Magirus relies on an extensive range of in-house tools and expertise as well as partner test laboratories.
