SVI Engineering has introduced a new protection package for the Land Rover Defender, adding the model to its list of vehicles available with the firm’s SVI Lite solution.
The Bashewa-based manufacturer first launched the product range in March 2025, positioning it below its B4 discreet and B6 discreet 360-degree armouring packages but above smash-and-grab window film. Since then, the treatment has been extended to models such as the Suzuki Jimny and Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and now a version has been developed for the L663-generation Defender.
“The Land Rover Defender has become a symbol of exploration, taking families into some of the most spectacular corners of the continent. But whether you’re taking your family on safari or simply navigating urban traffic, our new SVI LITE package provides the necessary protection without compromising the vehicle's performance, handling or off-road abilities,” says SVI Business Development Director, Nicol Louw.
The package focuses on the side closures, meaning doors and door windows, with customers able to specify how many doors are armoured. Each selected door gains concealed Kevlar panels, while the standard side-window glass is replaced with lightweight armoured glass. Together, these components deliver Level B2 protection, rated to stop 9 mm, 124-grain rounds fired from a handgun. The additional weight is less than 15 kg per door, ensuring performance remains unaffected both on and off road.
The ballistic glass used allows the side windows to operate normally, meaning drivers and passengers retain full functionality for everyday tasks such as accessing ticket machines or biometric readers. The package is available for all three Defender body styles, namely 90, 110 and 130.
The Defender 110 shown in accompanying material features protection for all four doors and a Level B4 windscreen, curved to original equipment manufacturer specification, fitted at the client’s request.
Pricing for the Defender package starts at R74 950 per closure, excluding VAT. Options include the Level B4 windscreen and a set of Flats Over runflat rings. Installation at SVI’s facility outside Pretoria takes two weeks, regardless of the number of closures specified.
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