Lily Mckeown | 20th August 2025
The Demands of Defence Engineering
As you may know, defence projects operate in some the most demanding and unforgiving environments on the planet, where reliability isn’t just important, it’s mission critical. Every single component, system and process must perform flawlessly, even under extreme temperatures, high pressure and unpredictable conditions.
Hydraulic systems play a pivotal role in this context. They enable heavy lifting, precise motion control and safe handling of equipment that can mean the difference between mission success and failure. From moving armoured vehicles to operating complex machinery, hydraulics are at the heart of operational efficiency and safety.
In such high-stakes scenarios, failure is simply not an option. The stakes are too high: human safety, national security and performance integrity all depend on systems that can withstand the harshest conditions without compromise.
This is where DHX comes in. We as a group specialise in designing hydraulic systems with a safety-first approach, engineered specifically for the defence sector. Our expertise ensures that every hydraulic component not only meets rigorous performance standards but also exceeds safety expectations, providing defence teams with the confidence they need to operate effectively in any environment.
Why Hydraulics Are Essential in Defence Applications
Every system needs to deliver maximum performance under the toughest conditions and hydraulics are often the unsung heroes behind this reliability.
One of their biggest advantages is their high power-to-weight ratio . Despite their compact size, hydraulic systems can deliver immense power, making them ideal for applications where space is limited but strength is non negotiable.
Equally important is their ability to provide smooth, controlled motion. In critical operations, whether lifting heavy equipment, stabilising weapon systems, or supporting aircraft, precision and control are essential and hydraulics deliver that with unmatched consistency.
Hydraulic systems also thrive where others fail. They offer reliable performance in extreme environments, including fluctuating temperatures, contamination and intense vibration, ensuring defence operations can continue without compromise.
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Our Expertise in Safety-critical Hydraulics
Our team brings deep expertise in designing and delivering solutions that meet the most demanding standards across defence, nuclear and aerospace environments.
Proven Experience: We have a strong track record working in high-stakes sectors where performance is non-negotiable, delivering hydraulic systems that stand up to rigorous operational demands.
Rigorous Testing & Compliance: Every system we design undergoes exhaustive testing and complies with international safety and performance standards, ensuring reliability even under extreme conditions.
Collaborative Approach: We work closely with defence contractors and the Ministry Of Defence to understand operational requirements, tailor solutions and ensure seamless integration into complex projects.
With this combination of expertise, testing and collaboration, we deliver hydraulic solutions that defence teams can trust – where safety, reliability and performance are always the top priority.
Challenges of Hydraulics in the Defence Sector
Safety
Systems must have redundancies and fail-safes
Durability
Designed for long life in hostile conditions
Precision
Smooth and accurate motion control
Maintenance
Reliability with remote deployments
Safety at the Core of Defence Hydraulics
“Safety is the cornerstone of everything we do in defence. Every system we design and deliver is guided by a commitment to protecting people, assets and missions.”
– Paul Ward, Sales Director
Looking Ahead: The Future of Defence Hydraulics
The defence industry is entering a new era of sophistication, driven by digitisation and smarter, more efficient systems. Digital monitoring and advanced diagnostics are becoming standard, enabling real-time performance tracking, early fault detection and predictive maintenance. This not only reduces downtime but also extends the lifespan of critical hydraulic components while improving overall operational safety.
Another major shift is the move toward modular and scalable systems , which allow defence organisations to deploy Hydraulic solutions flexibly across a wide variety of applications. This adaptability makes it easier to upgrade, reconfigure or expand systems as mission requirements evolve – reducing both cost and time to deployment.
The integration of AI and autonomous systems is also transforming the field. By embedding predictive analytics and machine learning, systems can anticipate failures, adjust performance dynamically and enhance safety under extreme conditions. This predictive safety approach helps improve reliability in critical scenarios.
Companies such as DHX are at the forefront of these innovations, leading the charge of in advanced defence hydraulics. Our work highlights how digital, modular and AI-enabled approaches are reshaping the future of hydraulic systems in defence applications.
A Trusted Partner for Defence
With 60 years of proven expertise, we deliver safety-first designs built to withstand extreme conditions and perform reliably under pressure. Our team specialises in solutions that combine innovation with rigorous testing, ensuring every component meets the demanding standards of defence operations.
Defence contractors who collaborate early with DHX can tap into unmatched hydraulic expertise from the ground up. Early engagement means systems can be optimised for performance, safety and longevity from day one ensuring mission readiness.
If you’re planning your next defence project, get in touch with us today to leverage your hydraulic expertise and secure a safer, more reliable future for your operation.