Each year approximately 80-90 thousands of Land Rover light utility vehicles are produced, and over 10% of them are sold for military operators worldwide. The Land Rover Defender entered production in the late 1980s. These light utility vehicles are in service with the British Army. It is designated in service as the Truck Utility Light, or Truck Utility Medium. Defenders are manufactured in some countries, including Australia, Malaysia and Turkey.

The Land Rover Defender is available in various models, such as 90, 110 and 130. The number in the designation is a length of wheelbase in inches. All Land Rover vehicles come with a number of options, including open top with folding windscreen, or roll-over bar, additional fuel tanks. These military vehicles can withstand the most demanding off-road conditions. Vehicles carry troops, equipment or communication systems, depending on the role. Defenders are also used as weapon carriers, mobile workshops, shelter carries, ambulances, or light recovery vehicles.

The General Service (GS) are the baseline Defenders with an open top, covered by a canvas cover. Such vehicles are capable of carrying 8-14 troops, depending on the model. There are also used to tow light artillery pieces. The FFR version with an all-metal body is often used as a mobile command post or signal vehicle.

The Land Rover XD90 and XD110 (Xtra Duty) have a reinforced chassis for operation in demanding conditions. The XD130 has a payload capacity of 1.4 t and is used as a light utility truck. It is also used to carry specialized equipment or shelters. The British Army battlefield ambulance is based on this vehicle. It has a capacity for a combination of up to four stretcher cases or six seated casualties and provides a very high standard of medical facilities.

The CAV-100 is armored version, based on the Defender 110. It provides seating for up to 10 fully-equipped troops. This armored vehicle is often used during peacekeeping missions.

The Weapon Mount Installation Kit (WMIK) vehicles are fitted with 12.7-mm heavy machine guns, or automatic grenade launchers. The WMIKs are special forces vehicles, used for reconnaissance, close fire support or patrol duties. These Defenders are stripped down, have a strengthened chassis and are fitted with roll-over bars. Sometimes these military vehicles carry anti-tank guided weapon launchers.

All Land Rover Defenders have a NATO standard towing jaw and are capable of towing a trailer with a maximum weight of up to 4 t.

The Defenders are powered by 2.5-liter petrol or diesel engines, developing from 68 to 111 hp. There is also a more powerful 3.5-liter V8 petrol engine, developing 134 hp. Gearbox and transfer is standard across the range of military vehicles. The Land Rovers are popular for being easily maintained in the field, as only tools required to service these military vehicles are often just a hammer and a few spanners. Various add-on equipment, such as recovery winches, additional fuel tanks, air conditioners can be fitted depending on requirement.

The Land Rover Defender is airportable, making it suitable for rapid deployment to anywhere in the world.