The Defender is extending its partnership with the British Red Cross through 2029, marking the 75th anniversary of one of the automotive industry’s longest-running humanitarian collaborations.

The relationship dates back to 1954, when a Series I Land Rover was modified for use by the British Red Cross in Dubai. More than seven decades later, Defender vehicles continue to support humanitarian operations in some of the world’s most difficult-to-reach locations.

As part of the renewed partnership, Defender will provide specially configured Defender 110 and 130 vehicles built to British Red Cross requirements. Known as the NGO Specification, the vehicles were developed with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and feature Driver Assist, along with standard and advanced Off-Road packs.

Beyond supplying vehicles, Defender will also provide funding to support British Red Cross programs, including volunteer and health-worker training, infrastructure projects, education, and emergency assistance.

Defender will remain a founding member of the British Red Cross Disaster Relief Alliance, which helps improve disaster preparedness and enables faster responses when emergencies occur.

The automaker says the next phase of the partnership aims to directly support around 100,000 people. In its most recent portfolio of projects, the collaboration reached 134,196 people, while Defender employees contributed £180,600 and 560 colleagues received first-aid training.

“Defender has stood with the British Red Cross for more than 70 years,” said Mark Cameron, Managing Director of Defender. “This renewed commitment underlines our support for them and the wider Red Cross and Red Crescent movement and the communities they support.”

With its rugged off-road capability serving a purpose beyond recreation, Defender is once again putting its vehicles to work where access can mean the difference between reaching people in need or not.