DEFENDER LAUNCHES NEW ATLAS COLORS INSPIRED BY SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE AROUND THE WORLD

10 November 2026

The past, present and future of Defender inspire six new Atlas colors, for those who demand uncompromising quality and individuality

  • The past, present and future of Defender inspire six new Atlas colors, for those who demand uncompromising quality and individuality
  • Atlas colors are the first to be developed on the new Universal Paint Line facility at Nitra, Slovakia, following additional investment at the plant
  • Mara Red updates the heritage Masai Red, while Pantelleria Blue reimagines Pageant Blue
  • Galway Green and Buckingham Blue are heritage Defender colors making a return in the Atlas line‑up
  • New Aira Green and Jenolan Gold are inspired by the Aira Force Waterfall in the Lake District, UK, and the limestone caves of Jenolan, Australia

MAHWAH, NJ – NOVEMBER 10, 2026: Defender has released a new range of color options, mixing heritage Defender shades with adventurous new tones inspired by epic and breathtaking landscapes across the world.

From the mountains of Australia to the wilderness of Africa and beyond, the new Atlas colors celebrate Defender’s exploration and adventure DNA. 

Available across the line‑up and multiple Defender specifications¹, including new Defender Vertex, the range features six new colors across three categories. Mara Red and Pantelleria Blue (available exclusively on OCTA) are inspired by former Defender paints, while Galway Green (available exclusively on OCTA) and Buckingham Blue are returning heritage Defender colors. Aira Green and Jenolan Gold are brand new colors. 

Defender developed the Atlas colors using a new Universal Paint Line in Nitra, Slovakia, following additional investment at the plant. The robotic painting facility incorporates industry‑first technologies to deliver precise color harmony. Full‑vehicle painting capability in‑house delivers ultimate color harmony, using seven‑axis overhead rail robots with spray nozzles that change automatically, delivering optimum electrostatic coverage and a flawless finish. 

The Universal Paint Line adds an additional step to the production process, ensuring the Atlas colors are among the most durable and robust Defender colors yet and setting a new benchmark for personalized vehicle manufacturing. As with all its paints, Defender tests the Atlas range to withstand four times the industry standard for grit blasting. Engineers submerge the painted panel in water for 72 hours and repeat the cycle. 

As standard, Atlas colors pair with a black contrast roof but are available with a white contrast roof option. The colors can be specified with Gloss or Matte Protective Films for a protective, personalized finish and maximum durability. Defender’s Protective Films provide an additional layer of defense against everything from car park scratches to bramble rash, creating a distinctive finish while keeping the vehicle in pristine condition for longer. The wrap also has self‑healing properties that use the sun’s UV rays to aid the repair of micro‑scratches over time.

The six new colors in the Atlas range add to the existing options available on Defender, including new Namib Orange, which Defender introduced this year, Tasman Blue, Woolstone Green and Carpathian Grey. Defender X, Vertex and OCTA models also have the choice of Patagonia White Matte Wrap, partnered with Fuji White.

The Atlas colors are the rarest expressions of Defender, created for those who value individuality and authenticity. The range introduces a vibrant and rugged set of new exterior finishes to our clients, offering even greater customization and choice to an already comprehensive line‑up.

With Aira Green and Jenolan Gold, clients can choose newly created colors to push the boundaries of adventure, while Galway Green, Buckingham Blue, Mara Red, and Pantelleria Blue exude the legacy and heritage of Defender’s globetrotting history.

Patrick McGillycuddy
Managing Director, Defender

Mara Red

Re‑invigorating the heritage Masai Red paint, Mara Red takes its radiant tones from the Maasai Iands in the preserved savannah wilderness of southwest Kenya. Mara Red draws its tone directly from the wild horizons and epic safari lands of southwest Kenya.

Pantelleria Blue²

Pantelleria Blue embodies the expansive waves of the Mediterranean where it meets the jagged volcanic terrain of the Italian island of Pantelleria. This shade represents a contemporary take on the classic Pageant Blue, matching the deep tones of the Mediterranean to the ruggedness of modern Defender models. Pantelleria Blue is available exclusively on OCTA.

Galway Green²

A return of the heritage Galway Green, taking inspiration from the deep valleys, mountains and lakes of County Galway, Ireland. Galway Green inspires epic expedition through the rugged ridges of Ireland’s picturesque scenery, where immense peaks and rousing views await. Galway Green is available exclusively on OCTA. 

Buckingham Blue

Buckingham Blue echoes a legacy of Defender’s pursuit of wilderness exploration and is a celebration of enduring design and rugged adventure. Defender previously offered this color between 2006 and 2013.

Aira Green³

One of the newly created colors for the Atlas Collection, the verdant tone of Aira Green takes its essence from the mossy banks of the Aira Force Waterfall in the Lake District in the UK. Aira Green illustrates Defender’s capability to push beyond boundaries and tackle challenging terrain head on by conquering demanding climbs and waterfall descents.

Jenolan Gold³

The other new exterior color, Jenolan Gold imbues the spirit of the ancient rock formations found in the world‑renowned golden limestone caves of Jenolan under Australia’s Blue Mountains. Its golden color draws directly on these formidable rock formations, matching the tough luxury and durability of Defender.  

ENDS

¹ Except Defender S, 130 Outbound, Trophy Edition or OCTA Black

² Galway Green and Pantelleria Blue colors are available exclusively on OCTA.

³ Aira Green and Jenolan Gold are not yet available for sale and may vary prior to launch.

Further information

FURTHER INFORMATION 

Joe Stauble

PR Manager JLR North America

jstauble@jaguarlandrover.com

Jeff Ehoodin

Land Rover PR Senior Specialist

jehoodin@jaguarlandrover.com

 

MEDIA WEBSITE

media.landrover.com 

 

SOCIAL CHANNELS

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@defender 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Defender/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defender/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@defender

Notes to Editors

ABOUT THE DEFENDER BRAND

Defender embraces the impossible. Each member of the Defender family is purposefully designed, highly desirable and seriously durable. A modern‑day hero that respects the past but at the same time anticipates the future.

Available in 90, 110 and 130 body styles, with up to eight seats, each has a charisma of its own.

The tough luxury Defender OCTA is the master of extreme performance – taking performance and capability to another level on and off‑road. 

A beacon of liberty that can trace its roots back to the first Land Rover in 1948, Defender is a brand that supports humanitarian and conservation work with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Tusk Trust. 

The Defender brand is underpinned by Land Rover – a mark of trust built on more than 75 years of expertise in technology and world‑renowned off‑road capability.

Defender is designed and engineered in the UK and sold in 121 countries. It forms part of JLR's portfolio of distinctive British brands. 

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE

JLR is constantly seeking ways to improve the specification, design and production of its vehicles, parts and accessories and alterations take place continually. Whilst every effort is made to produce up‑to‑date literature, this document should not be regarded as an infallible guide to current specifications or availability, nor does it constitute an offer for the sale of any particular vehicle, part or accessory.