A fleet of nearly 200 new armoured vehicles has been ordered by the Ministry of Defence to support frontline troops on operations.

The £74m order for about 110 state-of-the-art enhanced Jackal 2 vehicles and more than 70 Coyote Tactical Support Vehicles has been awarded to vehicle manufacturer Supacat.

Minister for Defence Equipment and Support Quentin Davies announced the contract during a Supacat vehicle drive day at the Long Valley Test Ground in Aldershot.

He said: "These impressive vehicles will give our troops increased protection on frontline operations and with their purchase, we are showing our commitment to provide our service personnel with the very best equipment we possibly can.

"This contract comes as our newest armoured vehicles, Mastiff 2 and Ridgback, go to Afghanistan for the first time, underlining our ability to deliver kit quickly to where it is needed."

The enhanced Jackal 2 features improved manoeuvrability, improved reliability and will be able to carry an extra crew member.

The Coyote Tactical Support Vehicle (TSV (Light)) is based on a 6x6 derivative of the Jackal. It will support our go-anywhere, high-mobility Jackals across the harsh terrain in Afghanistan.

Both vehicles have been bought as part of the £700m Protected Patrol Vehicles package unveiled by the Secretary of State for Defence John Hutton in October.

Jackal 2 and Coyote are scheduled to be delivered to the MoD from summer 2009. The vehicles are expected to support operations in Afghanistan from the autumn.