Boxer, our next generation all-terrain armoured fighting vehicle has gone into manufacture in the UK. We will receive 500 of the vehicles that measure 10ft wide and 26ft in length.
Its unique design, consisting of a drive module and mission module, means that the same vehicle base platform can be reconfigured in less than an hour into different roles to suit operational requirements, including an infantry carrier, a specialist carrier, a command vehicle and an ambulance.
The vehicles will be made up of the four build configurations. The aim is to have the first vehicles in service in 2023.
Cutting edge threat detection technology includes 360-degree high definition long range cameras attached to the outside of the vehicle that will scan for enemy threats even when moving at speed. The cameras alert the soldiers inside the Boxer through a digital display so that they can keep a permanent watch outside whilst remaining safely inside the vehicle.
The Boxer is also fitted with air conditioning so it can operate in extreme temperatures and a nuclear biological and chemical (NBC) protection system to counter threats.
The construction of the vehicle provides ballistic and blast protection and it can travel up to 60mph and carry a section of soldiers.
Major General Darren Crook, Director for Land Equipment at Defence Equipment and Support, whose team is delivering the programme said: “This is a significant step for the Boxer programme which we, alongside our industry partners, continue to deliver at pace. This progress clearly shows that British industry is in a position to supply the British Army with a modern warfighting vehicle that we as a nation can be proud of.”
Boxer’s hulls will be fabricated and assembled by WFEL in Stockport who will also assemble the finished vehicles for delivery.
Other UK companies in the Boxer national supply chain include Lancashire based BCW Manufacturing Group, Bath-based Horstman, Glasgow-based THALES and Cardiff-based Mildef.