The UK has unveiled the “first fully British-made” Boxer armored vehicle at the International Armoured Vehicle Conference in Farnborough.
The UK has unveiled the “first fully British-made” Boxer armored vehicle at the International Armoured Vehicle Conference in Farnborough.
With around 75 percent of its components sourced domestically, the Boxer was manufactured entirely in the UK by the Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land joint venture in collaboration with KNDS UK and national supply chains.
“The home-grown production of this world-class vehicle exemplifies our Government’s Plan for Change, deepening our partnership with industry to deliver thousands of highly skilled jobs and drive growth across the UK,” said Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle.
Meanwhile, CEO of Rheinmetall UK John Abunassar described the unveiling as a “historic moment for UK defence manufacturing,” as it shows “the return of armoured vehicle production to British soil.”
“Boxer is more than a vehicle — it’s a Future Force Enabler, ensuring the British Army is ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges while delivering real benefits today,” he added.
British Combat Vehicle
As the armed forces’ mechanized infantry vehicle, the reconfigurable 8x8 platform enables the rapid transport of soldiers and mission systems to an all-terrain battlefield.
It is part of a 5-billion British pound ($6.1-billion) investment to supply the British Army with 623 Boxer vehicles and 148 Challenger 3 tanks, scheduled for operational use by 2030.
A total of 523 Boxers were ordered in late 2019, which was expanded to add 100 more units three years later following an integrated review of the country’s security, defense, development, and foreign policy.
The Boxer can accommodate a crew of 11, with each platform measuring 7.93 meters (26 feet) long, 2.37 meters (7.77 feet) high, and 2.99 meters (9.8 feet) wide.
It is fitted with 360-degree high-definition long-range cameras on the combat vehicle’s exterior and runs at a maximum speed of 103 kilometers (64 miles) per hour and a range of 1,050 kilometers (652 miles).
