IRIA News

5 minute read

The United Kingdom has introduced its inaugural fully British-manufactured Boxer armored vehicle at the International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) Conference. This significant achievement underscores the UK’s commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities and economic resilience.

The armored vehicle was unveiled by the UK Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, marking the resurgence of large-scale armored vehicle production within the United Kingdom.

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP said in a statement, “It was a pleasure to unveil the first fully British-made Boxer – a testament to the expertise and innovation of Britain’s growing Defence Industry.” Eagle added, “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.”

CEO of Rheinmetall in the UK, John Abunassar also attended the event and said, “The unveiling of the first British-made Boxer is a historic moment for UK defense manufacturing. It not only symbolizes the return of armored vehicle production to British soil but also underscores Rheinmetall’s commitment to delivering sovereign capability, innovation, and economic prosperity for the UK.”

Abunassar further highlighted that “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.”

Boxer armored vehicle

The Boxer is an advanced 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle developed through a multinational collaboration. Renowned for its modular design, the Boxer consists of a standard drive module and interchangeable mission modules, allowing for rapid reconfiguration to fulfill various operational roles, including troop transport, command and control, medical evacuation, and more.

The vehicle is designed for versatility and offers high mobility across diverse terrains. It provides substantial protection against a range of threats, including small arms fire, artillery shell splinters, and improvised explosive devices. Its robust armor and advanced defensive systems ensure crew safety in hostile environments.

The Boxer is powered by a high-performance engine, enabling it to achieve speeds up to 103 kilometers per hour (64 miles per hour) and offering an operational range of approximately 1,050 kilometers (652 miles). This combination of speed and endurance makes the Boxer suitable for rapid deployment and sustained operations.

The British-made Boxer armored vehicle retains the core features of its original design while incorporating enhancements tailored to the specific needs of the British Army. These modifications include advanced integration of communication and battlefield management systems, aligning with the UK’s Network Enabled Capability program.

The Boxer armored vehicles are equipped with mission-specific modules, such as ambulance, troop transport, and command variants, adapted for various operational roles. Benefiting from the lessons learned from international users of the vehicle, the British Boxer has been optimized to address future operational challenges more effectively.

UK’s domestic production and collaboration

The British-made Boxer vehicle represents a true collaboration and was manufactured entirely in the UK by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) in Telford, with the support of partners in KNDS UK, under the UK’s Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) Programme. Approximately 75% of the vehicle’s components are sourced domestically, underscoring a robust and resilient UK supply chain.

In 2019, the UK’s Ministry of Defence awarded a £2.8 billion contract to ARTEC GmbH, a joint venture between Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), for the delivery of over 500 Boxer armored vehicles.

This contract was facilitated through the Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR). To ensure substantial domestic production, ARTEC subcontracted the manufacturing to Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) in Telford and WFEL in Stockport.

The Boxer program is delivering substantial economic and strategic benefits to the UK, creating over 1,000 highly skilled jobs across engineering, development, and complex systems integration. Additionally, more than 100 UK-based suppliers are involved, reinforcing the resilience of the national defense supply chain.

This investment enhances the UK’s defense capabilities and reinforces its strategic partnerships with NATO allies. It also underscores the UK’s commitment to regional security and interoperability, positioning the Boxer as a pivotal asset in collective defense efforts.

Rigorous testing and readiness

The UK trials program for the Boxer armored vehicle has achieved significant milestones, with prototypes successfully passing all tests on the first attempt. These comprehensive trials, supported by ARTEC and KNDS, included Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) evaluations, live firing exercises at Lulworth Ranges in Dorset, and extreme climatic testing at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire.

The British Army has also successfully tested the Boxer’s water-fording capabilities, demonstrating its stability and control in unprepared water crossings. These accomplishments underscore the Boxer’s robust design and its readiness to meet the diverse operational demands of the British Armed Forces.

The Rheinmetall statement highlighted that the Boxer vehicle is designed for adaptability, resilience, and operational superiority and delivers unmatched versatility to the British Army’s Future Force. “With our Telford facility poised for volume production this year, Boxer is ready to roll out as a critical capability in an era of complex global security challenges,” the statement added.