The British Ministry for Defence Procurement and Industry has unveiled the Boxer armored vehicle at the International Armoured Vehicle Conference in Farnborough, marking a significant milestone for UK defense manufacturing. Touted as the “first fully British-made” military vehicle, approximately 75% of the Boxer’s components are sourced domestically, solidifying its role in boosting the UK’s defense industry.
The Boxer was manufactured entirely in the UK by the Rheinmetall/BAE Systems Land joint venture, in collaboration with KNDS UK Stockport and national supply chains. According to Maria Eagle, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, this production exemplifies the government’s Plan for Change, which aims to deepen partnerships with domestic industries while creating thousands of highly skilled jobs.
A Historic Moment for British Defence Manufacturing
John Abunassar, CEO of Rheinmetall UK, described the unveiling as a “historic moment” for the country’s defense sector, as it marks the return of armored vehicle production to British soil. “Boxer is more than just a vehicle – it’s a Future Force Enabler, ensuring the British Army is prepared for tomorrow’s challenges while providing tangible benefits today,” Abunassar said.
The Boxer serves as the British Army’s mechanized infantry vehicle, capable of transporting soldiers and mission systems across all-terrain battlefields. It is a versatile 8×8 platform designed for rapid deployment and reconfiguration to meet various combat needs.
Investment in the Future of UK Defence
The Boxer is part of a £5 billion ($6.1 billion) defense investment that also includes 148 Challenger 3 tanks. The British Army has ordered a total of 623 Boxer vehicles, with initial orders of 523 in 2019 expanded by an additional 100 units in 2022 following an integrated review of the nation’s defense and security policies.
Each Boxer vehicle is built to accommodate a crew of 11 and features cutting-edge technology, including 360-degree high-definition long-range cameras. Measuring 7.93 meters long, 2.37 meters high, and 2.99 meters wide, the vehicle reaches a top speed of 103 kilometers per hour (64 miles per hour) and boasts an impressive range of 1,050 kilometers (652 miles).
The Boxer’s production is expected to contribute significantly to the UK’s economy by fostering job creation, enhancing industrial capabilities, and ensuring the British Army is equipped with world-class technology.
