The UK Ministry of Defence has unveiled the first Boxer armoured vehicle fully manufactured in Britain during the International Armoured Vehicles Conference in Farnborough.
This milestone marks a significant advancement for the British defence industry, strengthening local production capacity and reinforcing national sovereignty in defence systems.
+ Video: Bayraktar TB3 conducts first dual shot and hits target with extreme precision
As part of a £5 billion investment, the Boxer programme will deliver 623 armoured vehicles to the British Army, creating and sustaining over 6,000 jobs across the UK. Among these, 400 direct jobs will be based in Telford and Stockport, with an additional 1,000 spread throughout the UK supply chain.
Technological Advancements and Local Production
Manufactured by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land in Telford, the Boxer reflects the UK’s growing capacity for innovation in the defence sector. During the event, Defence Procurement Minister Maria Eagle MP highlighted the economic and strategic impact of the vehicle:
> “The domestic production of this world-class vehicle exemplifies our government’s Change Plan, deepening our partnership with industry to deliver thousands of highly skilled jobs and drive growth across the UK.”
Versatility and Military Modernisation
The Boxer is an all-terrain armoured combat vehicle, equipped with eight wheels and a modular design that allows for quick reconfiguration to suit various military missions. This adaptability is essential for ensuring the British Army’s readiness for future combat scenarios. Alongside Challenger 3 tanks and Ajax platforms, the Boxer will play a central role in the modernisation of the UK armed forces.
John Abunassar, CEO of Rheinmetall UK, celebrated the partnership, stating:
> “The unveiling of the first Boxer built in Britain is a historic moment for defence manufacturing in the UK. It symbolises the return of armoured vehicle production to British soil and highlights Rheinmetall’s commitment to delivering sovereign capability, innovation, and economic prosperity for the UK.”
Strategic Partnerships and Global Collaboration
The Boxer programme aligns with the UK Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy, which promotes long-term collaborations between the public sector and industry to boost skilled jobs, regional development, and national resilience. The strategy is open for public consultation until February 2025, with the final version expected later this year, covering the period up to 2035.
Additionally, the programme incorporates lessons learned from international partners such as Germany, Lithuania, and Australia, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to global collaboration and innovation in defence.
Sources and images: X @DefenceHQ / @RH_BAES_Land. www.gov.uk / ukdefencejournal. This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.