Exclusive: British Army Deploys New Up-Armored Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicles to Counter Evolving Threats.

An upgraded version of the British Army MCV-80 Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) is being deployed during military exercise Hedgehog in Estonia. Exercise Hedgehog (ExHH25), conducted from May 9 to 24, 2025, is part of the Operation Razoredge series of deployments supporting NATO’s eastern flank. Pictures showing the new version of the British Warrior IFV were released on May 9, 2025, revealing visible modifications and an enhanced protection suite in action with British Army mechanized infantry on the ground.
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The latest version of the Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle takes part in NATO's Exercise Hedgehog. Note the new armor package and improved crew visibility system. Inset image: the standard Warrior before modifications.  (Picture source: UK MoD)

The Warrior MCV-80 IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) program began in the early 1970s to provide the British Army with a modern tracked armored vehicle capable of delivering infantry support alongside main battle tanks. Developed by GKN Sankey, the Warrior entered service in 1987 and quickly became the cornerstone of the British Army’s armored infantry battlegroups. Over 1,000 units were delivered in various configurations, including infantry carriers, command posts, recovery vehicles, and artillery observers. The Warrior has proven itself in combat during the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and operations in Afghanistan, where it demonstrated outstanding reliability and adaptability across diverse battlefield conditions.

Originally constructed with an aluminum alloy hull, the Warrior was designed to offer protection against small arms fire and artillery fragments while maintaining a low weight for improved mobility. While effective in earlier conflicts, its passive armor was not intended to withstand advanced threats such as tandem-charge rocket-propelled grenades or modern anti-tank guided missiles. During deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, applique armor kits were added to increase survivability, but these solutions remained limited against the increasingly complex threat landscape of the modern battlefield.

According to an exclusive analysis by the Army Recognition editorial team based on the pictures released by the British MoD on May 9, 2025, the enhanced Warrior IFV features significant changes to its armor layout. Additional armor plates are now installed on the front and sides of the hull, extending over the upper section and protecting the vehicle’s suspension system. These previously exposed areas now benefit from reinforced shielding. Although the Ministry of Defence has not officially confirmed the armor's exact composition, its structure suggests a modular protection package with elements resembling Explosive Reactive Armor, or ERA. This type of armor works by detonating outward upon impact, disrupting the penetration power of shaped-charge warheads and reducing the effectiveness of high-explosive anti-tank munitions or precision drone strikes. Compared to the original aluminum structure, this upgrade drastically improves survivability in both urban and open terrain engagements.

Another noticeable enhancement is the reconfiguration of the turret. The roof now features an open ring mount system equipped with bullet-resistant windows, likely constructed of armored glass. These new vision blocks improve situational awareness and allow the crew to monitor threats across the battlefield while remaining protected from small arms fire. The ring mount may also support a light machine gun or observational device, offering greater flexibility in asymmetric combat operations.

Beyond its protective upgrades, the Warrior retains its essential battlefield performance. The vehicle is powered by a Perkins V-8 Condor diesel engine producing 550 horsepower, enabling a top speed of 75 kilometers per hour and a range of approximately 660 kilometers. Its primary weapon is a 30mm Rarden cannon, supported by a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, both housed in a two-man turret. Over the years, incremental improvements to fire control and thermal imaging systems have kept the Warrior tactically relevant.

While the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (WCSP) was officially cancelled in 2021, the deployment of this upgraded version reflects the British Army’s strategic decision to retain and modernize part of the existing Warrior fleet. This approach ensures operational continuity and combat readiness while next-generation platforms such as the Boxer 8x8 and Ajax IFV continue to undergo integration.

The Warrior’s operational role extends far beyond that of a simple troop transport. It is designed to lead mechanized infantry formations, operate alongside main battle tanks such as the Challenger 2 and 3, and deliver effective fire support in complex multi-domain operations. It is regularly used for convoy security, flank protection, forward reconnaissance, and urban assault missions. Its tracked mobility allows it to traverse difficult terrain, giving it a tactical advantage in both conventional and hybrid warfare environments.

The MCV-80 Warrior IFV continues to be the backbone of the British Army’s mechanized infantry units. Its recent improvements in armor and crew protection reaffirm its utility on today’s battlefield and highlight the vehicle’s adaptability in the face of new and emerging threats. Its deployment at Exercise Hedgehog 2025 serves not only as a validation of these upgrades but also as a signal of the UK’s enduring commitment to NATO and its readiness to respond swiftly and decisively to any potential threat along the alliance’s eastern flank.