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First Fully British-Made Boxer A New Chapter for UK Defence Industry.
On January 21, 2025, during the International Armoured Vehicles Conference in Farnborough, the UK Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, unveiled the first fully British-made Boxer vehicle. This significant milestone marks the return of large-scale armored vehicle production to the UK, enhancing national defence capabilities, economic strength, and technical expertise.

The main difference between Boxer models manufactured in the UK and those produced in other countries lies in their supply chain and adaptations to British requirements. (Picture source: UK MoD)
Manufactured at Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) facilities in Telford, with support from KNDS UK, this vehicle represents collaboration under the UK's Mechanised Infantry Vehicle Programme (MIV). Initiated in 2019 with a contract awarded via OCCAR to ARTEC GmbH, a partnership between Rheinmetall and KNDS, the Boxer reflects the combined efforts of the British Army, Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), and industry partners.
The Boxer is an 8x8 multirole armored vehicle, originally developed by Germany and the Netherlands, designed for a variety of operations thanks to its modular architecture. With advanced protection against ballistic threats, mines, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), the vehicle is equipped with a 530 kW MTU diesel engine and an automatic Allison transmission, reaching a top speed of 103 km/h and a range of 1,000 km. Its adaptable design supports roles such as troop transport, command vehicle, ambulance, or a platform for a 120 mm mortar.
The main difference between Boxer models manufactured in the UK and those produced in other countries lies in their supply chain and adaptations to British requirements. The UK models, locally produced by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) and WFEL as part of the Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) program, incorporate approximately 75% of components sourced domestically. This approach aims to strengthen British industrial sovereignty, ensure a resilient supply chain, and support the national economy, creating over 1,000 highly skilled jobs in engineering and assembly.
In terms of technical specifications, British Boxers retain the core features of the original models but include adjustments tailored to the needs of the British Army. For instance, British variants emphasize enhanced integration of communication and battlefield management systems to meet the requirements of the UK's "Network Enabled Capability" programme. Additionally, their local production incorporates the latest technological advancements, such as modules adapted for specific roles, including ambulance, troop transport, or command. Finally, these vehicles benefit from lessons learned by international Boxer users, such as Germany and Lithuania, to offer an optimized version better suited to future operational challenges.
An investment of £56 million (approximately €66.3 million) has transformed the Telford facility into a state-of-the-art production site, equipped with modern fabrication lines for armoured steel, advanced surface treatment systems, and assembly lines for both driving and mission modules. Each vehicle produced reflects the expertise of highly skilled workers across the UK supply chain.
The Boxer program is delivering substantial economic and strategic benefits, creating over 1,000 skilled jobs in engineering, development, and system integration. Additionally, more than 100 UK-based suppliers contribute to this effort, further reinforcing the resilience of the national defence supply chain.
Trials of the Boxer in the UK have demonstrated its performance under various conditions, including electromagnetic compatibility assessments, live-fire exercises at Lulworth Ranges, and extreme climatic testing at Millbrook Proving Ground. Water-crossing capabilities have also been validated, confirming the vehicle's adaptability to challenging environments.
This programme symbolizes the UK's ability to leverage investment and collaboration to strengthen its industrial and defense capabilities. As large-scale production advances in Telford, the Boxer is poised to become a critical asset for the British Army, meeting modern operational demands in an increasingly complex global security environment.