KNDS Germany presents Boxer Tracked RCT30 infantry fighting vehicle at Enforce Tac 2026.

At Enforce Tac 2026, KNDS Germany promoted the Boxer Tracked armored vehicle equipped with the RCT-30 turret, combining a tracked drive module with the established Boxer mission module architecture.

At Enforce Tac 2026, KNDS Germany promoted the Boxer Tracked armored vehicle equipped with the RCT-30 turret, combining a tracked drive module with the established Boxer mission module architecture. The Boxer Tracked RCT-30 IFV integrates a fully stabilized MK30-2/ABM 30 mm automatic weapon system, already used by the Puma SPz, with a rate of fire of 200 rounds per minute and a combat distance up to 3,000 m.
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The Boxer Tracked RCT-30 IFV integrates a fully stabilized MK30-2/ABM 30 mm automatic weapon system, already used by the Puma SPz, with a rate of fire of 200 rounds per minute and a combat distance up to 3,000 m. (Picture source: KNDS)

The Boxer Tracked is an evolution of the well-known Boxer 8x8 armoured vehicle that replaces the standard eight-wheeled drive module with a tracked drive module developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (now KNDS Deutschland) for increased off-road mobility and higher payload capacity, two requirements typical of heavy tracked vehicles. The tracked Boxer concept was first publicly displayed at the Eurosatory 2022 defence exhibition in Paris, where it was fitted with a remote-controlled RCT120 turret armed with a 120 mm smoothbore gun. Maintaining a full compatibility with existing Boxer mission modules, the Boxer Tracked variant also builds on standardized interfaces that allow mission modules to be quickly interchanged between wheeled and tracked drive units, reducing logistics footprint, lowering costs and simplifying the Boxer's usability for modern land forces.

The Boxer Tracked carrier possesses a length of 7.56 m, a width of 3.775 m, and a weight of up to 45 t with the mission module installed. The Boxer Tracked can nevertheless reach a maximum road speed of up to 70 km/h and an operational range of about 500 km on a full fuel load, thanks to a diesel engine producing up to 880 kW (about 1,180 hp) coupled to a low-maintenance tracked drive unit, for a power-to-weight ratio on the order of 20 to 25 kW/t. In terms of crossing, the Boxer Tracked can pass 60% gradients, 30% side slopes, 2.50 m wide trenches, as well as 0.8 m steps, thanks to a ground clearance of 0.45 m and a fording depth of up to 1.80 m. Capable of carrying mission modules weighing up to around 17 t, the Boxer Tracked can be configured for roles ranging from infantry fighting vehicle to armoured transport, logistics carrier, or other specialist missions within an hour by swapping mission modules. Air conditioning, CRBN protection, and a unique decoupling system that lowers vibration levels form part of the sustainability and crew protection features.

When comparing the tracked Boxer with the wheeled Boxer 8×8, the most evident difference lies in the drive module and associated mobility and weight characteristics. The wheeled Boxer typically has a combat weight up to roughly 38.5 t, higher road speed (often above 100 km/h), and longer range due to lower rolling resistance, while the tracked variant is heavier, slower on road, and optimized for cross-country mobility and increased protection potential. However, both variants share identical mechanical and electrical interfaces, meaning infantry carrier, artillery, command, or specialist modules developed for the wheeled Boxer can be used on the tracked drive base without modification, simplifying logistics and training. This interoperability is a core principle of the Boxer family’s modular architecture, enabling armed forces to tailor drive characteristics (wheel vs track) to operational needs without changing mission payloads.

The RCT-30 turret mounted on the Boxer Tracked incorporates a fully stabilized MK30-2/ABM 30 mm automatic weapon system with a rate of fire of 200 rounds per minute and a combat distance up to 3,000 m. Azimuthal aiming covers 360 degrees, with elevation from -10 degrees to +45 degrees. The stabilized configuration enables engagement of moving targets while the vehicle is in motion. The turret allows engagement of ground targets and low-altitude aerial targets, including aerial drones and drone swarms, while driving. Two separate ammunition feeders and an automatic two-belt feed system permit the firing of two ammunition types in succession. Hunter-killer functionality supports target handoff between the commander and gunner. A coaxial machine gun and an optional SPIKE LR multiple-role lightweight guided missile system extend engagement capability, with missile firing possible on the move.

The turret integrates advanced optical and optronic visibility systems, enabling 360 degree observation, detection, and identification of long-range targets for the entire crew. A modern C4I architecture supports full integration into existing battlefield management systems. Bidirectional updating of tactically relevant information extends across command levels down to individual infantry soldiers through multiple interface functions. The configuration combines firepower derived from systems used on the Puma IFV with mobility and protection characteristics associated with Boxer. Logistic parity exceeds 90 percent relative to Puma in operational systems, training, spare parts, and special tools. Qualified and proven technologies from both Puma and Boxer are incorporated within the turreted configuration. The effective Softkill Protection System MUSS forms part of the defensive suite integrated into the overall concept.

The Boxer family architecture relies on a uniform drive module combined with a large number of specific, rapidly interchangeable mission modules. More than 20 mission modules are available on tracked or wheeled configurations, covering combat, support, and specialist roles. Infantry fighting vehicle modules include Samson 30 mm, RT60 30 mm, and RCT30 30 mm variants. Additional configurations include armored personnel carrier, command post, recovery, armored engineer, driver training, and group vehicle. Fire support modules include RCH 155, Mortar NEMO 120 mm, Mortar Cobra 120 mm, and Joint Fire Support Team variants. Further mission options include Bridge System, CMI 105 mm, and V-Shorad Cobra qFlaq concepts. The modular concept allows flexible adaptation to future military tasks and changing operational requirements without redesigning the entire vehicle.

The wheeled Boxer RCT30, for its part, operates with a maximum road speed greater than 100 km/h and a range greater than 750 km on road, supported by engine performance up to 600 kW. Mobility includes a 60 percent straight gradient, 30 percent side slope, 2.0 m trench crossing, 0.8 m step climbing ability, a 21 m turning radius, and a 15 m skid steering radius. Dimensions measure 7.9 m length, 2.99 m width, and 3.5 m height, with a combat weight of 38.5 t and ground clearance of 0.50 m. Track gauge reaches 2.6 m, and crew compartment volume is 14 m³. Crew configuration consists of driver, weapons systems officer, commander, and 6 or 7 infantry soldiers, totaling 2 plus 1 plus 6/7 personnel. Basic protection covers armor and anti-personnel mines, all-around heavy machine guns, and artillery shrapnel, with additional protection against medium-calibre threats and bomblets. The modular separation of the drive module and the mission module remains the core structural principle across both tracked and wheeled Boxer variants.

Written by Jérôme Brahy

Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.