DSEI 2023: Rheinmetall and RBSL provide updates on Boxer MIV production and UK manufacturing transition.

At the Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2023 event, Rheinmetall and Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) are displaying one of two prototypes of Rheinmetall's Boxer Mechanized Infantry Vehicle (MIV) at the Army stand British. The prototypes recently began industrial risk reduction testing.

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The first UK-built Boxer is currently in production and is expected to be completed in early 2024 (Picture source: Rheinmetall)

Rheinmetall's first production vehicles are expected to be completed in Germany by the end of September 2023. The first UK-built Boxer is currently in production and is expected to be completed in early 2024.

The UK Ministry of Defense placed an order for 523 Boxer vehicles in 2019 through the Organization for Cooperation in Armaments (OCCAR). An additional 100 vehicles were added to the order in April 2022. The initial prototypes and first series were developed and manufactured at Rheinmetall's plant in Kassel, Germany.

Although initial production has started in Germany, the majority of manufacturing activities are moving to the UK in 2023, primarily at plants at Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) and KNDS subsidiary WFEL.

The Boxer is an 8x8 wheeled armored vehicle with modular architecture. The British Army is procuring four variants of the vehicle, including the infantry carrier, command and control, field ambulance, and specialist carrier variants.

RBSL has announced the completion of welding on the first UK-made mission module for the Boxer MIV program. The module will now move on to painting and assembly.

RBSL has invested £40 million in its Telford facility. All parts for the Boxer have been obtained through RBSL's supply chain, and orders from suppliers are being finalized.

Subassembly items for the first vehicle are underway, including the bulkhead, wheel hubs, and driver's trap. The first power pack is planned for assembly and testing, followed by the integration of the driving module and the mission module.