Multi-billion pound armoured vehicle contract extended with the British Army
A major extension has been secured to a multi-billion pound contract with the British Army for armoured vehicles.
623 vehicles will be made with the first arriving next year. The first 117 vehicles are being built on German production lines, as Rheinmetall BAE System Land in Telford and WFEL Stockport will complete the remaining 506.
The digitalised vehicles can be used to transport troops to the frontline and can be reconfigured to fulfil different roles.
It is thought the deal will protect around 1,000 jobs nationally, with 120 jobs being created at WFEL.
Defence Procurement Minister Jeremy Quin said: “This order will accelerate the delivery of the Boxer fleet to the British Army and increase its numbers.
“The land equipment upgrade is a vital element of the Integrated Review, on which we continue to deliver.
“Doing so, alongside our German allies, creates opportunities for both our Armed Forces.”
In addition, 100 boxer armoured vehicles will be manufactured by WFEL in Stockport and BAE in Telford.
Chris Bushell, Director General Land, Defence Equipment and Support, the procurement arm of the Ministry of Defence, said “This contract extension is great news for the Boxer programme and committing to buying an extra 100 vehicles demonstrates our confidence in the programme and the benefits of the capability.
“Not only is this great news for the future of the British Army but it will also boost our commitment to investing in the UK’s defence industry and supply chains, meaning we can retain critical engineering and manufacturing skills in the UK.”
