At Bovington, the vehicle will be used as a driver and crew training platform to prepare soldiers to operate, maintain and deploy the new capability. The delivery follows the unveiling of the first UK-produced Boxer at the International Armoured Vehicles Conference, marking the revival of large-scale armoured vehicle manufacturing in Britain.
Alongside deliveries, the Boxer programme is advancing integration trials with the Javelin anti-tank missile system. This step will enable the British Army to fire Javelin from under armour via the Kongsberg RS4 Remote Weapon Station, providing long-range precision strike while keeping crews protected.
The UK Boxer programme continues to support more than 1,000 skilled jobs and a supply chain of over 100 British companies. Approximately 75 per cent of each vehicle is sourced from UK firms, reinforcing sovereign manufacturing capability and contributing to government ambitions for the defence industry.
Rheinmetall has invested £56 million to transform Telford into a modern production hub with fabrication lines, advanced surface treatment systems and integrated assembly for Drive and Mission Modules. This facility underpins future deliveries under the UK MIV programme.
John Abunassar, CEO of Rheinmetall UK, said: “The delivery of the first British-built Boxer to the Army is a proud moment for everyone involved in the programme. It’s the start of a new training era for our soldiers and a demonstration of the UK’s capability to design, manufacture and integrate highly advanced armoured vehicles. With the recent Javelin integration, Boxer will provide additional operational flexibility to the British Army as it develops its future mechanised infantry capabilities.”
The Boxer programme, delivered through ARTEC GmbH – a joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS – in partnership with the UK Ministry of Defence, has completed trials and continues training and customer delivery. The initiative is intended to help the Army prepare for its next generation of mechanised capability.
