The UK’s defence manufacturing sector celebrated a significant milestone as the first fully British-made Boxer armoured vehicle was unveiled at the International Armoured Vehicle Conference in Farnborough. This achievement underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening domestic defence capabilities while boosting the UK’s industrial base.
Driving growth across the Defence Supply Chain
The Boxer programme, valued at £5Bn, will deliver 623 state-of-the-art vehicles to the British Army, supporting 400 jobs directly in Telford and Stockport and over 1,000 across the UK supply chain. Approximately 75% of Boxer components are sourced domestically, ensuring resilience and fostering economic growth.
The project exemplifies the government’s Plan for Change, which seeks to create and sustain over 6,000 highly skilled jobs nationally through investments in defence platforms like Boxer, Ajax, and Challenger 3.
Transforming Defence Capabilities
Boxer vehicles, renowned for their adaptability and all-terrain capabilities, are designed to transport soldiers rapidly and safely in various theatres of operation. Their modular design allows reconfiguration throughout their lifecycle, ensuring the British Army remains equipped for evolving threats.
Maria Eagle, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, said: “The unveiling of the first fully British-made Boxer is a testament to our growing Defence Industry’s expertise and innovation. This milestone reflects our Government’s commitment to national security and economic growth, creating thousands of skilled jobs while equipping our Armed Forces with world-class capabilities.”
The vehicles are being manufactured in the UK by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land in Telford, in collaboration with KNDS UK in Stockport and a wide-reaching national supply chain. This initiative also positions the UK as an export hub for Boxer production, leveraging partnerships with countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Australia.
A launchpad for future growth
The UK’s reinvigorated focus on defence manufacturing is part of a broader Defence Industrial Strategy, set to be published in Spring 2025. This strategy will outline a roadmap to enhance sovereign capabilities, foster innovation, and drive economic prosperity across all regions of the UK.
John Abunassar, CEO of Rheinmetall UK, remarked: “The first British-made Boxer marks a historic moment, symbolising the return of armoured vehicle production to British soil. This is a Future Force Enabler that not only strengthens the British Army but also drives regional prosperity and innovation.”
The Boxer programme’s success highlights the power of sustained government and industry collaboration, ensuring the UK’s defence sector continues to deliver cutting-edge solutions while boosting economic resilience and regional growth.
Defence as a catalyst for economic transformation
In addition to supporting the Army’s operational needs, programmes like Boxer and Challenger 3 serve as catalysts for the UK’s industrial and economic transformation. By safeguarding national security and creating high-value jobs, the defence sector plays a pivotal role in achieving the government’s broader industrial and economic objectives.
The consultation on the Defence Industrial Strategy, running until February 2025, will provide further opportunities for stakeholders to shape the future of UK defence manufacturing, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of national strength and global competitiveness.
UK MOD © Crown copyright 2024
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Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
Vicky has worked in media for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.
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