First British-Made Boxer Presented at the International Armoured Vehicles Conference

First British-Made Boxer Presented at the International Armoured Vehicles Conference

Today the first British-made Boxer vehicle was proudly unveiled by the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, at the International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) Conference. This significant milestone signals the return of large-scale armoured vehicle manufacturing to the UK, revitalising the nation’s defence capabilities, economic strength, and engineering excellence.

‘’Made in Britain’’ at Its Best

Manufactured entirely in the UK at Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) in Telford, with the support of partners in KNDS UK, this ground breaking vehicle represents a true collaboration. Built under the UK’s Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) Programme, the Boxer’s journey to British soil began in 2019, when the Ministry of Defence awarded the contract via OCCAR to ARTEC GmbH – a partnership between Rheinmetall and KNDS, with the manufacture of the Boxer vehicles subcontracted to RBSL and KNDS UK.

This achievement is a true testament to the dedication and collaboration of all involved, including the British Army, Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and industry partners. Their expertise and commitment have re-established the UK’s sovereign manufacturing capability.

Rheinmetall’s £56 million (approx. €66.3 million) investment in Telford has transformed the facility into a world leading production capability, complete with modern fabrication lines for armoured steel, advanced surface treatment systems, and integrated assembly lines for both Drive and Mission Modules. Every Boxer that rolls off the line is a testament to the highly skilled workforce across the supply chain.

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, said:

 “It was a pleasure to unveil the first fully British-made Boxer – a testament to the expertise and innovation of Britain’s growing Defence Industry.

“The home-grown production of this world-class vehicle exemplifies our Government’s Plan for Change, deepening our partnership with industry to deliver thousands of highly skilled jobs and drive growth across the UK.”

John Abunassar, CEO of Rheinmetall in the UK, added:

“The unveiling of the first British-made Boxer is a historic moment for UK defence manufacturing. It not only symbolises the return of armoured vehicle production to British soil but also underscores Rheinmetall’s commitment to delivering sovereign capability, innovation, and economic prosperity for the UK. Boxer is more than a vehicle – it’s a Future Force Enabler, ensuring the British Army is ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges while delivering real benefits today.”

Driving Economic Growth and Innovation

The Boxer programme is delivering economic and strategic impact, creating over 1,000 highly skilled jobs across engineering, development, and complex systems integration; with over 100 UK suppliers involved. Around 75% of Boxer’s components are sourced domestically, ensuring a resilient UK supply.

This investment strengthens the UK’s defence strategy while ensuring collaboration with NATO allies, positioning Boxer as a key player in regional security and interoperability.

Boxer: Ready for Tomorrow’s Challenges

Boxer isn’t just a vehicle – it’s designed for adaptability, resilience, and operational superiority, it delivers unmatched versatility to the British Army’s Future Force. With our Telford facility poised for volume production this year, Boxer is ready to roll out as a critical capability in an era of complex global security challenges.

The UK trials programme for Boxer is advancing successfully, with prototypes passing all tests on the first attempt. These trials, supported by ARTEC and KNDS, have included Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) assessments, live firing at Lulworth Ranges in Dorset, and extreme climatic evaluations at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire. This flawless performance underscores Boxer’s exceptional reliability and operational readiness, even in the most challenging environments. Notably, the British Army has successfully tested the Boxer’s water-fording capabilities, demonstrating its stability and control in unprepared water crossings.

These achievements highlight the Boxer’s robust design and its readiness to meet the diverse operational demands of the British Armed Forces.

A New Chapter for UK Defence Manufacturing

The first British-built Boxer highlights the re-establishing armoured vehicle production on British soil. The Boxer programme is a symbol of what can be achieved through collaboration, investment, and a shared commitment to securing the future.

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