At International Armoured Vehicles Conference
January 21, 2025, marked a historic moment for UK defence. The first British-made Boxer armoured vehicle was unveiled at the International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) Conference. UK Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle was honoured to present the car. This signals a significant step in the UK’s return to large-scale armoured vehicle manufacturing, boosting national defence capabilities and economic growth.
The British-made Boxer, manufactured entirely in the UK at Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) in Telford, results from an international collaboration between RBSL, KNDS UK, and Rheinmetall.
It is part of the UK’s Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) Programme, initiated in 2019 when the Ministry of Defence awarded the contract for the Boxer to ARTEC GmbH, a partnership between Rheinmetall and KNDS. The vehicles are being built under the subcontract of RBSL and KNDS UK, bringing advanced armoured vehicle manufacturing back to British shores.
Rheinmetall’s £56 million investment in the Telford facility has equipped it with state-of-the-art production capabilities, including advanced fabrication lines for armoured steel and cutting-edge surface treatment systems. The Boxer project has rejuvenated the UK’s defence industry and brought together expertise from the British Army, Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), and industry partners, reinforcing the UK’s sovereign manufacturing capacity.
Maria Eagle MP, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, commented: “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. 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.”
The Boxer programme significantly impacts the UK economy, creating over 1,000 skilled jobs in engineering, development, and systems integration. More than 100 UK suppliers are involved in the project, and around 75% of the Boxer’s components are sourced from within the UK, ensuring a resilient domestic supply chain.
This initiative strengthens the UK’s strategic position in global defence, enhances collaboration with NATO allies, and positions the Boxer as a critical asset in regional security.
Designed for operational flexibility and resilience, the Boxer is a key asset for the British Army’s Future Force. Production will ramp up at the Telford facility later this year, and the vehicle is expected to play a central role in the Army’s operations in increasingly complex global security challenges.
The UK’s trials programme for the Boxer has been progressing successfully, with the vehicle passing all tests on its first attempt. These trials have included live firing exercises, electromagnetic compatibility tests, and extreme climatic assessments, demonstrating Boxer’s exceptional performance across various conditions.
Notably, the Boxer’s water-fording capabilities have been successfully tested, showcasing its ability to navigate unprepared water crossings with stability and control.
The debut of the first British-made Boxer signals the start of a new era for UK defence manufacturing. The Boxer programme is a milestone in armoured vehicle production and a shining example of what can be achieved through investment, collaboration, and a shared commitment to securing the future of the UK’s defence industry.
Image: The debut of the first British-made Boxer signals the start of a new era for UK defence manufacturing. Credit: Rheinmetall
