'Key Part Of Army's Future': Next Step For Vehicle Programme

The Army intends to purchase more than 500 Boxer vehicles (Picture: Crown Copyright).

A programme to supply the British Army with a new fleet of eight-wheeled armoured vehicles has taken a "big step" forward, a defence minister has said.

The news came during Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD) - a two-day exhibition showcasing the defence industry's latest technology.

The Army intends to make an initial purchase of over 500 Boxer vehicles, and the Defence Minister has today announced that British suppliers have been given the green light to bring forward concrete plans for the project, which is set to support at least 1,000 UK jobs.

Artec, the consortium who lead on the production of the troop carriers, have been given the go-ahead to invite industry to bring forward actual contractible proposals for work on the vehicles.

Defence Minister Stuart Andrew said: “A new 8x8 armoured vehicle is a key part of our British Army’s future, and today marks a big step towards equipping our soldiers with this brand-new troop carrier.

"British companies are stepping up to the plate yet again for a project which could support up to 1,000 jobs across the country, and it is great to give industry the green light to now pull together a full plan of action.

"I am looking forward to pressing ahead with negotiations in our pursuit of a vehicle which works best for the Army, the taxpayer and British industry."

The MoD announced that the British Army had re-joined the Boxer programme back in March, as it looks to modernise its vehicle fleet and meet the Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) requirement which is central to the Army’s plans for fast-moving ‘strike brigades’.

The DVD had a variety of military technology on display - the Head of Army Equipment said it was an important event for the Army to engage with: