Navy
Royal Navy's Viking Battle-Ready After £37m Upgrade
The Royal Navy’s amphibious Viking vehicle is ready for battle after a £37 million upgrade.
The all-terrain armoured vehicles, used extensively by the Royal Marines, have been undergoing upgrade work since September 2012.
It's seen the 99-strong fleet fitted with new mine blast protected hulls, along with improvements to their braking and suspension systems.
Brigadier Richard Spencer, Assistant Chief of Staff for Land and Littoral Manoeuvre within Navy Command, said:
"The Viking vehicles and their crews operated with great distinction and bravery in Iraq and Afghanistan, enabling a high degree of tactical manoeuvre and saving many lives.
"Viking is now back where it belongs, at the heart of our nation’s ability to deliver an effective, efficient and affordable expeditionary amphibious capability."
The forward cabins of all 99 vehicles, which can be launched straight from a ship and propelled through water before landing for a beach assault, have now been fitted with a Protected Weapon Mount (PWM).
This can pivot 360 degrees and be used with either a 12.7mm Browning heavy machine gun or a 7.62 general purpose machine gun.
Nine Vikings, meanwhile, have also been upgraded to allow the firing of an 81mm mortar from the vehicle.
Defence Minister Philip Dunne said:
"The regeneration of these 99 Viking vehicles, which sit at the heart of the Royal Marines’ amphibious capability, is incredibly welcome.
"The £37 million upgrades include improvements to the braking and suspension systems, as well as new mine blast protection to help keep our troops safe.
"These advances have been made possible by the government’s growing defence budget and our £178 billion investment in procuring and maintaining the best possible kit for our Armed Forces."
The vehicle is expected to serve until at least 2024, with an option to extend that date by 10 years with further upgrades.
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