As part of its armored units modernization program, the British Army has received the first of its new 8×8 Boxer armored fighting vehicles, produced locally by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) in Telford. The delivery, carried out in early August 2025, represents a significant milestone for the UK’s land forces as they seek to renew their capabilities with state-of-the-art armored vehicles.
The vehicle delivered will initially be used at the Bovington training unit, serving as a platform for crew and maintenance personnel instruction. This first British-built example is part of the contract for 623 Boxer vehicles, a highly versatile protected armored transport platform capable of performing roles ranging from troop carrier and command post to battlefield ambulance and artillery support.
The program has not only operational but also industrial impact. According to the UK Ministry of Defence, around 75% of the Boxer’s components come from domestic suppliers, thus strengthening the local supply chain. Production is currently carried out at RBSL’s facility in Telford and WFEL’s plant in Stockport, generating around 400 direct jobs and more than 1,000 positions across the supply network, in line with the UK’s defense industrial strategy.
For this project, RBSL modernized its Telford site, now equipped with new assembly lines and armor workshops. Boxer production complements other key British armored modernization programs, such as the Challenger 3 main battle tank and the Ajax combat vehicle. Together, these initiatives sustain more than 6,000 jobs within the UK defense sector while reinforcing national industrial autonomy.
The importance of this milestone also lies in the fact that it is the first time in over a decade that the UK has produced an armored vehicle domestically. The last such experience dates back to 2013, when BAE Systems completed production of the Terrier combat engineer vehicle. With Boxer production underway, the UK resumes an active role in armored vehicle manufacturing, consolidating RBSL as a key partner in the future of its land forces.
It should be recalled that by late 2024, the British Army had already received two Boxer vehicles manufactured in Germany, which were used for initial testing and evaluation. With a weight of 38.5 tons and 8×8 drive, the Boxer is currently in service with the armies of Germany, the Netherlands, Lithuania, and Australia, and now adds the United Kingdom as its next operator. The delivery of the first British-built unit thus marks the beginning of the transition towards a modern and adaptable fleet expected to reach full operational capability by 2030.
Images for illustrative purposes only
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