Above: One Boxer variant that could see UK service is this configuration with rear mission module optimised to launch eight Brimstone ATGWs in the MCCO role. (Photo: MBDA UK)
Boxing clever? UK explores more roles for MRAV 8x8
The British Army could replace its ageing Warrior infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) with a new Boxer variant, with additional special mission models also in the pipeline.
The UK has now ordered a total of 623 Boxer 8x8 Multi-Role Armoured Vehicles (MRAVs), making it the largest customer for the platform. That total covers 146 infantry carriers, 212 command and control variants, 200 specialist carriers and 65 battlefield ambulances.
At present, Boxers will be fitted with a Thales/Kongsberg remote weapon station (RWS) typically armed with a stabilised 12.7mm machine gun (MG)... Continues below
This analysis article originally appeared in July's Decisive Edge Land Warfare Newsletter.
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The British Army currently also deploys the BAE Systems Warrior IFV equipped with a two-person turret armed with a 30mm cannon and 7.62mm coaxial MG. This has a high level of mobility and protection, but its planned upgrade was famously cancelled and the fleet is rapidly ageing.
With the phase-out of Warrior in several years’ time Boxer is expected to be fitted with a new weapon system for increased lethality.
Options could potentially include a Kongsberg RWS armed with a Northrop Grumman 30mm cannon which in addition to conventional natures of ammunition would also be able to fire air-bursting rounds.
It would also have a 7.62mm co-axial MG and a single or twin Javelin anti-tank guided weapons (ATGWs) mounted externally. The latter is already deployed by the British Army in a dismounted role.
While most Boxer users prefer an RWS the Australian Army’s reconnaissance variant has a two-person Rheinmetall Lance turret armed with a 30mm dual-feed cannon and 7.62mm MG.
Lithuania uses the Boxer as an IFV and these are equipped with a Rafael remote-controlled turret, again armed with a 30mm cannon, 7.62mm MG and a twin Spike ATGW launcher which can be reloaded under armour.
There are therefore plenty of proven options for fitting out an upgunned Boxer for the British Army.
In the longer term there is potential for another batch of around 263 UK Boxers in more specialised versions, including 32 Mounted Close Combat Overwatch (MCCO) missile systems, a version with SERPENS deep-find radar and as the platform for the RCH-155 selected as the Mobile Fires Platform.
MBDA teamed with RBSL have shown a Boxer for the MCCO mission with the standard rear mission pod replaced by one with eight MBDA Brimstone ATGWs.
The latest production Boxers have a number of improvements including replacing the original 530kW MTU diesel by a new 600kW power pack coupled to an Allison automatic transmission.
The Boxer order book currently stands at some 1,350 units across some 19 variants but additional orders, for example RCH-155s in production for Ukraine (54) and those due to be ordered by Germany, the UK and potentially other countries should increase this by a significant number.
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