The Rheinmetall Boxer at DSEI 2019
After recently winning the Australian Army Land 400 Phase 2 requirement for a new Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle, Rheinmetall showcased its core Boxer 8×8 offerings whilst German company Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG) displayed a new engineering module for the platform.
The FFG armoured recovery mission module (ARM) features both a pivoting fixed boom crane and 60 metre long winch. The crane is rated to lift up to 20 tons and surprisingly can be de-coupled to operate in stand-alone mode away from its Boxer parent vehicle.
The biggest buzz around Boxer was the possible signing of the business case approval for Boxer in the British Army Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) programme. UK Defence Procurement Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan announced that the approval is now expected on 22 October with production to begin by 2021 at the latest.
The MIV programme dates back to 1993, with the UK Multi-role Armoured Vehicle (MRAV) programme to acquire the Boxer. By 2003, the UK had decided an 8×8 platform did not suit its needs. In March 2018, the MIV programme saw Boxer return to the frame with a new requirement for an 8×8 platform. Since then Rheinmetall and BAE Systems Launch Joint Venture – RBSL.
If finally acquired, the initial order looks likely to include just over 500 Boxers in four core variants including the protected mobility (MIV-PM) with Kongberg Protector remote weapon station, the MIV-A ambulance, the command and control MIV-CC and a specialist platform with reconfigurable interior to transport reconnaissance, engineers and mortar teams. The platform will replace the range of protected mobility platforms acquired under Urgent Operational Requirements for Operation Herrick, the British military’s contribution to operations in Afghanistan, and the FV430 Bulldog, an FV432 variant developed for operations in southern Iraq.
Observers have criticised the current lack of a specific UK MIV requirement for incorporating anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and 30mm cannon on the UK Boxer to offer AFV-killing capability in a peer conflict scenario. The Australian CRV requirement shows the viability of a turret mounting both cannon and Israeli Spike LR2 ATGMs and observers argue a similar system should be proposed for the MIV although adding significantly to the weight and dimensions of the core vehicle.