Defence Minister Stuart Andrew has announced a programme to supply the British Army with a new fleet of eight-wheeled Boxer armoured vehicles has taken a major step forward.
Mr Andrew confirmed that British suppliers have been given the green light to bring forward concrete plans to make an initial purchase of over 500 Boxer vehicles, which in turn will 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. Work will now ramp up to complete their supplier selection process before returning to the MOD with a formal proposal next year.
The UK played a major role in the original design, development and testing of the Boxer, and would reassume the rights it had as a project partner if a deal was to go through – allowing the option for the vehicle to be built and exported from the UK.
The Defence Minister said: “A new 8×8 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.”
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