The first British-made Boxer vehicle was proudly unveiled by the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, at the International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) Conference. This significant milestone signals the return of large-scale armoured vehicle manufacturing to the UK, revitalising the nation’s defence capabilities, economic strength, and engineering excellence.
Manufactured entirely in the UK at Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) in Telford, with the support of partners in KNDS UK, this groundbreaking vehicle represents a true collaboration. Built under the UK’s Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) Programme, the Boxer’s journey to British soil began in 2019, when the Ministry of Defence awarded the contract via OCCAR to ARTEC GmbH – a partnership between Rheinmetall and KNDS, with the manufacture of the Boxer vehicles subcontracted to RBSL and KNDS UK.
Rheinmetall’s £56 million (approx. €66.3 million) investment in Telford has transformed the facility into a world leading production capability, complete with modern fabrication lines for armoured steel, advanced surface treatment systems, and integrated assembly lines for both Drive and Mission Modules. Every Boxer that rolls off the line is a testament to the highly skilled workforce across the supply chain.
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, said:“It was a pleasure to unveil the first fully British-made Boxer – a testament to the expertise and innovation of Britain’s growing Defence Industry.”
John Abunassar, CEO of Rheinmetall in the UK, added:“The unveiling of the first British-made Boxer is a historic moment for UK defence manufacturing. It not only symbolises the return of armoured vehicle production to British soil but also underscores Rheinmetall’s commitment to delivering sovereign capability, innovation, and economic prosperity for the UK. Boxer is more than a vehicle – it’s a Future Force Enabler, ensuring the British Army is ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges while delivering real benefits today.”
The Boxer programme is delivering economic and strategic impact, creating over 1,000 highly skilled jobs across engineering, development, and complex systems integration; with over 100 UK suppliers involved. Around 75% of Boxer’s components are sourced domestically, ensuring a resilient UK supply.
