The British Army has unveiled a significant advancement in its military capabilities with the integration of the Javelin anti-tank missile system into the Boxer armored vehicle. This development is a crucial component of the British Army’s Mechanised Infantry Vehicle program, which aims to enhance soldiers’ ability to directly engage armored threats while ensuring their protection.
The integration of the Javelin system has been facilitated through the Boxer’s Kongsberg RS4 Remote Weapon Station, supplied by Thales in Glasgow. The RS4 station is versatile, allowing for the attachment of various small- and medium-caliber weaponry, including a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, a 30mm automatic cannon, and guided missiles.
The Javelin missile, developed collaboratively by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, is designed to effectively target heavily armored vehicles, including main battle tanks. Its advanced fire-and-forget technology provides operators the flexibility to move or reload promptly after launching. The missile’s top-attack mode targets the most vulnerable sections of enemy vehicles, significantly enhancing its effectiveness. It is capable of engaging targets at distances ranging from 65 meters (213 feet) up to 4 kilometers (2.48 miles) in a variety of conditions.
This recent demonstration occurred during the testing and evaluation phase of the Boxer vehicle, which encompasses a series of trials aimed at assessing factors such as stowage capacity, noise and vibration levels, electromagnetic compatibility, live crew clearance, fording capabilities, and battlefield simulations. Notably, this comes shortly after the British Army received its first UK-produced Boxer vehicle earlier in the month.
The Boxer vehicles are being constructed within the UK by KNDS UK in Stockport and Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land in Telford, supported by a network of national suppliers. This initiative is part of a substantial £5 billion ($6.1 billion) commitment to deliver 623 Boxers alongside 148 Challenger 3 main battle tanks, both of which are expected to enter service by 2030.
In a statement, the British Army emphasized the significance of the trials, noting that they are part of an extensive testing and demonstration period for the Boxer. With the influx of vehicles from both UK and German production facilities, comprehensive training is set to increase in the upcoming months.
The Boxer armored vehicle, characterized as an 8×8 wheeled platform, is poised to operate within the British Army’s Strike Brigades. It is designed to facilitate the rapid movement of troops and mission-critical systems in demanding battlefield settings. Measuring 7.93 meters (26 feet) in length, 2.37 meters (7 feet 9 inches) in height, and 2.99 meters (9 feet 10 inches) in width, it accommodates a crew of up to 11 personnel. The vehicle can achieve a top speed of 103 kilometers (64 miles) per hour and has a range of 1,050 kilometers (652 miles), reinforcing its utility in modern military operations.
