The United Kingdom has officially announced the completion of the first batch of Jackal 3 vehicles, marking a significant milestone in the development and procurement of advanced military hardware for the British Army. These final units have departed from the production line at Babcock’s facilities in Devonport, Plymouth, and Supacat’s site in Dunkeswell, both of which are situated in the southwest of England. The delivery of these vehicles is scheduled for later this year.
Following the successful assembly of the first batch, production of a second batch is already underway. This subsequent order consists of 53 six-wheeled vehicles, which was placed in September of the previous year. The first batch was part of a larger contract signed in 2023, which stipulates the procurement of a total of 70 Jackal vehicles. Furthermore, future expansions could see the British Army acquiring up to 240 armored vehicles, contingent on operational needs.
The Jackal platform is known for its high-mobility and all-terrain capabilities, having originally been developed to fulfill urgent operational requirements in Afghanistan. Over a three-year period, more than 600 vehicles were assembled at the Devonport facility, solidifying its role as a core component of the British Army’s fleet.
The Jackal 3 features advanced specifications, including mine-blast and ballistic protection, and can be tailored for various missions such as weapon deployment, patrol operations, and logistical support. In addition to its combat abilities, the vehicle incorporates sophisticated communications, intelligence, and surveillance capabilities alongside target acquisition systems. Various Jackal variants are designed to facilitate deep reconnaissance, rapid assaults, fire support, and convoy protection, making them integral to contemporary land operations and military tactics.
Babcock is also producing a six-wheeled extended version, identified as the Jackal 3(E), which includes an extra axle to enhance load capacity while preserving excellent off-road performance. This extended variant can achieve top speeds of up to 120 kilometers (approximately 74 miles) per hour, further extending the operational versatility of the Jackal platform.
