Boxer Armored Personnel Carrier (Germany / Netherlands)
Channel: Main Battle Tank
Date: 13/01/2023

The Boxer Multi-Role Armored Vehicle (MRAV) was co-developed by Germany, Netherlands and and the United Kingdom. However in 2003 United Kingdom withdrew from the program and went for an indigenous design. The Boxer successfully completed trials with the German army in 2008. Germany ordered 272 armored personnel carriers, including 72 ambulance and 65 command vehicle variants. Deliveries commenced in 2009. The Boxer APCs replaced in German army service the ageing Tpz1 Fuchs and M113 armored personnel carriers. The Netherlands approved procurement of 200 Boxers of different variants. These entered service in 2011 and replaced in service the YPR and M577 armored vehicles. In 2018 the Boxer was selected by Australia. Australia ordered 211 of these armored vehicles in various versions. Deliveries commenced in 2019 and are planned to be completed in 2026. In 2018 it was announced that the United Kingdom will rejoin the program for a possible procurement of a number of this armored vehicles for the British Armed Forces. In 2019 United Kingdom ordered 523 of these armored vehicles in various versions. In 2022 it was announced that 100 additional Boxers will be ordered, bringing to a total of 623 vehicles. Deliveries were planned to begin in 2023. Another operator of this armored vehicle is Lithuania with n order of 88 Boxers. Deliveries to Lithuania began in 2019.

Boxer's design is based on the modular structure for maximum flexibility. It uses a single chassis with a snap-in modules for different purposes, including infantry carrier, command vehicle, ambulance, supply carrier and so on. These modules are interchangeable in less than an hour. The base vehicle operates independently from the modules. The armored personnel carrier version weights 33 t. However this vehicle has a growth potential and can operate with a vehicle weight of around 40 t. Currently the heaviest mission module is a 155 mm howitzer and the gross vehicle weight comes at around 39 t.

The Boxer is one of the most protected armored personnel carrier in the world. Vehicle has a modular armor with special ceramic mix. The triple hull floor is shaped for maximum protection against anti-tank mines. Every mission module has its own primary safety cell. It is claimed that front armor can withstand 30 mm rounds, while the all-round protection can withstand 12.7 mm fire. Damaged armor slabs can be easily replaced in field condition. Also this APC has low radar and acoustic signatures, making it harder to detect.

Weapon fit can be configured to suit specific national requirements of every country. German Boxers have a remotely operated gun mount with a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher, while the Dutch vehicles are completed with a 12.7 mm machine gun.

Boxer in APC configuration has a crew of three and can carry 8 fully equipped infantry troops. Troops enter and leave via the rear entry ramp. Up to eight tons of cargo can be carried in place of the troops.

The Boxer armored personnel carrier uses a number of proven and commercially available automotive components. It is powered by an MTU V8 199 TE20 diesel engine, developing 711 horsepower. This engine is based on the Mercedes-Benz OM 500 commercial design, but has been modified by MTU for military application. It delivers more power than the commercial version and can operate in extreme conditions. Newer version of the Boxer are fitted with a slightly more powerful MTU 8V 199 TE21 diesel, developing 721 hp. There are versions of the Boxer, fitted with a more powerful engine, developing 804 hp. Vehicle is fitted with a central tyre inflation system, which improves mobility over difficult terrain, such as sand, snow and mud. The Boxer has outstanding mobility. It can travel off-road at speeds up to 80 km/h. Most armored personnel carriers hardly achieve such speeds on roads! Maximum road speed of the Boxer is just over 100 km/h. This armored personnel carrier has a maximum road range in excess of 1 000 kilometers.

Artillery fire control vehicle. Official designation Joint Fire Team Support vehicle. This variant has no turret, but is fitted with mast-mounted sensors. It is operated by a crew of 4, including commander, gunner and two artillery team members. There are at least two workstations. Vehicle is fitted with remotely-controlled weapon station, armed with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. In 2021 German army signed a contract for production of these vehicles.

RCH 155 155 mm self-propelled howitzer. This artillery system was developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann as a private venture. It utilizes 8x8 chassis of Boxer and 155 mm Artillery Gun Module (AGM). It uses technology of a combat-proven PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer, which is in service with Germany and some other countries. The RCH 155 artillery system was introduced in 2014. Initial firing trials took place during the same year.