Hopefully we will soon get concrete numbers by variant for UK Boxer buy. It a shame we can be 11 months on from contract announcement and still have no real idea of the plan on when Australia in the same case had detailed it years before contract award even happened

In January we had this update on variant configurations, though without qty and different to some that had been discussed - repair/recovery absent. Also note this was courtesy of OCCAR, British Army remains rather quiet on Boxer details still

So with the lack of UK details, a reminder of what our antipodean friends are getting for LAND 400 Phase 2 – five variants plus optional ambulance, in two build standards – interim Block I and full production standard Block II

Note as well that Australia is buying more (albeit not many more, but it’s a start) mission modules (MM) than drive modules. Good to see some adoption of Boxers USP around modularity and flexible usage.

To expedite delivery, an interim standard is being delivered under Block I, which will then be upgraded once Block II is underway. All part of the commendable drive to get kit selected, contracted, delivered promptly

First Block 1 variant is the Multi-Purpose Vehicle (CRV-MPV) based on the Dutch GeNieGrouP (GNGP) engineer variant. Fairly simple version, hence, Block I delivery while production for more complex variants is prepared

Other variant in Block I is the Recon variant, carrying the distinctive Lance turret. The Block I differs by using broadly the same configuration as the trials vehicles, with significant tweaks and changes saved for Block II. Again, about prompt and efficient delivery

Full spec BLock II follows, providing upgrades to Block I to Block II standard, producing more Recon, and adding in C2, JFS, REP and REC variants

Useful slide highlighting some of the differentiation between the Interim Block I vehicles and the full MCRC production standard Block II

UK and Australia both use the uprated drive module @ 38.5t GVW, which necessitated enhancements through the driveline to accommodate. This is required to handle the weight of armour and for CRV-RECON, the turret

Lots of critical work going on to organise UK supply chain and get Boxer underway, just keen to see detail on what, when etc. Interesting to note the Aus info has been consistently briefed over the past 4 years and was clearly stated prior to contract award

While we're on Boxer, a reminder of some further variants planned for Germany that will be good to see in real steel soon. OCCAR are keen to see the JFST pushed to Australia as an additional capability #miltwitter #boxer