Ukrainian soldiers begin training on Boxer DTV Driver Training Vehicles in Preparation for RCH 155 Howitzer Deployment.

On May 7, 2025, the Special Training Command announced that Ukrainian soldiers are now undergoing training on the Boxer Driver Training Vehicle (DTV) in Germany, marking the first confirmed instance of operational instruction involving the Boxer platform for Ukrainian forces. This training is conducted under the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM UA), with a focus on driver instruction and vehicle handling. The goal is to ensure that Ukrainian personnel can operate the Boxer effectively across various configurations, including those designed for artillery support and infantry transport.
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The Boxer Driver Training Vehicle (DTV) is a specialized variant designed to match the weight, driving behavior, and performance characteristics of standard Boxer 8x8 armored vehicles. (Picture source: Twitter/Special Training Command)

The Boxer serves as the base for two key vehicle types being supplied to Ukraine: the RCH 155 self-propelled howitzer and the Boxer RCT30 infantry fighting vehicle. Germany has committed to delivering 54 RCH 155 artillery systems and nine RCT30 vehicles with integrated mobile fire direction centers. The RCH 155 is mounted on the Boxer 8x8 chassis and features a 155mm/L52 cannon. It is designed for automated operation by two crew members, includes a computerized fire control system, and can perform indirect fire missions with high mobility. Its firing range exceeds 50 kilometers depending on the ammunition, and it offers rapid deployment with a top speed of 100 km/h and a range of 700 km. The vehicle weighs 39 tons, is equipped with air conditioning, NBC protection, and a fire suppression system, and can operate in diverse environments.

Deliveries of the RCH 155 to Ukraine began in April 2025, as confirmed by KNDS Deutschland in November 2024. Germany initially approved 18 units in 2022, followed by a second batch of 18 in February 2024, bringing the total to 36. In June 2024, this number was increased to 54. The Bundeswehr is negotiating the acquisition of 80 RCH 155 systems to enhance its artillery capabilities. These howitzers are designed for high mobility and quick relocation, addressing vulnerabilities to counter-battery fire and supporting rapid-response operations. They feature STANAG 4569 Level 4 hull protection and additional turret protection against small-caliber fire.

In addition to the RCH 155, Germany has confirmed the delivery of nine Boxer RCT30 vehicles to Ukraine. These are designated as AiTO30 FDC and integrate mobile fire direction centers. They are equipped with the MK30-2/ABM 30mm automatic cannon, designed for both stationary and mobile target engagement. The turret is unmanned and includes programmable airburst munitions, a laser warning system, a coaxial machine gun, and Spike LR anti-tank guided missiles. The RCT30 variant is expected to support artillery units and provide short-range air defense, particularly against drone threats. These vehicles align with earlier predictions regarding the delivery of a Boxer variant referred to as "AITO" or "EITO," capable of addressing both ground and aerial threats.

In case of a rollover incident, seats within the training cabin are engineered to retract into the mission module in a controlled manner to reduce injury risks. (Picture source: Twitter/Special Training Command)

The Boxer RCT30 uses the same turret as the SPz Puma infantry fighting vehicle and is built on the modular Boxer chassis developed by the ARTEC consortium, which includes Rheinmetall and KNDS Germany. The vehicle supports a crew of three and accommodates six infantry soldiers. It is powered by an MTU 8V199 TE21 engine producing 815 horsepower, with a maximum speed of over 100 km/h and a range exceeding 700 km. The vehicle’s modular armor and internal volume of 14 cubic meters are configured for various operational roles, including troop transport, command escort, and counter-drone defense. It is connected to a command and control network through a C4I system, allowing integration with tactical communication systems and situational awareness tools.

Russian forces have used loitering munitions such as the ZALA Lancet against Ukrainian artillery. Instances include the destruction of a CAESAR 155mm self-propelled howitzer in Zaporizhzhia and Ukrainian AHS Krab units in Svatove and Krasny Liman. In response, Ukrainian units have adopted countermeasures such as protective cages around artillery systems. The integration of the RCT30 is intended to enhance the protection of Ukrainian artillery assets by providing localized air defense against such threats.

The Boxer RCT30 and RCH 155 are part of Germany’s broader military assistance to Ukraine, which includes production, delivery, and operator training. The RCH 155 was the first Boxer-based combat system delivered to Ukraine. The Boxer platform’s modularity allows rapid configuration changes for different mission profiles. Germany, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine have adopted or ordered Boxer variants in various configurations. The Boxer family has been in service since 2011 and is produced by ARTEC in collaboration with national partners. As of 2025, Germany is procuring 150 RCT30 vehicles for its Medium Forces, and the Netherlands has ordered 72 units. Lithuania operates 91 Boxer vehicles in five configurations, including the Samson Mk II variant armed with a 30mm Bushmaster II cannon and Spike-LR missiles. Australia has integrated five Boxer variants into its LAND 400 Phase 2 program, while the United Kingdom plans to acquire 623 vehicles in four configurations.

The Boxer DTV includes a duplicated set of controls at the instructor’s station, enabling the instructor to override the driver’s input on the gear selector, brake pedal, and accelerator pedal. (Picture source: Twitter/Nicholas Drummond)

The Boxer Driver Training Vehicle (DTV) is a specialized variant of the Boxer 8x8 armored vehicle used exclusively for driver instruction in peacetime. It is designed to match the weight, driving behavior, and performance characteristics of standard Boxer combat vehicles such as the Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), thereby eliminating the need for further driver adaptation when transitioning to operational roles. The DTV consists of the standard Boxer Drive Module combined with a mission module modified for driver training purposes. The vehicle accommodates a total of five personnel: the trainee driver, the instructor, a second observer or examiner seated beside the instructor, and two additional crew members positioned in the rear of the mission module. The instructor and the accompanying crew member are placed in an elevated, glass-enclosed cabin to provide an unobstructed view of the surrounding environment and vehicle maneuvers.

The DTV includes a duplicated set of controls at the instructor’s station, enabling full monitoring and intervention capabilities. The instructor can override the driver’s input on the gear selector, brake pedal, and accelerator pedal. An optional system allows steering override as well. Electrical systems such as windshield heating, windshield wipers, seat heating, and an additional air conditioning unit for the cabin crew are all managed through a digital control interface. Mirror systems and integrated cameras support full 360-degree observation, improving oversight and training conditions. The cabin is equipped with an intercom system connecting the instructor, driver, and additional crew. In case of a rollover incident, seats within the training cabin are engineered to retract into the mission module in a controlled manner to reduce injury risks. The DTV carries no weapon systems and is not intended for operational deployment.

From a technical standpoint, the Boxer DTV maintains all major performance metrics consistent with operational Boxers. It is powered by an MTU V8 199TE20/21 engine delivering up to 816 horsepower (600 kW ISO) and operates on a 24-volt DC electrical system with a current of up to 540 amperes. The DTV supports a maximum gross vehicle weight of 38.5 tons and can reach a top speed exceeding 100 km/h. Its driving range is 1,000 kilometers. The vehicle can traverse a 60% straight gradient, a 30% side slope, cross 2.0-meter trenches, climb steps of 0.8 meters, and turn within a 7.5-meter radius using skid steering. It measures 7.93 meters in length, 2.99 meters in width, and 3.30 meters in height at the hull roof, with ground clearance of 0.5 meters. When including the elevated training cabin and rotating beacon, the total height increases to 3.64 meters. The Boxer DTV is operated by the German Army, the Royal Netherlands Army, and the Lithuanian Armed Forces, and is designated exclusively for driver instruction in non-combat scenarios.