General Dynamics Land Systems UK to supply 50 Foxhound command vehicles to British Army.

As reported by Gabriele Molinelli on November 23, 2023, the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) has initiated the procurement of 50 Foxhound command vehicles, awarding a contract valued at £19,760,000 to General Dynamics Land Systems UK. The official granting of the contract is scheduled for January 31, 2024, and the contract will span a 15-month period, starting on the same date and concluding on March 31, 2025.
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The primary focus of this procurement is the Foxhound command variant conversion project, aimed at modifying 50 Foxhound Light Protected Patrol Vehicles into command variants (Picture source: British Army)

The primary focus of this procurement is the Foxhound Command Variant conversion project, aimed at modifying 50 Foxhound LPPVs (Light Protected Patrol Vehicles) into Command Variants. This strategic modification is intended to enhance communication capabilities in very high frequency (VHF), high frequency (HF), and ultra-high frequency (UHF). The project also includes provisions for creating a conducive working environment for operating Bowman data terminals. Additionally, it encompasses improvements such as mission battery enhancements and advanced crew display systems.

This procurement employs a negotiated procedure without prior publication, indicating a non-publicized opportunity. This may be attributed to General Dynamics Land Systems UK's status as the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and Design Authority of the Foxhound Platform. Their role as the Design Authority grants them exclusive access to the necessary design for the modifications. General Dynamics UK also holds the Design Authority for the Bowman system, making it the sole contractor capable of meeting the British MoD's requirements.

The Ministry of Defence clarifies that this notice is not an invitation for expressions of interest. Parties interested in becoming sub-contractors for this requirement are directed to apply directly to General Dynamics Land Systems UK.

In 2001, General Dynamics UK was awarded a contract by the British Army to develop the Bowman, a new tactical C4I (Command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence) system. The Bowman system, now equipping over 18,000 platforms linked to the British Army, comprises three main components: the Common Battlefield Application Toolset (ComBAT), the Infrastructure component, and the Armoured Platform Battlefield Information System Application (P-BISA).

The ComBAT, serving as the central component, provides features like situation awareness, instant messaging, mission planning, logistics support, intelligence integration, and a geographical information system (GIS). The Infrastructure component includes hardware and software for headquarters operations, covering A1 plotters, large screen displays, A3/A4 printers, servers with RAID storage, projectors, and smartboards. P-BISA integrates ComBAT and infrastructure software into armored fighting vehicles, enhancing man-machine interface (MMI) and facilitating on-the-move operations.

The Foxhound LPPV, also known as the Ocelot in its American variant, is a versatile 4x4 armored vehicle designed to replace the British Army's Land Rover Snatch. Manufactured by Force Protection, a unit under General Dynamics, the Foxhound serves various purposes, from troop movement to convoy protection and cordon and search operations.

Designed with modularity in mind, the Foxhound's protective pod is interchangeable, allowing for easy customization based on its role. With a V-shaped hull for increased protection against various threats, the vehicle features a crew compartment for two and a troop area at the rear for four fully equipped troops. Powered by a Steyr-Daimler-Puch 3.2l engine, the Foxhound has a top speed of 110 km/h, a range of 600 km, and can be transported by military aircraft or helicopter underslung.

Equipped with advanced technologies such as infrared, thermal imaging, and a 360-degree view for enhanced situational awareness, the Foxhound prioritizes crew survivability with roof and side-mounted crew seats. Optional features like the Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) and a self-recovery winch further underscore the vehicle's adaptability. While not armed by default, the Foxhound can be fitted with a small open-roof turret armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun or a remote weapon system, depending on operational requirements.