DIMDEX 2024: KNDS showcases Boxer 8x8 as Qatar faces decision on new armored vehicle.

Developed by KNDS, the Boxer 8x8 armored vehicle stands out for its modularity and adaptability to various military roles, designed for rapid troop transport on the battlefield. Presented at the DIMDEX 2024 show in Qatar, as the kingdom is soon to acquire new armored vehicles and must choose between Nexter's VBCI and KNDS's Boxer.
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The production of the Boxer for the UK began with the intention to meet the Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) requirement, aimed at enhancing the mobility, protection, and flexibility of the Army's infantry units (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Created by the industrial group ARTEC GmbH and managed by OCCAR, the Boxer vehicle is tailored to meet the broad range of tasks assigned to contemporary armies, offering unparalleled protection, high mobility, and substantial payload capacity under the most adverse conditions. The Boxer distinguishes itself with its modular construction, allowing for a multitude of mission-specific variants by combining a uniform drive module with user-specific deployment modules. This innovative approach enables the Boxer family to efficiently address the wide spectrum of military needs - from high-intensity combat actions and peacekeeping to humanitarian relief operations in complex threat environments.

The vehicle's comprehensive protection system safeguards against mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and ballistic threats, ensuring maximum crew survivability. With main variants including the Command Post, Logistics, Armored Personnel Carrier, Ambulance, Battle Damage Repair, and a 120mm mortar variant, the versatility of the Boxer and its integral growth potential make it adaptable to future emerging military roles or changing requirements, without compromising its mobility performance.

This adaptability, combined with the vehicle's robust design and advanced technological features, positions the Boxer as a key player in the future of armored military vehicles, ready to meet the evolving demands of network-enabled warfare worldwide.

Initially developed by the ARTEC consortium, mainly comprising Germany and the Netherlands, the UK officially rejoined the Boxer program in 2018 after participating in its early development stages. Its production involves a collaborative effort between German and British companies, with initial units produced by Krauss-Maffai Wegmann and Rheinmetall. Subsequent Boxers to be manufactured in the UK will be by WFEL & Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land, involving a significant British supply chain that includes partnerships with Rolls-Royce, Thales, Aeroglow, and several other companies.

The production of the Boxer for the UK began with the intention of meeting the Mechanized Infantry Vehicle (MIV) requirement, aimed at enhancing the mobility, protection, and flexibility of the army's infantry units. In December 2017, Qatar had issued a letter of intent to acquire 490 infantry fighting vehicles from Nexter for an estimated amount of 1.5 billion euros. However, this intention was not confirmed subsequently due to complicated relations between the two countries. Nexter had proposed the VBCI "Philoctète," a 32-ton vehicle equipped with a 600 hp engine and armed with a remotely operated turret fitted with a 40 CTAS cannon, or even Akeron MP anti-tank missiles.

On February 27, 2024, the Emir of Qatar, during a visit to Paris, announced in a joint statement with the French presidency, the desire to modernize Qatar's military capabilities, particularly in the field of infantry combat. This could imply Qatar's acquisition of VBCIs, although it may also pertain to other materials.

The competition between Nexter's VBCI and Rheinmetall's Boxer for Qatar's acquisition of armored vehicles illustrates the intense competition in the global defense sector. For nearly a decade, Nexter has been attempting to persuade the Qatari armed forces to opt for its combat-proven VBCI, against formidable competitors like the Boxer and the Turkish group BMC. This commercial battle unfolds against the backdrop of high-level diplomatic visits, with discussions intensifying during the arrival of Qatari officials in France.

The stakes are high for Nexter, navigating this thrilling competition since 2017, aiming to position itself at the forefront or risk being relegated behind Rheinmetall. The German group, strengthened by its partnership with BAE Systems in the UK, also enjoys London's support in its efforts to woo Doha. This rivalry not only reflects the challenges of international arms sales campaigns but also underscores the strategic importance of these contracts for the companies and countries involved, each advancing their pieces to secure potential deals worth hundreds of millions of euros.

Defense News March 2024