British Army successfully tests water-fording capabilities of Boxer 8x8 armoured vehicle.

On October 23, 2024, the British Army announced that its Boxer wheeled mechanized infantry armored vehicle successfully completed a seawater fording trial at Instow Beach in North Devon. The 38.5-tonne vehicle demonstrated stability and control while moving through water, confirming its capability to ford unprepared. This trial was overseen by the Amphibious Trials and Development Wing (ATDW), as the Boxer is intended to become the British Army's primary mechanised infantry vehicle (MIV).
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The Boxer armored vehicle successfully completes its sea water fording trial at Instow Beach, North Devon, showcasing its robust amphibious capabilities and adaptability to challenging coastal environments. (Picture source: British MoD)

The British Army secured a £2.8 billion contract in 2019 to acquire 523 Boxer 8x8 armored vehicles, with production shared between Germany and the UK. This contract forms part of the Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) program, designed to enhance the capabilities of the Army’s Strike Brigades, which are meant to deploy rapidly across varied terrains. The Boxer vehicles will be delivered in multiple variants, including troop carriers, command vehicles, ambulances, and specialist vehicles, highlighting their modular and adaptable design. The UK government exercised an option in 2022 to order an additional 100 vehicles, bringing the total to 623 units.

The British Army’s Boxer program includes several sub-configurations within the broader Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) role. Current orders include 85 infantry carrier vehicles, 60 engineer section vehicles, 62 reconnaissance and fire support vehicles, 28 mortar-carrying variants, 50 equipment support/repair vehicles, 123 command-and-control variants, 19 observation post vehicles, 24 beyond-line-of-sight observation platforms, 11 electronic warfare and signals intelligence platforms, and 61 ambulances. Additionally, the Boxer RCH 155 variant is expected to be part of the Army’s mobile fire platform programme, with 96 units planned.

The Boxer, expected to operate within Brigade Combat Teams, alongside other platforms such as the Ajax infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) and the Challenger 3 main battle tank (MBT), is not a direct replacement for the Warrior infantry fighting vehicle but is anticipated to assume a significant role as new systems are introduced over time. Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard confirmed that the Warrior will remain in service until new capabilities are introduced throughout the decade.

The British Army has conducted extensive Boxer 8x8 armored vehicle trials since mid-2023. The trials include a variety of tests to assess the vehicle's performance in real-world operational conditions. The first phase involved industry trials in the summer of 2023, followed by formal customer trials conducted by Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) in the autumn. These trials aimed to evaluate the vehicle’s mobility, logistics, and adaptability to different terrains, as it will be used as part of the Army’s Armoured Brigade Combat Teams.

Key tests have included mobility assessments across rough terrain and long-distance maneuvers to ensure the vehicle can deploy rapidly. The Boxer’s variants—such as the infantry carrier, command vehicle, and field ambulance—are also being tested for role-specific tasks. Another crucial test was the live-fire trial, which assessed the Boxer’s capability to integrate various weapon systems, such as heavy machine guns and anti-tank missiles​.

Fording tests for the Boxer 8x8 armored vehicle are crucial for several reasons. First, they validate the vehicle’s capability to operate in diverse combat environments, including water obstacles such as rivers, marshes, or flooded terrains, which are common in military operations. Being able to ford water without external preparation enhances the vehicle’s mobility and flexibility, allowing it to maintain momentum and avoid becoming bottlenecked by terrain that might impede its progress.

Additionally, fording tests ensure that the Boxer can protect its crew and onboard systems from water ingress, maintaining the functionality of critical systems like the engine, electrical components, and weapon systems. This is particularly important in amphibious operations or missions in wet, marshy environments where such capabilities could differentiate between success and failure. It also ensures that the vehicle remains combat-ready, even in adverse conditions​.

Finally, fording capabilities improve the logistical reach of the vehicle, enabling armies to cross water obstacles without requiring the construction of bridges or external support, which reduces vulnerability and speeds up operations in contested areas.

The Boxer 8x8 armored vehicle is designed with exceptional mobility, including impressive water-fording capabilities. It can ford water obstacles up to 1.5 meters deep without special preparation, allowing it to traverse rivers and flooded areas effectively during combat or reconnaissance missions. The vehicle's modular design, high ground clearance, and robust drive system contribute to its ability to maintain traction and stability even in challenging, waterlogged environments.

The fording tests conducted by the British Army with the Boxer 8x8 armored vehicle are critical for validating its operational versatility and resilience in diverse environments. These tests ensure that the Boxer can cross water obstacles effectively, maintaining mobility and combat readiness in wet or flooded conditions. The ability to ford without extensive preparation enhances the tactical flexibility of the British Army, allowing rapid deployment in challenging terrains and reducing dependence on external logistical support. Overall, these tests confirm the Boxer’s robustness and capability to perform under a wide range of environmental conditions.