British Ministry of Defense Orders Foxhound LPPV Light Protected Patrol Vehicle Demonstrators.

The British Ministry of Defense (MoD) has announced the procurement of up to three Foxhound LPPV (Light Protected Patrol Vehicle) technical demonstrator platforms. The order, which aims to showcase a new standard for potential future production, was confirmed via Gabriele Molinelli’s X account on July 12, 2024.
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The Foxhound Light Protected Patrol Vehicle (LPPV) is a British armored vehicle designed for high mobility and advanced protection against IEDs, small arms fire, and shell fragments.  (Picture source: X Account Gabriele Molinelli)

The acquisition is part of the British MoD's Land Mobility Program, which seeks to enhance the mobility and protection of British armed forces. The Foxhound LPPV has been recognized for its advanced protective capabilities and agility, making it a vital asset for patrol and reconnaissance missions in challenging environments.

Details about the British Army's Land Mobility Programme (LMP) were disclosed at Defence iQ's International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) 2024 conference, held in London from January 22 to 25. The program aims to streamline the British Army's armored vehicle fleet by reducing the number of protected patrol and light utility vehicle types in service from over ten to just three.

The LMP will focus on procuring three new vehicle families: a Medium Protected Mobility vehicle, a Light Protected Mobility vehicle, and a Light Utility Platform. These vehicles will be required to meet Generic Vehicle Architecture (GVA) standards, ensuring continuous development throughout their service life.

In line with the Land Industrial Strategy, the program mandates that at least 60% of the workshare for these procurements will be allocated to the UK industry, bolstering local manufacturing and technological capabilities.

The Foxhound Light Protected Patrol Vehicle (LPPV) is a British armored vehicle designed to provide high levels of protection and mobility for patrol and reconnaissance missions. It features a V-shaped hull to protect against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and mines, and its modular design allows for quick replacement of damaged parts and configuration adjustments to meet different mission requirements. Originally developed by Force Protection Europe and now produced by General Dynamics Land Systems, the Foxhound offers enhanced protection against small arms fire, shell fragments, and roadside bombs while maintaining high maneuverability and off-road capabilities.

As of the latest available information, the British Army has around 400 Foxhound vehicles in service. These vehicles entered service in 2012, initially procured to replace the Snatch Land Rover, which had been criticized for its vulnerability to IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Foxhound can be armed with various armaments, including 7.62mm general-purpose machine guns, 12.7mm heavy machine guns, or 40mm automatic grenade launchers. This flexibility allows it to be adapted to different mission requirements.

The vehicle can accommodate a total of six military personnel, including the driver, commander, and four infantrymen. The crew compartment is designed for quick entry and exit, facilitating rapid deployment in various operational scenarios.

One of the standout features of the Foxhound is its advanced protection system. The vehicle has a V-shaped hull designed to deflect blasts from IEDs and mines away from the crew compartment. It also incorporates composite armor, providing enhanced protection against small arms fire and shell fragments. The modular design allows damaged armor sections to be quickly replaced in the field.

The Foxhound is highly maneuverable, capable of operating in diverse and challenging terrains. It has a top speed of approximately 113 km/h and a range of about 675 km. The vehicle's independent suspension system and robust off-road capabilities ensure it can navigate difficult landscapes while maintaining stability and speed.