Germany Considers Purchasing 100 Boxer Armored Vehicles from KNDS for Ukraine.

According to a report published on 12 July 2024 by Spiegel magazine, the German military is in negotiations to acquire approximately 100 Boxer armored vehicles from the German-French defense contractor KNDS for use in Ukraine. This report, which did not disclose its sources, comes shortly after Germany ordered 105 Leopard 2 A8 tanks from KNDS for a total of 2.9 billion euros, a transaction confirmed by the Defense Ministry on 10 July 2024. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Boxer 8x8 armored vehicle, developed by the ARTEC consortium (Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann), originated from a 1990s initiative to create a next-generation multi-role vehicle for European armies (Picture source: KNDS)

A spokesperson from KNDS stated that no contract has been signed yet and declined to comment further. However, the Defense Ministry mentioned that it has issued a request for proposals to KNDS for the Boxer and RCH155 models, without providing further details on the potential deal.

The initial batch of this potential order, including 80 wheeled RCH155 self-propelled howitzers, could amount to over 2 billion euros (approximately $2.2 billion). This amount would be financed from a special 100 billion euro fund created by the German military following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The German Parliament is expected to vote on this transaction in the last quarter of the year. The eight-wheeled Boxer vehicles are known for their superior agility compared to tracked tanks.

This deal between the Defense Ministry and KNDS could also pave the way for a framework order of more than 300 Boxers, which the United Kingdom and other NATO members could later request, Spiegel added.

The Boxer 8x8 armored vehicle, developed by the ARTEC consortium (Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann), originated from a 1990s initiative to create a next-generation multi-role vehicle for European armies. Introduced in the 2010s, it features a standardized drive module and various mission-specific modules that can be swapped out quickly. This design accommodates roles such as infantry transport, medical evacuation, command and control, and combat engineering. Notable features include high mobility, comprehensive protection systems, and advanced capabilities such as 360-degree threat detection and NBC protection. The modular approach allows for rapid reconfiguration and minimizes downtime, enhancing operational flexibility and reducing logistical demands.

The Boxer has therefore garnered significant interest and has been developed in various defense programs worldwide. For instance, the UK Ministry of Defense plans to expand its Boxer fleet by acquiring 523 vehicles in four main variants: Armored Personnel Carriers, Equipment Support vehicles, Command and Control (C4I) vehicles, and ambulances.

Future variants may include the Armored Mortar Vehicle, Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge, and specialized anti-tank configurations such as the Mounted Close Combat Overwatch (MCCO) vehicle equipped with Brimstone missiles. These enhancements aim to replace older vehicles like the Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle, boosting the UK's mechanized infantry capabilities, with 100 new units purchased in April 2022.

Germany has also developed unique variants of the Boxer GTK platform to meet specific defense needs. The German Army, a principal developer of the Boxer, has deployed several variants, including the Armored Personnel Carrier, Command Post, Heavy Armored Ambulance, and Cargo variants. Germany has also incorporated advanced weaponry and technology into the Boxer, such as the RCH 155 self-propelled artillery system, enhancing its artillery capabilities, and air defense systems like the Oerlikon Skyranger 35 to engage aerial threats.

Three new significant variants include the Boxer RCT30, equipped with the turret from the SPz Puma IFV; the sWaTrgInf, or Schwerer Waffenträger Infanterie, an Australian-made heavy weapon carrier focused on deploying heavy weaponry; and the FlaRakPz (Flugabwehrraketenpanzer), which mounts four IRIS-T surface-to-air missiles along with advanced radar systems. This flexibility and modularity have established the Boxer as a key component of Germany's mechanized infantry units, providing support in various operational roles.