Germany to supply Ukraine with mysterious new Boxer EITO 8x8 armored vehicles.

On May 25, 2024, the Twitter account German Aid to Ukraine announced that Germany is set to deliver an unspecified number of Boxer 8x8 armored vehicles to Ukraine. This information was provided by the Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany, Oleksiy Makeev, in an interview with the German newspaper BILD. However, there remains some uncertainty surrounding the specifics of this delivery, particularly regarding a vehicle variant referred to as "AITO" or "EITO."
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The Boxer armored vehicle, developed by the ARTEC consortium (Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann), emerged from a 1990s initiative to create a next-generation multirole vehicle for European armies. (Picture source: British MoD)

This designation has not been identified among existing Boxer variants or mission modules, leading to speculation. The ambiguity around this variant suggests it could either be a new, undisclosed model or a misunderstanding of the vehicle's designation or capabilities. If it represents a new or specialized configuration, it might be a recent development tailored to meet specific operational needs in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Ambassador noted that these vehicles are in addition to the 36 Boxer RCH 155 self-propelled howitzers already received from Germany, indicating a broader scope of equipment transfer and support.

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

Therefore, the Boxer platform has led to significant interest and development across various defense programs worldwide. For example, the UK Ministry of Defence has outlined plans to expand its Boxer fleet by acquiring 523 vehicles in four main variants: Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), Equipment Support, Command and Control (C4I), and ambulances.

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

Known as "Vilkas" (Wolf), the Lithuanian Boxer variant combines anti-tank and infantry fighting capabilities, featuring a Samson Mk II unmanned turret equipped with a 30mm Mk44 Bushmaster II cannon, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and dual Spike-LR anti-tank guided missile launchers. (Picture source: Lithuanian MoD)

Australia has also advanced its Boxer program, achieving initial operational capability for its Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRVs). The Australian fleet will include five variants designed for reconnaissance and other specialized roles as part of the LAND 400 Phase 2 project. This modernization effort seeks to provide the Australian Defence Force with armored vehicles capable of various mission profiles. Some configurations feature a manned turret with a 30mm cannon, similar to those explored by other Boxer operators like Lithuania, highlighting the vehicle's adaptability and potential for increased firepower.

Known as "Vilkas" (Wolf), the Lithuanian Boxer variant combines anti-tank and infantry fighting capabilities. It features a Samson Mk II unmanned turret equipped with a 30mm Mk44 Bushmaster II cannon, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and dual Spike-LR anti-tank guided missile launchers. The vehicle's protection system includes modular armor, which can be upgraded to withstand various threats, including up to 30mm armor-piercing rounds. Its V8, 720hp diesel engine allows a top speed of 103 km/h and a range of 1,050 km. The Vilkas also incorporates safety features such as internal spall liners and external fuel tanks.

Germany has also developed unique variants of the Boxer GTK platform to meet their specific defense requirements. The German Army, as one of the primary developers of the Boxer, has deployed several variants, including the Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), Command Post, Heavy Armoured Ambulance, and Cargo variants. Germany has also integrated 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 for engaging aerial threats.

Three new significant variants include the Boxer RCT30, which is equipped with the turret from the SPz Puma IFV; the sWaTrgInf, or Schwerer Waffenträger Infanterie, an Australian-made heavy weapon carrier focusing 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.