MIV, Challenger 3, HX3 SPH and Brimstone Overwatch

Key UK-centric projects up for discussion at Rheinmetall and Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) booth at DVD this week will include delivery of the Challenger 3 and Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) programmes.

In addition to the MIV configuration, several new variants of the Boxer modular armoured vehicle will be on display, including the Brimstone Overwatch demonstrator, a 120mm mortar carrier and a ground-based air defence variant. Rheinmetall and RBSL have invested heavily in manufacturing and development capability in the UK, and are scheduled to begin delivering vehicles to the MIV programme from next year.

The new HX3 10×10 self-propelled howitzer features improved mobility, crew protection and driving comfort, with a digital interface architecture offering greater operational flexibility and available margin for future enhancements. The example on display at DVD features a remote-controlled turret, a product of the Bristol-based team that continues to build sovereign capability and highly skilled jobs in Britain.

Also on show will be examples of the HX vehicle family – one of the world’s most widely used series of military trucks; the versatile and highly mobile Caracal 4×4 special forces air assault vehicle, developed in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz and ACS Armoured Car Systems; the Fuchs/Fox CBRN reconnaissance vehicle; loitering munitions, in conjunction with UVision; robots and UGVs, including the Robotics-L walking robot and Mission Master SP; and a demonstration of how the Gladius 2.0 soldier system can be networked with manned and unmanned platforms and systems.

The companies will update visitors on progress with the transformation of 148 Challenger 2 MBTs to the Challenger 3 configuration – a network-enabled MBT combining maximum lethality with significantly improved battlefield survivability – a programme that involves an extensive UK-based supply chain.