Germany’s Rheinmetall and BAE Systems launched a joint venture for the design, manufacture and support of land vehicles based in the United Kingdom.
Announced in January, Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land “intends to play a major role in manufacturing the Boxer 8×8 for the British Army’s Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) program and other strategic combat vehicle programs, while also providing support to the British Army’s in-service bridging and armored vehicle fleets,” Rheinmetall said on Monday, July 1.
Under the agreement, Rheinmetall purchased a 55% stake in BAE’s combat vehicle business, with the British company retaining 45%. Regulatory approval for the joint venture was granted on June 13.
The new venture will be based at BAE’s facility in Telford, England.
The MIV is the British Army’s new 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle. In September, Defence Minister Stuart Andrew announced that Artec, the industrial group in which Rheinmetall owns a controlling stake, would complete supplier selection and confirm their proposal to manufacture and support Boxer in the U.K.
The British Army rejoined the Boxer program in March 2018 and intends to make an initial purchase of 500 vehicles.