The Australian Army has announced that its Boxer 8×8 combat reconnaissance vehicle (CRV) has successfully reached initial operational capability following rigorous testing.
Minister of Defence Richard Marles said that the declaration reflects the vehicle’s success in meeting current and future operational needs.
The platform now has the green light to be deployed on various military missions.
Australia will procure 211 Boxer CRVs in five variants as the second phase of a 5.2-billion Australian dollar ($3.3 billion) project.
The 8×8 vehicles will replace the light armored vehicles currently in service with the Australian Army.
“This combination of variants and ability to upgrade them here in Australia makes the Boxer an incredibly adaptable vehicle that our modern Army needs,” Lieutenant General Simon Stuart said.
Boxer CRV
Developed by Rheinmetall, the Boxer is Australia’s most advanced combat reconnaissance vehicle.
It provides increased protection, lethality, and mobility to soldiers deployed on challenging missions.
The vehicle can operate in a wide range of hostile environments, from littoral to complex urban terrain.
According to Lieutenant General Stuart, the Boxer can also fight its way out of trouble with the help of its 30-millimeter cannon.
He noted that the new vehicle would improve the army’s ability to succeed in operations and survive in battle.
“The Boxer will protect our soldiers in high-threat environments as they seek information about an adversary. This information will then help direct our combined arms fighting system for best combat effectiveness,” Stuart stated.
