Babcock and vehicle developer Supacat have begun the production of 70 Jackal 3 High Mobility Transporters (HMTs) for the British Army.
The consortium received the contract in February 2023 as part of the UK’s initiative to re-stock its ground fleet following donations to Ukraine in defense against Russia’s invasion.
At that time, Kyiv had received over 200 military vehicles from London, including Wolfhounds, Stormers, Huskies, Spartans, and Mastiffs.
For the Jackal production, Babcock will manufacture 62 vehicles at its recently upgraded Devonport site. The remaining eight will be fabricated at Supacat’s facilities in Dunkeswell.
Work for the contract is expected to be completed by the summer of 2024.
‘Leading-Edge’ Vehicle
Jackal 3 is the latest iteration of the HMT product line. It incorporates modernized capabilities, including a new suspension for improved off-road performance.
The vehicle also has enhanced protection and vehicle mass to move heavier cargo.
In addition to its standard 4×4 configuration, the Jackal 3 can be converted into a 6-wheel drive system to double its payload capacity.
“The Jackal 3 is the product of 25 years of specific development and 45 years of corporate development,” Supacat CEO Nick Ames stated.
“Every member of our staff takes enormous pride in the quality of the product that provides our soldiers with a leading-edge battle proven platform that they can rely on.”
“Our teams have worked, together with the [Ministry of Defence], tirelessly to a challenging timescale and with enabling technology, to support this procurement and we will continue to do so into the future to provide world class product to the British Army.”
Supporting the Local Economy
According to the consortium, the Jackal 3 production is helping the South West boost its economy by sourcing 50 percent of the supply chain from the region.
The contract has already generated more than 100 new jobs across Babcock and Supacat locations and is continuing competency programs for its workforce.
“This Supacat and Babcock collaboration will deliver modern fighting vehicles for the British Armed Forces and our allies, whilst developing and maintaining key land defence engineering skills in a much valued part of the South West of England,” UK Defence Equipment and Support Director Maj. Gen. Darren Crook stated.
“It is tangible evidence of the British Army’s Land Industrial Strategy and our purpose for Defence: ‘to protect the nation and help it prosper.”
