Patria and Rheinmetall have introduced the product of their recent collaboration: a new variant of the next-generation Boxer armored fighting vehicle.
During the recent Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD2024) exhibition in the UK, the two firms unveiled a prototype of the Boxer Armored Mortar Variant, which features Patria’s NEMO 120-millimeter turreted mortar system.
The system can achieve a maximum rate of fire of 10 rounds per minute, providing military units with increased lethality and sustained firepower.
Additionally, the vehicle can fire up to five rounds simultaneously to neutralize multiple targets and overwhelm enemy positions.
According to Patria Senior VP Market Area Europe Hugo Vanbockryck, the armored mortar variant “represents a significant leap forward in superior battlefield capabilities.”
He added, “We are proud to partner with Rheinmetall in delivering this state-of-the-art solution to our customers.”
‘Fire on the Move’
The 8×8 Boxer vehicle was initially designed as a transport platform capable of carrying up to nine soldiers at speeds reaching 103 kilometers (64 miles) per hour.
The first prototype was delivered to the British Army in January for evaluation and trials.
Nearly eight months later, the new mortar variant was produced, offering a “fire on the move” capability to reduce the risk of counter-fire.
Unlike other mortar platforms, the NEMO allows the vehicle to carry out both direct and indirect fire at an effective range of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).
Additionally, the vehicle features superior protection for enhanced crew survivability.
“This collaboration with Patria underscores our shared commitment to advancing military technology and providing the UK’s armed forces with the best possible equipment,” Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems International Deputy CEO Rebecca Richards said.
More Variants
In January, the UK announced plans to develop additional variants of the Boxer armored vehicle to maximize its operational use.
Apart from transport and mortar variants, the country will procure Boxer Repair and Recovery and Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge versions this year.
So far, the British Army has ordered at least 146 infantry carriers, 200 specialist carriers, 212 command and control vehicles, and 65 medical variants of the Boxer.