Boxer (Variants)

The Boxer combat vehicle is available in several variants by virtue of modules, with some variants requiring a change to the chassis.

Boxer is produced by ARTEC GmbH (ARmoured vehicle TEChnology) under the overall management of the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR). Artec is owned by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH (RMMV) and Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Nederland B.V. (formerly Stork).

As the UK rejoined the Boxer programme, as managed by OCCAR, Artec will produce most of the vehicles and modules in the UK with a value split between RBSL and WFEL.

Read more about the history of the British Army’s three times Boxer related programmes.

• Multi Role Armoured Vehicle (MRAV), click here
• Future Rapid Effects System (FRES), click here
• Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV), click here

In addition to the programme histories, more details about Boxer automotive, protection, and mobility details, click here

Boxer Variants In Service and Proposed #

The table below summarises Boxer variants planned or in service with user nations, quantities are subject to change as vehicles are introduced and orders refined.

Nation	Variant	Status	Details
Germany	APC / Group Transport Vehicle (GTF)	In service / Upgrades ongoing	Basic infantry carrier for up to 11 personnel; modular armour up to STANAG 4569 Level 4; remote weapon station (RWS) with 12.7mm MG or 40mm grenade launcher. A0-A2 configurations.
Germany	Command Post Vehicle (CPV)	In service / Upgrades ongoing	Equipped with enhanced communications and battle management systems for command and control.
Germany	Ambulance	In service / Additional deliveries	Medical evacuation variant with capacity for 3 litter patients or 7 seated; upgraded fleet for improved battlefield support.
Germany	Driver Training Vehicle	In service	Dual-control configuration for operator training.
Germany	Joint Fire Support Team (JFST) / Artillery Observer	In service	Equipped with advanced sensors for fire direction and targeting; series production from 2026-2028.
Germany	Skyranger 30 (Air Defence)	Planned (deliveries 2026+)	Hybrid turret with 30mm cannon, missiles, and sensors for short-range air defence.
Germany	Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV)-based	Planned (deliveries 2025-2030)	Adapted from Australian CRV; likely reconnaissance with Lance 30mm turret.
Germany	RCH-155 (Self-Propelled Howitzer)	Planned (3 prototypes + 80 production + 149 additional; deliveries 2026+)	Wheeled artillery with 155mm gun; fire-on-the-move capability up to 40+ km range.
Germany	Schakal IFV	Planned (deliveries 2027-2031)	IFV with 30mm turret (likely RCT30 or Lance); co-developed with Netherlands.
Germany	Total (across 8+ variants)	In service / Expanding	Additional engines (350 mtu Series 199) ordered for new vehicles; total programme value exceeds €10bn.
Netherlands	Engineer Group Vehicle / Pioneer	In service	Supports engineering tasks with tools for obstacle clearance and EOD.
Netherlands	Command Post Vehicle (CPV)	In service	Similar to German variant; enhanced C4I systems.
Netherlands	Cargo Carrier	In service	Logistics transport with modular cargo bay.
Netherlands	Ambulance	In service	Medical variant.
Netherlands	Driver Training Vehicle	In service	Training configuration.
Netherlands	Schakal IFV	Planned (deliveries 2027+)	IFV variant with 30mm turret; joint procurement with Germany.
Netherlands	Total (across 5+ variants)	In service / Expanding	Interoperable with German and Lithuanian fleets; common drive module.
Australia	Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV) – Turreted Reconnaissance	In service	Lance 30mm turret; surveillance and fire support.
Australia	Multifunction (Command, Surveillance, Ambulance, Repair, Recovery)	In service	Various support roles; modular adaptations.
Australia	Total (across 8 variants)	In service	Part of Land 400 Phase 2; local production elements.
United Kingdom	Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV)	In service / Deliveries ongoing	Troop transport; top speed 103 km/h, range 1,100 km.
United Kingdom	Specialist Carrier	Planned	Reconnaissance/fire support; potential RWS integration.
United Kingdom	Command Post Carrier	In service / Deliveries	Enhanced command systems.
United Kingdom	Ambulance	Planned	Medical variant.
United Kingdom	Total (across 4-5 variants)	In service (IOC 2025, FOC 2032)	Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) programme; first UK-built vehicles delivered 2025; local assembly by RBSL.
Lithuania	Vilkas IFV	In service	Samson Mk2 turret with 30mm cannon and Spike LR missiles.
Lithuania	Command Vehicle	In service	Command configuration.
Lithuania	Driver Training Vehicle	In service	Training variant.
Lithuania	Prototypes / Other Support	In service	Including additional command or support roles.
Lithuania	Total (across 5 variants)	In service	Interoperable with German/Dutch fleets.
Ukraine	APC / Unspecified Variants	In service	Likely APC and ambulance; donated configurations.
Ukraine	RCT30 IFV	In service	Donated; 30mm turret variant for infantry fighting.
Ukraine	Total (across 2+ variants)	In service	Support to Ukrainian Ground Forces.
Qatar	Unspecified Variants	In service	Two configurations, likely APC and support.
Portugal	APC	Planned (deliveries 2026-2030)	Troop carrier for medium brigade; via EU SAFE programme.

In addition to these planned, there are numerous proposed variants.

Proposer	Variant	Status	Details	Potential Users
Rheinmetall / ARTEC	Heavy Weapon Carrier	Proposed	Anti-tank focus with missile launchers; modular for rapid integration.	Germany, Netherlands
Rheinmetall / KNDS	Boxer Tracked	Demonstrator	Tracked version for enhanced mobility in soft terrain; hybrid power pack option with MTU mt 881 CR engine; potential for IFV or MBT support.	India (FICV/AFV-LT), general export
KNDS / Krauss-Maffei Wegmann	Boxer UAV Carrier	Demonstrator	Mothership for reconnaissance UAVs; carries 3 long-range and 10+ small drones; 3-man crew; integrated with Milrem Type-X RCV wingman.	Germany, NATO partners
Rheinmetall / EOS	Directed Energy Weapon (T2000-DE)	Proposed	Turret with laser for counter-UAS and loitering munitions; addresses escalating drone threats.	Australia (Land 400 Phase 3), general
Rheinmetall / Kongsberg	Anti-Drone (Counter-UAS)	Proposed / Delayed	40mm grenades via RWS for micro-UAS; supply chain issues delayed roll-out to 2024; RF sensors for detection.	Germany
ARTEC / OCCAR	Bridgelayer	Proposed	Engineering variant for gap crossing; MLC100 bridge capability; complements TITAN.	United Kingdom, Germany
Rheinmetall / Patria	Mortar Carrier (Nemo 120mm)	Proposed	Turreted mortar for indirect fire; competes with Patria 6×6 CAVS alternative.	United Kingdom, Germany
Rheinmetall / KNDS	SHORAD (Multi-Variant)	Proposed	Three configurations: 35mm counter-small gun (C-SAT), STARStreak/LMM missiles, C2/sensor with Giraffe 1X radar.	United Kingdom, Germany
Rheinmetall / Hensoldt	EW Jammer	Proposed	Electronic warfare for jamming; co-developed with Netherlands.	Germany, Netherlands
Rheinmetall / KNDS	RCT30 IFV	Proposed / Donated	30mm turret; enhanced firepower combining Boxer mobility with Puma-level protection.	Ukraine, Germany
Rheinmetall / KNDS	Schwerer Waffenträger	Trials / Delayed	Heavy fire support with Lance Mk2 turret and 30mm cannon; trials ongoing, production delayed for issue resolution; alternative to wider RCT30 IFV adoption.	Germany
Rheinmetall / MARSS	UAV Countermeasures	Proposed	Perimeter radars and interceptor containers for anti-drone operations.	General export

Some of these in the tables are shown below.

Boxer Module Variants #

Boxer has been improved and modified to the current A2 configuration and several module variants are in service, in development or proposed.

Driver Training #

Germany and the Netherlands share a common driver training module, but Lithuania has a slightly separate design for this role (shown below).

The module provides space for an instructor with all-around vision and the ability to bring the vehicle to a halt quickly.

Two passenger seats are also provided for additional trainees and other personnel.

Armoured Personnel Carrier #

The most common armoured personnel carrier module has blast-protected seating for the commander, gunner and eight dismounted personnel.

The commander and gunner are provided with vision systems and three additional hatches for the dismounted personnel.

Command and control systems, equipment charging and storage support extended-duration missions, the German configuration, for example, has enough stores for a 10-day mission.

Dutch vehicles are fitted with the Kongsberg M151 Remote Weapon System, mounting a 12.7 mm Heavy Machine Gun.

German vehicles have the KMW FLW-200 Remote Weapon System that can also mount a 12.7 mm HMG, 7.62 mm GMP or 40 mm GMG. Later revisions mount this on an extended height ring to allow greater depression.

The 400 kg FLW-200+ has also been shown with a 20 mm automatic cannon. A slightly heavier variant called the FLW-500 can be fitted with the ATK/Alliant 30 mm M230-LF and use the same ammunition as the Apache attack helicopter.

Australian Block 2 vehicles will be fitted with the EOS R400 HD Mk2 RWS, although the final selection of weapon seems likely to be a 12.7 mm HMG

Seating has also been improved over the years, focussing on blast attenuation following experience in Afghanistan, situational awareness cameras have also been added.

Personnel can also be provided with a range of creature comforts, from integral toilets to the ubiquitous boiling vessel (or ration heater), depending on how deep into the optional extra pack the defence ministry is!

Infantry Fighting Vehicle/Cavalry #

The Lithuanian ‘Vilkas’ variant of Boxer uses a Rafael 1.5 tonne Samson Mk II RWS

The Samson is fitted with a 30 mm Bushmaster cannon and Spike missiles. The commander and gunner have separate sights (daylight and thermal imaging) and can operate in hunter-killer mode. The gun can also be unloaded from the inside.

Boxer was originally demonstrated with the RCT 30 unmanned turret as fitted to the German Puma infantry fighting vehicle.

Lithuania has ordered 88 vehicles in total, 82 in IFV, 2 Driver Training and 4 Command variants. The total contract value for the Lithuanian vehicles is 386 million Euros, or roughly £3.9m each, with KMW making 53 and Rheinmetall, the remainder.

The Australian CRV uses a Lance modular manned turret with a dual belt-fed Rheinmetall 30 mm MK-30/2 ABM automatic cannon and 7.62 mm GPMG. It also has an RWS with a 7.62 mm weapon. The main gun can use programmable ammunition.

With the manned turret, the dismounted personnel seats are reduced to four. The Australian CRV uses larger 27″ Michelin XML tyres and various other changes, reflecting both national requirements and the availability of modern systems when compared to the original design, fabric air conditioning ducting and improved exhaust management in dusty terrain for example.

Block II CRVs are planned to be fitted with turret-mounted Spike LR2 ATGW.

A number of other turrets and RWS have been proposed and demonstrated on Boxer.

Including with Javelin missiles.

Boxer has also been shown with Kongsberg RT60 remote turret.

The RT-60 mounts a 30×173 mm Bushmaster XM813 cannon, coaxial 7.62×51 mm MG, RWS with 12.7×99 mm HMG and a twin retractable ATGM launcher (with Javelin, MMP or Spike ER)

The evergreen John Cockerill has also integrated their 3105 turret with a Boxer module

At the same time as unveiling the Boxer Tracked Drive Module, KMW showed it off with their RCT120 turret.

Ambulance #

Both Germany and the Netherlands have different ambulance variants.

The higher roof provides 17.5 m³ of protected volume and a floor-to-roof height of 1.85m.

Whilst the layouts and equipment fits differ, their flexibility allows combinations of 7 seated casualties, 3 stretcher casualties, 2 stretchers and 3 seated casualties or 1 stretcher casualty accessible from both sides and above.

Command #

The two command post variants are specific to Germany and the Netherlands, each configured with country-specific communication and other electronic systems.

In addition to the vehicle commander and driver, there is accommodation for three command personnel.

The German version has a roof-mounted manually operated jib used to load and unload tentage.

Engineering and Cargo #

The Cargo variant can carry two 1-tonne pallets with full protection and a cargo floor system that includes a movement and stowage system.

Derived from the Cargo variant, the Cargo/C2 variant has a flexible interior that can be used for command functions (with seating for 3 extra passengers, cargo transport for one and a half tonnes of cargo or casualty transport with a NATO stretcher and casualty.

The Armoured Engineer Group vehicle has a crew of two and carries six combat engineers for mining, demining, and related activities, including their stores, some of which are carried on the roof in specialist racking.

A Battle Damage Repair variant has seating for the commander/driver and two engineering personnel, stores and equipment to effect forward repairs.

Pearson Engineering has also released many concept images for fitting Boxer with various attachments for lane marking, route proving and mine clearance.

Pearson Engineering have also shown Boxer with their Bridge Launch Mechanism for conventional assault bridges that does not need the hull modification used in the drive module bridging variant shown below.

Recovery #

Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft mbH (FFG) has produced an armoured recovery module for Boxer, equipped with both a straight pull winch and slewing crane.

The module weighs approximately 13 tonnes and has seating for two (commander and gunner, it is assumed an RWS of some sort will be specified by the customer).

The recovery equipment can be used independently of the drive module, as an integral battery powers the hydraulic system.

The capstan winch has a straight pull of 20 tonnes and is fitted with 60m of Kevlar-reinforced rope. The boom crane is 5.3m long and has a lifting capacity of 20 tonnes, enough to complete a pack or module change, both can be operated remotely from outside the vehicle.

The module also contains various pneumatic and other hand tools. When the crane slews sideways, outriggers can be deployed, retracting into the module in the stowed position.

Mortar #

RBSL have developed a mortar variant that can utilise a Rheinmetall 81 mm or 120 mm tube called Ragnorak

It was live-fired with 120 mm natures in 2022

A concept using the Patria Nemo turreted 120 mm mortar has also been modelled.

MLRS — Land Precision Strike #

These only exist as illustrations, shown below.

Land Precision Strike is a UK-specific programme that may employ several effectors, not just GMLRS (not to be confused with Mounted Close Combat Overwatch (MCCO).

Weapon Locating and Joint Fires Surveillance #

SAAB has shown an illustration of a Boxer module equipped with a combination of their ARTHUR weapon locating and Giraffe 3D radar systems.

Again, concept art is only at this stage.

Germany is planning a heavy Fire Support Team vehicle, a larger version of their Fennek. It is planned to be equipped with a Hensoldt BAA II surveillance system.

Australia also has surveillance and joint fire variant planned, the Land 400 Close Combat Storyboard illustrates the requirement.

Mounted Close Combat Overwatch (MCCO) #

In May 2021, the UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) released details of the Army’s requirements for Battle Group Organic Anti-Armour (BGOAA). Briefly, it comprised;

• Close-In Self Defence (CISD): portable lightweight munitions carried by Infantry sections
• Mounted Close Combat Overwatch (MCCO): a long-range system providing anti-armour coverage to the battle group, with concepts carrying multiple missiles weighing up to 50 kg with a range of up to 10 km or more
• Close Combat Anti-Armour Weapons (CCAAW): Mounted and Dismounted, capable of destroying armoured vehicles even if hidden from view

 MBDA responded with a Brimstone-armed version.

Hero Loitering Munitions and the Lockheed Martin JAGM are also proposed.

Air Defence and C-UAS #

Manufacturers have either proposed or developed prototypes and demonstrators.

The Skyranger is a mature system based on a 35 mm revolver cannon.

New versions of the well-established Skyranger turret have also been developed, the latest utilising a lighter turret with a 30 mm revolver cannon, AMMR (AESA Multi-Mission Radar) S-band radar, an optical-electronic station FIRST (Fast Infrared Search and Track) system, a High Energy Laser (HEL), and a twin missile launcher.

The uncrewed turret weighs much less (2.5 tonnes) compared to that shown above (4.5 tonnes)

The radar system uses five flat antennae to provide 360-degree coverage with a detection range of 20km for small UAS.

The effective range of the main gun is 3 km.

Missile-based systems have also been proposed using the RBS-70, MBDA Mistral, and IRIS-T

The ‘Neuentwicklung Feuerleitpanzer’ variant will also provide battery command and control for the accompanying FlaRakPz vehicles.

And of course, HVM Starstreak

Valhalla Turrets also proposed their Nimrod RWS for the air defence role on Boxer

Hensoldt will go one step further with a recent order from the German army for 10 Spexer 2000 3D radar systems that will be integrated on Boxer and combined with a Kongsberg Protector RWS for counter UAS for their VJTF.

In 2013, Rheinmetall demonstrated a Boxer with a 5kw High-Energy Laser (HEL) module, this continues to be developed.

UAV/UAS #

A joint operational demonstrator for advanced applications (JODAA) was used for the operational development of new systems, manned/unmanned teaming and command and control.

Since then, the Mittlere Kräfte variant has been developed to provide UAS carrier capability, equipped with three large UAS and up to ten smaller drones.

Boxer Drive Module Variants #

These are variants that will make use of a non-standard drive module, although component commonality will be high.

Bridging #

KMW has developed and demonstrated a bridging module for Boxer that can use their Leguan bridge system to span a 13m gap at MLC100 or 22m at MLC50.

Artillery #

KMW has integrated their 155mm artillery gun on Boxer.

The Automated Gun Module uses the proven 155 mm/L52 barrel from the PzH2000 with an automated loading and fire control system to enable 360° azimuth and up to 54 km range. 30 projectiles and 144 charge modules are carried, with a maximum firing rate of 9 rounds per minute.

It can fire with up to 6 propellant charges before needing additional vehicle support. Base bleed provides a maximum range of 40 km with V-LAP up to 54 km, with the latter, it can cover an area of 5,026 km².

The maximum weight is 39 tonnes, well over the maximum payload of the A400M, not that it would fit anyway as it is too high.

UK Boxer Variants #

There has been some publicly released early by the MoD about the role and module split for the Boxers it has on order, and this will likely evolve as Boxers enters service.

We know the UK variant will have the higher output 600kW MTU 8V 199 TE21 engine.

This initial confirmed build variants are

• BC01 Infantry Carrier (146 vehicles)
• BC02 Command (212 vehicles)
• BC03 Specialist Carrier (200 vehicles)
• BC04 Ambulance (65 vehicles)

Subsequent variants in the pipeline

• BC05 Repair and Recovery
• BC06 Armoured Mortar Vehicle
• BC07 Bridging (TYRO)
• BC08 RCH155
• BC09 C-SAT
• BC10 Radar (SERPENS)
• BC11 Overwatch (MCCO)

UK Boxers will be to the A3 build specification.

UK Boxer will be fitted with the Thales/Kongsberg Protector RS4 Remote Weapon System. Each will also include an acoustic shot detection system.

The RS4-J RWS includes the Thales Catherine-EZ thermal imager, Thales CELT3 laser rangefinder and Kongsberg VIS95 day camera. 

Like the Dutch Boxers, UK vehicles will be fitted with the RFEL Trailblazer vision system

The British Army will receive the latest generation of RFEL’s Trailblazer solution on Boxer vehicles. It is designed for all weathers and light conditions, including hatches down driving. The system uses RFEL’s leading ‘Video Fusion’ technology which provides excellent coverage with ultra-wide field of views, giving unparalleled situational awareness whilst offering a small physical footprint and simple platform integration. A software-defined capability ensures the camera modules can be updated with product enhancements, keeping step with customer requirements and ensuring longevity of service. The system is also fully-GVA (Generic Vehicle Architecture) compliant, supporting multiple views for the driver and crew.

MilDef will provide the ruggedised electronics and computing equipment for UK Boxers.

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