KMW-Rheinmetall Offer 60% Workshare if UK Picks BOXER IFV

Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW)-Rheinmetall joint venture ARTEC has signed agreements with UK based BAE Systems, Pearson Engineering and Thales companies offering 60 percent of workshare if UK selects BOXER Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)for Army’s next generation Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) program.

According to the agreements, at least 60% of BOXER’s value creation and 100% of final assembly will take place in Britain. To ensure the best value to the British tax payer, ARTEC has defined a competitive process for the main partners and their supply chains to follow, the company said in a statement Monday.

Rolls Royce, ParkerHannifin, WFEL and British subsidiaries of the ARTEC parent companies will also supply British content.  Further, Rheinmetall intends to establish a modern production and integration centre for armoured vehicles in the UK as part of the programme. This represents a significant commitment from Rheinmetall which will lead to long-lasting armoured vehicle capability in the UK.

The UK played a role in the design, development and testing of BOXER from 1999 to 2004. Upon acquisition, the UK would reassume the rights which it had as the original project partner. This would allow BOXER to be exported from the UK.