On January 9th, Maria Eagle MP, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, visited Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land’s (RBSL) Telford facility, celebrating the return of the UK’s world-class defence manufacturing capabilities. The visit highlighted RBSL’s pivotal role in delivering sovereign capability through innovation, collaboration, and investment – a cornerstone of the UK’s Defence Industrial Strategy.
Photo: Rheinmetall AG
During the Minister’s visit, the team highlighted the facility producing British made Boxer vehicles to be delivered under the UK Mechanised Infantry Vehicle Programme. Manufactured on British soil, by British teams, in British facilities with a significant British supply chain – this cements Boxer as a truly “Made in Britain” product. This marks a symbol of the nation’s engineering expertise and sovereign manufacturing capability (Mechanised Infantry Vehicle Boxer UK Update).
Boxer is more than a vehicle; it’s a Future Force Enabler. Designed for adaptability, resilience, and operational superiority. Boxer ensures the British Army is ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges. It’s also delivering real economic impact today, creating 4,000 highly skilled jobs in engineering, development, and complex systems integration, while empowering UK suppliers to export into Rheinmetall’s global supply chain.
Innovation and End-to-End Capability
RBSL’s commitment to end-to-end capability – from assembly and integration to testing in-house, this ensures rapid technology exploitation, enabling enhanced lethality and operational readiness for the British Armed Forces. As pioneers in technological innovation, RBSL delivers future-ready solutions like the Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank, the most lethal tank ever operated by the British Army.
Supporting UK and NATO Defence Goals
Beyond its national impact, RBSL plays a crucial role in enhancing UK-Europe collaboration, strengthening interoperability with NATO forces, and driving regional security and stability. RBSL is creating a foundation for further collaborative programmes that ensure NATO interoperability and position the UK at the centre of land system defence in Europe.
Investing in a Resilient Future
RBSL’s work exemplifies the importance of building a deep, enduring sovereign capability that ensures UK freedom of action, resilience, and sustained conflict readiness. The Boxer programme and the Challenger 3 main battle tank are driving opportunities with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) to enhance regional security, stability, and economic growth, creating a stronger and more resilient future for the UK and NATO allies.
The Minister met with RBSL’s talented workforce, thanking them for their dedication to programmes. As a gesture of appreciation, Boxer coins were presented to members of the team while she delivered words of encouragement, emphasising the significance of their contributions to the UK’s defence and industrial strategy.
Maria Eagle MP said:
Telford is at the heart of UK defence, and I was pleased to witness first-hand how our defence industry is equipping the Armed Forces with 21st-century armoured fighting vehicles. In the face of global threats, the Government’s new Defence Industrial Strategy will drive economic growth, boost British jobs, and strengthen national security.
Driving UK Defence Forward
Will Gibby, Managing Director of RBSL, added:
We are proud to welcome Maria Eagle MP to our Telford facility to showcase our role in delivering the Land Industrial Strategy. Through programmes like Boxer and Challenger 3, RBSL is committed to providing sovereign capability for the UK, supporting the British Army, and investing in the workforce of tomorrow through our apprenticeship and graduate schemes. Today’s visit highlights the value of UK-based manufacturing and the expertise we bring to the defence industry (Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land unveil Challenger 3 in first public display at DVD 2024).
Building for Tomorrow
With continued investment, innovation, and collaboration, RBSL is driving forward sovereign defence capability, ensuring the UK remains a leader in advanced complex manufacturing and a trusted partner in building resilience and security for generations to come.
This visit reaffirmed the importance of collaborative partnerships between government and industry in enhancing national security, strengthening the UK’s industrial base, and driving long-term prosperity.
Press release