British Army Complete Successful Javelin Missile Integration on Boxer Vehicles

The British Army has reached a major milestone in modernising its armoured fleet, with the successful integration of the Javelin anti-tank guided missile system on the Boxer armoured vehicle. The trial, conducted earlier this year, confirmed that the Boxer can now fire the Javelin from under armour, significantly boosting its firepower and survivability on the battlefield.

The integration was achieved using the Kongsberg RS4 Remote Weapon Station (RWS), supplied by Thales in Glasgow, which allows operators to engage targets with precision while remaining protected inside the vehicle. British Army officials described the achievement as a “crucial step” in strengthening the lethality of Boxer and enhancing its role in delivering decisive effects against modern armoured threats.

Enhancing Combat Effectiveness

The FGM-148 Javelin, a man-portable fire-and-forget missile, has been in service with UK forces for years and has proven itself in combat across multiple theatres. By integrating it onto the Boxer’s RS4 RWS, crews can now launch missiles without exposing themselves to enemy fire, a capability increasingly vital in high-threat environments. The system also retains its existing firepower options, meaning Boxer can field a versatile mix of weapons, from heavy machine guns to guided missiles, depending on the mission.

This integration aligns with the Army’s broader efforts to field Boxer as its next-generation 8x8 armoured platform, designed to replace the aging FV432 and some Warrior vehicles. The Boxer’s modular design allows for a range of mission-specific variants, and the addition of Javelin expands its anti-tank capability without compromising its mobility or protection.

Boxer Production and UK Industry

The Boxer programme is one of the UK’s largest current land vehicle projects, with production shared between facilities in Stockport (KNDS UK) and Telford (Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land, RBSL). Deliveries of UK-built vehicles are now underway, joining those from Germany, with training and fielding expected to accelerate in the coming months.

The programme represents a strategic investment in British manufacturing, supporting hundreds of highly skilled jobs across the country. Beyond the direct employment, it has created a robust supply chain involving dozens of UK-based companies. Defence industry analysts note that the Boxer project is also a model for how international partnerships—such as those with Rheinmetall in Germany—can reinforce sovereign industrial capacity.

Wider Context: Preparing for Future Threats

The integration trial comes amid renewed emphasis on equipping NATO land forces with more capable platforms to deter potential adversaries. Modern battlefields, where adversaries deploy advanced tanks and long-range anti-armour weapons, require vehicles like Boxer to offer not only mobility and protection but also long-range precision strike options.

By adding Javelin to its arsenal, the British Army has ensured that its frontline units will retain a credible deterrent against heavy armour, complementing other assets such as the Challenger 3 main battle tank and Apache attack helicopters. The success also demonstrates the flexibility of the Boxer platform, which continues to evolve with new technologies to meet emerging requirements.

The Javelin integration trial marks a significant leap forward in the British Army’s modernisation efforts. By combining a proven missile system with a state-of-the-art armoured platform, the UK has reinforced both its combat readiness and its defence-industrial base. As Boxer vehicles continue to enter service, the Army will gain not just a replacement for older vehicles, but a highly adaptable, future-ready combat system equipped for the challenges of 21st-century warfare.