Australian Boxers ready to fight after IOC awarded
The Boxer 8x8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle has recently achieved IOC in the Australian Army. (ADF)
Rheinmetall has not delivered any Australian-assembled Boxers yet, but IOC has been declared for the first 25 examples manufactured in Germany.
The Australian Army declared an initial operational capability (IOC) on 15 October for its Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV), the first trial examples of which were delivered on 24 September 2019 under Project Land 400 Phase 2.
The Australian Defence Force had earlier expected IOC to occur in Q2, so the milestone has been delayed slightly. Nonetheless, the declaration means that the Boxer is cleared for operational deployments.
Gary Stewart, MD of Rheinmetall Defence Australia, commented on the declaration: ‘The Boxer CRV is the most advanced combat reconnaissance vehicle now in service with the ADF. It offers increased protection, lethality and
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces]()
Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces
Canada plans to acquire at least 120 uncrewed aerial systems through two competitions with combined funding ceilings of C$32 million.
-
![AUSA 2026: companies adapt munitions and missiles for greater effect at lower costs]()
AUSA 2026: companies adapt munitions and missiles for greater effect at lower costs
Rather than developing entirely new weapons, defence companies are looking to build on existing weapons and systems to deliver greater capability, control costs and accelerate fielding.
-
![AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality]()
AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality
With a production rate of more than 10 million vehicles annually, the US commercial car and vehicle manufacturing base is second only to China. Defence companies are looking at how the vehicles, technology and manufacturing capability can support programmes.
