Australian Army Commander-in-Chief Lt. Gen. Simon Stewart officially announced on 15 October 2022 that their Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV) has reached its Initial Operational Capability (IOC).
Meeting with the IOC is a key milestone in the introduction of any new military equipment. This means the system is ready for field use by the unit that receives them. This reflects not only the delivery of the boxers themselves, but also the successful completion of crew training, the establishment of maintenance and logistical support, and the availability of supplies.
The Boxer CRV from Rheinmetall Australia has been selected following a competition to replace the ASLAV under the LAND 400 Phase 2 programme and is being built domestically. The contract reflects the delivery of 211 8 X 8 vehicles, 133 of which are configured for reconnaissance missions, equipped with Lance turrets equipped with MK30-ABM 30mm automatic cannons and Spike LR2 disposable anti-tank missiles from Varley Rafael Australia. Other variants will include multi-role, joint fires and surveillance, command and control, repair and recovery.
The first Boxer CRVs were handed over to the Army in June 2022, with an initial supply of 25 vehicles produced at Rheinmetall’s plant in Germany. The CRV initially deployed was the Block I variant without the Spike missile, which will be included in the Block II now produced in Australia.
The CRV recently participated in Exercise Sea Raider, demonstrating its ability to deploy in amphibious operations.
The system is currently in 7 of the Australian Armyth trip. Full operational capability is planned for 2027.
Stephen W. Miller
