“Rheinmetall and BAE Systems Collaborate for Revolutionary Advancements in UK Armored Vehicles”

Rheinmetall and BAE Systems have officially launched a new, independent collaboration based in the UK focused on military vehicle design, production, and support, called Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL). Situated in Telford, West Midlands, this venture will uphold around 450 jobs across the UK and is strategically set for future growth.

RBSL seeks to make a substantial impact on the assembly of the Boxer 8×8 for the British Army’s Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) programme alongside multiple essential combat vehicle projects, while also providing support to the British Army’s current bridging and armoured vehicle fleet.

The Defence Secretary, Penny Mordaunt, commented: “This announcement is a strong testament to confidence in the UK’s defence sector as a world leader in the design, delivery, and support of military vehicles. This promising partnership clearly emphasizes how Defence is vital to the prosperity agenda. Its benefits will be felt in the West Midlands and throughout the UK defence supply chain, creating jobs, boosting exports, and ensuring our technical skills are preserved for the future.”

RBSL will utilize Rheinmetall’s advanced military vehicle technologies, complemented by additional capabilities from BAE Systems’ Land UK division, which includes systems like Trojan, Terrier, Warrior, military bridging capabilities, and the AS90 self-propelled artillery system. This initiative has the potential to create hundreds of more jobs in the UK, both in Telford and throughout the extended supply chain.

Peter Hardisty, formerly associated with Rheinmetall UK, has been appointed as Managing Director of the new establishment. He stated: “RBSL represents a new initiative utilizing the considerable strengths and expertise of both BAE Systems Land UK and Rheinmetall. Our skilled workforce in Telford, Bristol, and Washington (UK) has extensive experience in combat vehicle engineering. With new orders on the horizon, we will be able to uphold these competencies while expanding our operations in the coming years, seeking new opportunities both in the UK and internationally.”

The enhanced management team to steer RBSL into the future also includes Carrie White as Finance Director and Phil Simon as Operations Director, both transitioning from BAE Systems.

Regulatory approval for the venture was granted on 13 June 2019.