via African Military Blog.com
Algeria has announced plans to start producing the Boxer Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) under license by the end of 2020.Story here.
The high-density steel and other essential materials needed to produce the vehicle will be imported and assembled in Algeria, it is believed that the new locally produced Boxer 8×8 IFV will replace the BTR 60 and BTR 80 Armored Personel Carrier (APC) in the Algerian Military’s service.
The 8×8 Boxer IFV was developed by Rheinmetall Defense, it is a highly modular state-of-the-art armored vehicle which can perform a wide variety of roles. These include ambulance, armored personnel carrier, cargo, battle damage repair, engineering, and infantry fighting vehicle.
For many here, when you say the word Africa, all that pops to mind is failed states, starving people and inept military forces.
Algeria is a bit different.
They're putting together a rather smart fighting force across all domains. Am I talking about it being up to first world standards? No. But for the region they're doing just fine.
The Boxer is a fine IFV but I just think there are more practical AND just as effective (not to mention more affordable) options out there.
So why the Boxer? It's about their homegrown defense industry. The chance to build a high tech product at home and to gain technology/expertise.
It's a win win for Algeria but I must wonder if BAE or Patria couldn't offer the same "win" for a substantially better price.
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