List of equipment of the British Army

Modern equipment of the British Army is a list of the equipment currently in use with the British Army. It includes small arms, combat vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, artillery and transport vehicles. The primary task of the British Army is to help defend the interests of the United Kingdom, but it can also serve as part of a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) force, or a United Nations (UN) or any other multi-national force. To meet its commitments, the equipment of the army is constantly updated and modified. To meet any shortage or requirement on operations, the army can request equipment under an Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR), which supplements planned equipment programmes.[1]

Infantry section equipment

Infantry of the 1st Royal Regiment of Fusiliers during a training exercise in 2014
A soldier from the Royal Anglian Regiment firing his L85A2 in Afghanistan

The infantry section normally has two four-man infantry fire teams. On operations, each fire team is usually equipped with the following:[2]

Weapons
Vision systems
Communications equipment

Weapons

Pistols

Name Origin Type Cartridge Image Details
L105A1 & L106A1, L107A1, L117A1 Germany / Switzerland Semi-automatic pistol 9×19mm Variants of the SIG Sauer P226 were purchased as an interim replacement for the L9A1 as an Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) for use in Afghanistan. Although purchased as an interim weapon, they will continue to be used until the end of their life cycles.[7]
L131A1 Austria Semi-automatic pistol 9×19mm Glock 17 adopted as new standard issue pistol, replacing the L9A1 'Browning' and, eventually, the SIG Sauer. Around 25,000 have been purchased.[8]

Assault, battle rifles

Name Origin Type Cartridge Image Details
L85A2
L22A2
UK Assault rifle
Carbine
5.56×45mm The L85A2 (IW) is the standard assault rifle.[9] It can be fitted with SUSAT, ACOG, Elcan Specter OS 4X or Thermal Viper 2 sights. A LLM-Vario Ray laser aiming module can be attached.[4] Other attachments include the L123A1 Underslung Grenade Launcher (UGL), which is complemented by the new 'Rapid Acquisition Aiming Module' for better accuracy and range.[10] The L22A2 is a shortened carbine used primarily by vehicle and helicopter crews for self-defence.
L86A2 UK Light support weapon 5.56×45mm The L86A2 (LSW) is the standard light support weapon. It features a longer barrel, a bipod and a shoulder strap for greater range and accuracy. Many parts are interchangeable with the SA80, including the same magazine. The LSW is capable of a high rate of accurate rapid fire at ranges up to 1,000 meters.[11] It is currently being upgraded with picatinny rails and a new muzzle, stock and bipod.
L119A1, L119A2[12] Canada Assault rifle 5.56×45mm The weapon is used by the pathfinder group of the Parachute Regiment, UKSF, the Royal Military Police Close Protection Unit and 43 Commando Royal Marines.[13] Attachments include the L17A1.[14] It has been upgraded from the A1 to the A2 variant.[12]
L29A1[15] US Sharpshooter rifle 7.62×51mm The primary designated marksman rifle. It is equipped with an ACOG optical sight for long-range engagements.[16] At least 1,500 rifles had been delivered by May 2013.[17] The weapon is also in service as the L129A1 SSW, with 12x Schmidt & Bender sights and a suppressor [18], to be used by the second man in each sniper team.
HK417 Germany Sharpshooter rifle 7.62×51mm Battle rifle used by the Royal Military Police Close Protection Unit and UKSF[19]

Shotguns

Name Origin Type Cartridge Image Details
L128A1 Italy Semi-automatic shotgun 12-gauge Has a capacity of eight rounds and a maximum effective range of 140 m (460 ft) for solid shot and 40 m (130 ft) for buckshot.[20]
L74A1 US Pump-action shotgun 12-gauge Used by UKSF as a breaching shotgun.[21]

Sniper and anti-material rifles

Name Origin Type Cartridge Image Details
L118A1
L118A1 AWC
UK Sniper rifle 7.62×51mm Improved variant of the L96 that entered service in 1985. The rifle has an effective range of around 800 meters and is designed to perform in both desert and arctic conditions. In recent years, the L118A1 has largely been replaced in front-line service by the L129A1 and the L115A3. The L118A1 AWC is used exclusively by the SAS.[22] The weapon is compact, with a folding stock and a suppressor. It can be disassembled into a small suitcase for covert operations.
L115A3 UK Sniper rifle .338 Lapua Magnum Primary sniper rifle. It is equipped with a 25x scope, a suppressor, a folding stock, and a five-round magazine. The .338 Lapua Magnum "is heavier than the 7.62mm round of the L118A1, and is less likely to be deflected by wind over extremely long ranges". The effective range of the L115A3 is in excess of 1,100 m (3,600 ft).[23] Corporal of Horse Craig Harrison currently holds the record for the longest recorded sniper shot in history at 2,475 meters (2,707 yd) with this rifle.
L121A1 UK Anti-material rifle .50 BMG The L121A1 (AW50F) is intended to engage a variety of targets, including radar installations, light vehicles (including light armoured vehicles), field fortifications, boats and ammunition dumps. The standard ammunition combines a penetrator with high-explosive and incendiary effects in a single round. It is used by the SAS.[24]
L135A1 LRPAS US Anti-material rifle .50 BMG Recoil-operated, semi-automatic anti-material rifle. The British Army uses the M82A1UK known in service as the L135A1 Long Range Precision Anti Structure rifle.[25]

Submachine guns

Name Origin Type Cartridge Image Details
L91A1 (MP5A3)
L92A1 (MP5SD3)
L80A1 (MP5K)
L90A1 (MP5KA1)
Germany Submachine gun 9mm Used by UKSF and the Royal Military Police Close Protection Unit.[26] The weapon comes in multiple variants, from the standard L91A1 and the suppressed L92A1 (pictured), to the more easily concealable L80A1 and L90A1, which are stockless and have vertical foregrips.

Machine guns

Name Origin Type Cartridge Image Details
L108A1
L110A2
L110A3
L130A1
Belgium Light machine gun 5.56mm
7.62mm
Standard "FN Minimi" variant and the British Army's designated light machine gun. The weapon is belt-fed and equipped with a bipod. The L110A2 and L110A3 are known as the "FN Minimi Para" and are equipped with a shortened barrel and a collapsible stock, with one issued per four man infantry fireteam.[27] The L130A1 is the latest version of the weapon to enter front-line service. It is designed to fire 7.62mm rounds.[28] The British Army is reviewing whether to retain the Minimi in dismounted close combat infantry platoons.[29]
L7A2 Belgium General-purpose machine gun 7.62mm British Army version of the Belgian FN MAG.[30] The L7 was produced under licence by Royal Ordnance, but is now produced for the British Army by Heckler and Koch.
L111A1 US / UK Heavy machine gun .50 BMG (12.7 mm) Produced under licence in the UK by Manroy Engineering[31] as the M2 HMG QCB, The L111A1 is the British Army version of the American M2 Browning. It can be attached to both armoured vehicles and tripods.[32]
L134A1 Germany Grenade machine gun 40mm Has a 320rpm rate of fire and an effective range of 1,500 m (4,900 ft)-2,000 m (6,600 ft). It is used for the suppression of enemy infantry and can be mounted on both armoured vehicles and tripods.[33]

Mortars

Name Origin Type Calibre Image Details
M6-895 Austria Mortar 60mm Procured as an UOR. It can be fired in both the direct and indirect roles at a rate of 1–12 rounds a minute and can also be operated in the hand-held mode. Around 1,900 of these 60mm mortars were purchased as a UOR to replace the older 51mm Mortar that served on operations.[34]
L16A2 UK / Canada Mortar 81mm Operated by a three-man team. It is often vehicle-borne; in mechanised infantry battalions it is mounted and fired from an FV432 vehicle.[35] Around 470 are in service.[36]

Anti-armour, structure and air

Name Origin Type Warhead Image Details
MBT LAW Sweden / UK Anti-tank weapon 150mm Disposable, man-portable, short range fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile system. It is designed to "knock out any main battle tank in just one shot by striking it from above".[37]
FGM-148 Javelin US Anti-tank weapon 127mm Man-portable medium range anti-tank missile system. It fires a High Explosive Anti Tank (HEAT) warhead and is capable of penetrating explosive-reactive armour.[38]
ILAW Sweden Anti-tank weapon 84mm Small quantities of AT4 CS HP projectiles have been purchased.[39]
L2A1 ASM Israel Anti-structure weapon 90mm Disposable, man-portable guided anti-structure weapon. It is designed to destroy hardened structures, such as bunkers, buildings and other fixed positions.[40]
Starstreak MANPAD UK Anti-air weapon 22mm x 3 Alongside the LML and Stormer mounted versions, the British Armed Forces also possess the high speed Starstreak Missile on a shoulder mounted and man portable launcher. This can also be used as a surface attack weapon, capable of penetrating the frontal armour of even IFVs.[41]

Grenades and mines

Name Origin Type Detonation Image Details
L109A1 Switzerland Frag grenade Fuse British version of the Swiss HG 85 Grenade. It differs from the original in that it has a matte black safety clip similar to the American M67 grenade. It has a 3-4 second fuse, contains 155g of high explosive and has a lethal range of 10 m (33 ft).
M18 Claymore mine United States Anti-personnel mine Remote Used for specialist and defensive purposes. It has seen use in Afghanistan. It will be replaced with the Fixed Directional Fragmentation Weapon (FDFW), a Finnish designed mine that has yet to be formally identified.[42]
L9A8 Bar Mine UK Anti-tank mine Pressure Primary anti-tank mine. During the Gulf War, it was found to be highly resistant to mine ploughs, simply rotating under it to detonate below the vehicle, disabling some M60 tanks of the USMC after Iraq captured L9s from the Kuwaiti Army.[43]

Personal equipment

Protective equipment

A British Army infantryman showing full combat dress and standard personal kit (back)
A British Army infantryman showing full combat dress and standard personal kit (front)
A British Army infantryman showing full combat dress and standard personal kit (front and back views)

The standard helmet in service is the Mk.7, which replaced the older Mk 6 helmet. The Mk.7 helmet is equipped with a new harness that keeps the helmet more stable on the head when night vision equipment is fitted. It is also better integrated with new weapon sights, making it easier to use in a variety of fighting positions.

Since 2006, troops in Afghanistan (and until 2009 Iraq), have been issued with Osprey body armour. This has provided much better protection than previous body armour systems. The new Mk 4 'Osprey Assault' body armour, which replaced the older Osprey vests, provides the same ballistic protection, while improving the comfort of personnel on operations in Afghanistan. It has all the stopping power of the previous body armour, but is closer fitting, less bulky and is easier to move in. It is specifically developed to meet the British Army's requirements, using cutting edge materials and manufacturing technology.[44]

Both the Mk 7 helmet and the Osprey armour are slated to be replaced by the Virtus system. The Virtus vest is even closer fitting and lighter than the Opsrey Mk 4, and features a quick-release mechanism to aid safe extraction from hazardous situations such as burning vehicles, and a dynamic weight distribution system which, when linked to a user's waist belt, aids in spreading the load of the armour and a bergen or other backpack across the back, shoulders, and hips. The Virtus helmet provides increased blunt impact protection, is specially shaped to allow effective weapon usage while in a prone position, and features a permanent night vision mount and a scalable counterweight attached to the helmet’s rear in order to ease strain on the user’s neck.[45]

In January 2015, over 300,000 General Service Respirators had been delivered to replace the in-service S10 respirator.[46] These respirators are also used by the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Multi-Terrain Pattern

The Multi-Terrain Pattern is designed and intended to perform consistently across a wide range of environments. A wide range of camouflage colours were trialled in Britain, Cyprus, Kenya and Afghanistan, ultimately the Crye's "Multicam" pattern was determined to be the best performing, across the widest range of environments (by a significant margin) and was subsequently selected as the basis for the new British MTP camouflage, and combined with the existing British DPM pattern. The MTP pattern itself was not trialled against other patterns and its adoption was based solely on its similarity to the original Crye Multicam pattern.[47]

Boots

A British Army sniper showing full combat dress and personal kit.

In 2012 the MOD purchased a newly designed range of brown combat boots from Haix,[48] Alt-Berg,[49] and other manufacturers for the Army, Royal Navy and RAF to replace the black and desert combat footwear previously worn. Five different boots, developed to match the Multi-Terrain Pattern uniform, are available to Armed Forces personnel depending on where they are based and what role they are in. Each of the five boot types comes in two different styles, with personnel being able to wear the particular style they find most comfortable; the boots have also been designed with different width fittings for the first time to take account of the different shapes of men and women's feet. Black boots have been retained for wear with most non-camouflage uniforms as well as units on parade in full dress uniform, such as regiments performing ceremonial duties in central London.[50][51]

Before the adoption of the brown boots, British troops were issued with desert combat boots manufactured by Meindl[52][53] and Lowa[54] for use in Afghanistan. Both boots remain listed as part of the MOD's 'Black Bag' of operational clothing despite their official replacement by the brown boots,[55] and may be worn by individual soldiers in lieu of the issue footwear.

Bayonet

The current British L3A1 bayonet has a hollow handle that fits over the L85 rifle's muzzle and slots that line up with those on the flash eliminator. The blade is offset to the side of the handle to allow the bullet to pass beside the blade. It can also be used as a multi-purpose knife and wire-cutter when combined with its scabbard. The scabbard also has a sharpening stone and folding saw blade.

Personal Role Radio

A Personal Role Radio (PRR) is distributed to every member of an eight-strong infantry section.[6]

Personal Load Carrying Equipment

British soldier jumping out of a window on exercise
British soldier drinking water on exercise
PLCE being used during training exercises

Soldiers need to carry ammunition, water, food and protective equipment. They use Personal Load Carrying Equipment (PLCE), a tough, modular system of camouflaged belt, yoke and pouches. To this can be added two small rucksacks and a large rucksack for additional carrying capacity, when required.[56] The PLCM is due to be upgraded to the new VIRTUS tactical vest next year, with testing with selected units currently taking place.[57]

PLCE is now very unlikely to be spotted on the front-lines due to the introduction of Osprey body armour, though MTP versions do exist and, due to its durability and the quantity produced, the webbing is often seen in use during training exercises.[58][59][60][61]

Future Integrated Soldier Technology

The Future Integrated Soldier Technology (FIST) is a programme under development by the Ministry of Defence. The programme is designed to achieve enhanced military effect through the used of advanced technologies improving the situational awareness, lethality and survivability of soldiers. Ultimately, the programme is part of the wider British Armed Forces doctrine of network-enabled capability. 35,000 sets of kit are expected to be bought and issued between 2015 and 2020. This equipment is designed to bring the British infantryman up to standards and link with new technology currently employed, including the new underslung grenade launcher for the SA80 and the deployed Bowman communications network. It is not intended that every soldier be equipped with FIST: instead, unit commanders will request FIST kits as necessary so that they can be tailored to the situation and mission aims.

Vehicles

Challenger 2, Warrior, AS90, MLRS and Stormer of 1 YORKS battlegroup

Armoured

Name Origin Type Number Image Details
Challenger 2 UK Main battle tank 227[62] Equips three regular and one Yeomanry (reserve) Armoured Regiments of the Royal Armoured Corps.[63] A Challenger 2 Life Extension Project (LEP) is planned, and will include new optronics, situational awareness and fire control systems.[64] In 2010 due to budget cuts, 118 tanks were withdrawn from service. Of these, 70 were put in storage and 48 were converted to Driver Training Tanks.[65]
CVR(T) UK Armoured fighting vehicle 654[66] Recce, APC, command and ARV variants equip three Armoured Cavalry Regiments of the Royal Armoured Corps and their REME detachments. APC and command variants also in use with the Royal Artillery, while an ambulance variant is operated by the 1st Armoured Medical Regiment.[67] Some variants have been partially replaced by the Iveco LMV, entire family to be replaced by 589 Ajax (Scout SV) starting 2017.
Warrior UK Armoured fighting vehicle 769[68] Equips six battalions of Armoured Infantry and their REME detachments. A small number are also used by the Royal Artillery for command and observation.[69] Under the £1bn Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (WCSP) awarded to Lockheed Martin UK, the Warrior will be upgraded and receive an improved turret and new stabilised 40mm CTA International cannon.[70]
Bulldog UK Armoured fighting vehicle 895[62] [71]
Mastiff, Ridgback, Wolfhound US / UK Protected mobility vehicle 396, 168, 125[72] The 6×6 Mastiff and 4×4 Ridgback equip three battalions of Heavy Protected Mobility Infantry, the vehicles can be equipped with either a 12.7mm heavy machine gun or a 40mm grenade machine gun. The 6×6 Wolfhound is a protected tactical support variant of the Mastiff.[73][74]
Jackal, Coyote UK Protected mobility vehicle 437, 71[75] The 4×4 Jackal equips three Light Cavalry Regiments of the Royal Armoured Corps. The vehicle is also used for convoy protection and various configurations exist for the SAS too. The 6×6 Coyote is a protected tactical support variant of the jackal.[76][77]
Foxhound UK Protected mobility vehicle 398[62] Equips six battalions of Light Protected Mobility Infantry.[78]
Husky US Protected mobility vehicle 311[79] Protected tactical support vehicle.[80]
RWMIK Land Rover UK Protected patrol vehicle 371[81] The Revised Weapons Mounted Installation Kit equips three Yeomanry (reserve) Light Cavalry Regiments of the Royal Armoured Corps. The vehicle is also used for convoy protection and various configurations exist for the SAS too.[82]
Snatch Land Rover UK Protected patrol vehicle 364[81] Based on the "Heavy Duty Chassis", which features much higher levels of armour and protection against IED's.[83]
Panther Italy Command and liaison 401[81] Armoured command and liaison vehicle for commanders and officers in various cavalry and armoured formations.[84]
TPz Fuchs Germany CBRN reconnaissance 11[85] Equips Falcon Squadron, Royal Tank Regiment.[86]

Artillery and air-defence

Name Origin Type Number Image Details
GMLRS US Rocket artillery 35[62] The Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), nicknamed the '70 km Sniper' or 'GSRM (Grid Square Removal System)', provides pinpoint accuracy, delivering a 200 lb high-explosive warhead to its target. It has twice the range of other artillery systems used by the British Army. Operated by the: 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, 19th Regiment Royal Artillery and the 26th Regiment Royal Artillery.[87]
L131 AS-90 UK Self-propelled artillery 89[62] The L131 AS-90 is a 155mm self-propelled howitzer and is the largest piece of field artillery in the British Army. The L131 is operated by three field regiments of the Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Artillery, including the: 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, 19th Regiment Royal Artillery and the 26th Regiment Royal Artillery.[88]
L118 Light Gun UK Towed howitzer 126[62] The L118 Light Gun is used by the 3rd, 4th, 7th and the 29th field artillery regiments of the British Army. It can be towed by a medium-weight vehicle (such as a Pinzgauer) or carried around the battlefield underslung by Chinook helicopter.[89]
Rapier UK Surface-to-air missile system 24[85] The Rapier Field Standard C is a Short Range Air Defence System (SHORAD), which is compact, mobile and air-portable, making it suitable for worldwide operations. It is a 24-hour, all-weather guided weapon system with the capability to engage two targets at once. Operated by the 16th Regiment Royal Artillery across four batteries, one of which is permanently based in the Falkland Islands.[90]
Starstreak SP HVM UK Surface-to-air missile system 62[85] The Starstreak SP HVM is mounted on the Alvis Stormer AFV with an 8-round launcher and internal stowage for a further 12 missiles. The Starstreak HVM (High Velocity Missile) is designed to counter threats from very high performance, low-flying aircraft and fast 'pop up' strikes by helicopters. Operated by 12th Regiment Royal Artillery.[91]
Starstreak LML UK Surface-to-air missile system 145[85] The Starstreak Lightweight Multiple Launcher (LML) is a short-range, highly mobile air defence system that holds three missiles ready for firing and can be used as either a stationary launch unit or mounted on a light vehicle, such as a Land Rover. Starstreak can also be used as a surface attack weapon, capable of penetrating the frontal armour of even IFV's. Operated by 12th Regiment Royal Artillery.[91]

Mobile artillery monitoring battlefield radar

Mobile artillery monitoring battlefield asset (MAMBA)

The Mobile Artillery Monitoring Battlefield Radar ( or Mobile Artillery Monitoring Battlefield Asset) is a counter-battery radar. It detects enemy artillery projectiles fired by one or more weapons and from their trajectories locates the position of the weapon that fired it. It has a detection range of up to 30 km and can process up-to 100 projectiles simultaneously. It is mounted on a Bandvagn 206 (Bv206) all-terrain vehicle. Five vehicles are operated by the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery.

Exactor

The Exactor is a previously classified purchase of Spike-NLOS pods originally mounted on an M113 chassis. The system is primarily used for precise indirect attacks at long ranges (26 km (16 mi)). Exactor is to be brought into the core budget, with options to be remounted on a less specialist and more expeditionary focused chassis.[92] It is used as an ultra-long range anti-armour and anti-structure weapon, where the GMLRS would result in too much collateral damage. 18 such systems now exist within the Royal Artillery in six batteries of three, with some remounted on more mobile trailers.[93]

Engineering and logistics

Name Origin Type Number Image Details
Trojan UK Assault breacher vehicle 32[62] Trojan is based on the Challenger 2 chassis and is designed to breach through enemy defences, such as walls or fortifications, and clear paths through minefields. The Trojan is equipped with the Python Minefield Breaching System.[94]
Titan UK Armoured vehicle-launched bridge 33[62] The Titan is an armoured bridge launcher based on the Challenger 2 chassis with the capability to deploy a bridge up to 60 meters long.[95]
CRARRV UK Armoured recovery vehicle 75[81] Based on the Challenger 1 chassis and is designed to recover and repair damaged or incapacitated tanks.[96]
Terrier UK Combat engineering vehicle 60[97] Provides mobility support (obstacle and route clearance), counter-mobility (digging of anti-tank ditches and other obstacles) and survivability (digging of trenches and Armoured Fighting Vehicle slots).[98]
Alvis Unipower UK Tank bridge transporter 139[81] The Tank bridge transporter (TBT) has the same cross-country performance as a tank even when fully loaded. It can carry 1 × No 10 Bridge or 2 × No 12 Bridges (Close Support Bridge) of the BR90 family of bridges. It can deploy, drop off and load bridges independently, but it cannot recover them.[99]
M3 Amphibious Rig Germany Amphibious bridging vehicle 37[62] The M3 Amphibious Rigs are vehicles operated by a 3-man crew. The M3 Rigs can drive into the water, open up and join together to create a bridge of varying length. A 100m bridge can be constructed using 8 rigs.[100]
Buffalo US Talisman counter-IED 19[101] Mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) armoured vehicle, which forms part of the British Army's Talisman counter-IED system.[102]
JCB HMEE UK Talisman counter-IED 17[101] Heavily armoured excavator. It forms part of the Talisman counter-IED system. The MoD has committed to bring the HMEE along with all related Talisman elements (Minewolf, Tarantula Hawk, Buffalo, Panama and Talon) into the core budget.[103][104]
Oshkosh HET US Heavy equipment transporter 91[81] The Oshkosh HET 1070F is the Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) of the British Army. The Heavy Equipment Transporters are capable of carrying a 72-tonne Main Battle Tank and are responsible for the strategic transportation of armoured vehicles over land.[105]
MTVR US Close support tanker 357[106] The Oshkosh Wheeled Tanker forms the backbone of the British Army's bulk fuel and water transportation. The Tanker can be fitted with enhanced blast-proof armour for driver protection and General Purpose Machine Guns.[105]
MAN SV Germany Support vehicle 7,484[106] The MAN family of support vehicles are gradually replacing all 4-tonne, 8-tonne and 14-tonne cargo vehicles currently in service. They have good mobility and the ability to be fitted with armour and General Purpose Machine Guns.[107]
Leyland, Foden UK DROPS 1,217[81] The Leyland MMLC is the Medium Mobility Load Carrier (MMLC) using a standard pallet and rack system and forms the logistic backbone of the British Army. The Foden IMMLC is the Improved Medium Mobility Load Carrier and is used primarily as an ammunition carrier in support of AS90 155mm self-propelled guns.[108]

C vehicle fleet

Royal Engineers constructing a road in Afghanistan

The job of the Royal Engineers is to restrict the enemy's ability to advance, while also allowing friendly combat forces the freedom to maneuver as necessary. Other tasks undertaken are bomb disposal, the construction of fortifications, runways, roads and bridges and the improvement of existing infrastructure to support operations - such as improving existing roads for logistic convoys. To achieve this, the Royal Engineers operate a large and diverse fleet of vehicles. At present, the C vehicle fleet is provided by a private finance initiative (PFI) and consists of some 2,500 vehicles of over 160 types of "earthmoving plant, Engineer Construction Plant (ECP) and rough terrain Materials Handling Equipment (MHE)".

The provider of the PFI is Amey Lex Consortium (ALC), which was awarded a 15-year contract in 2005 for £600 million. The handing over of the C vehicle fleet to a PFI has improved overall efficiency, with ALC selecting common chassis for multiple roles and significantly reducing equipment types. This has led to reduced training needs in personnel, commonality of spares and an overall reduction in the logistic footprint and cost of maintenance.[109] ALC maintains the fleet at various degrees of readiness, with a large pool of the vehicles being modified and adapted for military use - however, the majority of the fleet is maintained at commercial standards. The fleet is dispersed worldwide to accommodate both existing and future operations. When in use, the vehicles are essentially being "hired on an ad hoc basis". To help sustain the C vehicle fleet on operations, the PFI includes a logistics support package.[110]

Miscellaneous

Name Origin Type Number Image Details
Pinzgauer Austria / UK All-terrain truck 190 The Pinzgauer is a 4×4 and 6×6 tactical support vehicle used by the Royal Artillery to tow artillery pieces, such as the Rapier and L118 Light gun.
Mowag Duro Swiss / UK All-terrain truck 190 118 Duro II and 48 Duro III are operated by communications and intelligence units. A further six Duro II and 18 Duro III are tasked with mine clearance and bomb disposal units - these have become known as Tellar and Citizen in British Army service.[111]'[112][113]
Land Rover Wolf UK Utility vehicle 12,000[114] The Land Rover Wolf is a militarised version of the Land Rover Defender. They can be found in service with the British Army worldwide, and can be armed with one 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun and a 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Gun. The Land Rover Wolf is designated as a Truck Utility Light (TUL) and Medium (TUM).
Land Rover Pulse UK Battlefield ambulance 116[81] The Land Rover Pulse battlefield ambulance has full medical facilities with the capacity to hold up to six seated casualties or four casualties on stretchers. The Vehicle can be airlifted.[115]

All-terrain vehicles

A Supacat ATMP, kitted out for operations in Afghanistan

There are a number of all-terrain vehicles in service with the British Army. The Supacat ATMP is a lightweight 6×6 used by airborne and air-mobile forces. It can carry up to 8 troops with a standard NATO pallet of stores and ammunition. The Springer all-terrain vehicle is a light-role 4×2 load carriage platform, which can self-load a 1-ton pallet. Each vehicle is equipped with an 8,000 lb (3,600 kg) self-recovery winch and sand ladders, which act as loading ramps for a cargo pallet.[116][117] Approximately 900[118] Grizzly 450 quad bikes are used as light transport for things such as mortars, ammunition and general supplies.[117][119] Finally, the Harley Davidson MT350E and Honda R250 motorcycles are used by dispatch riders and for a variety of liaison and traffic control tasks.

Special forces

The Special forces maintain a unique fleet of vehicles to support their covert operations. In 2001, 65 Supacat High Mobility Transporter (HMT) 400 vehicles were ordered under Project Minacity after being in development for a special forces protected vehicle requirement since the late 1990s.[120] The Minacity vehicles entered service in 2003 in Afghanistan.[121] In 2008, 24 Australian Bushmaster armoured vehicles were purchased under a UOR for the SAS in Iraq providing all-round protection unlike the Minacity with an exposed crew.[122][123] It is fitted with additional armour, counter-IED electronics, and a .50 calibre machine gun mounted in a RWS.[124] In addition, other vehicles known to be in service are: 60 Toyota Hilux for special forces mobility; and 78 ACMAT VLRAs as tactical support vehicles to resupply and sustain special forces on operations.[125][126] In August 2016, the BBC reported that the Jankel Toyota Land Cruiser-based Al-Thalab long range patrol vehicle was being used in Syria.[127]

Aircraft

Type Origin Class Role Introduced In service Total Notes
AgustaWestland Apache UK Rotorcraft Attack 2004 50 67 [62] 16 Mothballed[128]
AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat UK Rotorcraft Attack 2014 30 30 [62]
Bell 212 Canada Rotorcraft Attack 5 [62]
Britten-Norman Defender UK Propeller Patrol 2003 9 9 [62]
Britten-Norman Islander UK Propeller Patrol 1997 3 7 [62]
Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin II France Rotorcraft SAS 2009 5 5
Thales Watchkeeper WK450 UK UAV ISR 2014 52 52 [62]
Westland Gazelle UK Rotorcraft Patrol 1974 34 [62]
Westland Lynx UK Rotorcraft Attack 1979 21 [62]

Watercraft

Raiding craft

An Inflatable Raiding Craft (IRC)

The raiding craft in service with the British Army are operated in large numbers, predominately with the Royal Engineers and the Royal Logistic Corps, for supporting both bridging and amphibious operations. These craft are highly versatile and often find themselves serving in environments ranging from the Arctic to the tropics.[129]

Mk.4 Workboat

Four boats in service,[130] operated by the Royal Logistic Corps as small tugs and general purpose work-boats in support of amphibious operations. They have a displacement of 48 tonnes and a maximum speed of 10 knots.[131]

Mexeflotes

Mexeflotes are amphibious landing raft operated by the Royal Logistic Corps for amphibious operations and are designed to deliver both armoured vehicles and material from ship to shore. They are deployed on the 16,160 tonne Bay-class landing ships of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Future equipment

Ajax Scout SV
'Future Protected Vehicle' - concept

See also

Other equipment lists
Related articles

References

  1. "Urgent Operational Requirements (UOR)". Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom). Retrieved 7 February 2010.
  2. Major General WH Moore CBE (Winter 2008). "The UOR Advantage". Defence Management Journal: 79.
  3. SpecterOS™ 4X sight by Raytheon ELCAN selected for UK MoD FIST programme (elcan.com)
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