- Yes
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Following its introduction to service in 2011, the Boxer has proven to be a superbly adaptable combat platform. Modifications have included the likes of mobile gun systems, anti-tank missile platforms, mobile artillery systems, and self-propelled anti-aircraft systems. Most modifications, however, have focused on improving and augmenting what the Boxer is already known for: carrying infantry into battle, which has produced such modifications as the Boxer LANCE30 and Vilkas. Today’s suggestion however promises to be one of the most capable Boxer IFV variants to date, the Boxer T40 which was first unveiled by Nicholas Drummond in January 2025.
The Boxer itself should be fairly familiar to most people. Protection-wise the Boxer features a baseline of STANAG 4 which provides protection against 14.5 mm armour piercing bullets, and on the frontal arc this is increased to STANAG 6 and provides protection against 30 mm APFSFS. The Boxer is also lined with AMAP-L spall liners throughout the entire crew cabin and also features run-flat tyres. The mobility of the Boxer is fairly respectable, with a 600 kW MTU v8 199TE21 engine which can propel the Boxer to a top speed of 103 km/h.
The business end of this Boxer is where things get interesting, featuring a KNDS France T40 turret. This is a two-man turret equipped with CTA 40 40 mm cannon which fires a unique telescoped ammunition in a variety of types including APFSDS, KE-AB (kinetic energy airburst), as well as various general-purpose rounds. In addition, the T40 turret features two Akeron MP launchers, one located on either side of the turret. These are highly capable fire-and-forget anti-tank missiles similar to the Spike-LR, featuring a range of 4,000 m and a penetration of 1000 mm of RHA. Akeron MP also features lock-on-after-launch capabilities through the use of a fibre-optic cable as a real-time datalink. The T40 turret also features a panoramic thermal imager for the commander, a remote weapon station with an M2 HMG, and 4 smoke dischargers.
Due to the fact that the Boxer T40 was only unveiled recently, there is still some information that isn’t yet known, such as if this is intended to be a reconnaissance vehicle or if it will retain its troop-carrying capacity. It could, however, prove to be an interesting event vehicle for Germany in a similar vein to the Boxer MGS, or it could be placed into the light tank line as an upgrade or alternative to the Puma VJTF.
Specifications
Boxer
Maximum speed: > 100 km/h
Engine capacity (ISO): up to 600 kW (816 hp)
Engine type: MTU V8 199TE20/21
Range: > 1,000 km
Electrical system: 24 V DC, up to 540 A
Max. gross vehicle weight: up to 38.5 t
Max. straight gradient: 60%
Max. slope gradient: 30%
Trench crossing: 2.0 m
Step climbing ability: 0.8 m
Turning radius: 7.5 m (skid steering)
Length: 7.93 m
Width: 2.99 m
Height (hull roof): 2.38 m
Ground clearance: 0.50 m
Protected volume: 14 m³
40CT
Cartridge: 40×255 mm
Caliber: 40 mm
Action: Recoil-operated, rotating breech
Rate of fire: 200 rpm
Akeron MP
Weight: 15kg (including tube)
Length: 1.3m in tactical canister
Diameter: 140mm
Range: 4,000m+ all modes, all conditions
Data link: Real time (fibre optic)
Penetration: 1,000 mm RHA
