Babcock Secures Contract to Build 53 Jackal 3 High Mobility Transporter Vehicles for British Army

On September 19, 2024, Babcock International Group, in collaboration with Supacat, announced the signing of a new contract aimed at strengthening the British Army’s land capabilities through the production of 53 additional Jackal 3 High Mobility Transporter (HMT) vehicles. These vehicles will be built at Babcock’s manufacturing facility in Devonport, UK.

This new order focuses on the enhanced version of the Jackal 3, the six-wheeled variant known as the Jackal 3(E) for “Extenda.” This model has been designed to offer increased load capacity while maintaining the exceptional mobility of the original vehicle, widely recognized for its proven combat performance. Having been deployed in critical missions in Afghanistan, the Jackal has become a key asset in the British Army’s reconnaissance, patrol, and logistics operations.

The Jackal 3(E) stays true to the initial design developed by Supacat, while benefiting from significant improvements. This high-mobility vehicle can move quickly over rough terrain, with a top speed of 120 km/h, while supporting an increased load thanks to the addition of an extra axle. Although originally designed for missions in Afghanistan, the Jackal has proven its versatility as a weapons platform adaptable to the modern army’s needs.

Capable of conducting deep reconnaissance missions, rapid assaults, and convoy protection operations, the Jackal 3(E) further expands the operational scope of the British Army. This improved variant will offer increased flexibility, essential for meeting the demands of contemporary conflicts.

This new contract follows the earlier production of 70 Jackal 3s, which began earlier this year under the UK’s Land Industrial Strategy, aimed at supporting the British Army while boosting the local economy.

Tom Newman, Babcock’s Land Sector Chief Executive, hailed this important milestone: “This contract delivers a critical boost to the British Army with a vehicle that is the most capable and versatile in its class. Babcock is here to ensure that the British Army is ready to fight and win wars on land while also creating jobs in the South West and delivering on the Land Industrial Strategy.”

Production of the Jackal 3(E) is set to begin in early 2025, with the first deliveries expected in early 2026. Nearly 50% of the supply chain will come from the South West of England, directly contributing to the local economy while ensuring that the vehicles are predominantly built from British-made components.

Supacat, a specialist in designing high-performance military vehicles, plays a key role in this program. Its Managing Director, Phil Applegarth, expressed his satisfaction with the project’s impact: “We are enormously proud that Supacat’s Jackal 3 ‘Extenda’ is now adding to the British Army’s land fleet, supporting the goal of increasing lethality with a modular high-mobility platform. Our partnership with Babcock continues to bring significant benefits not only to the UK but also to local economies.”

With its high mobility and modular capabilities, the Jackal 3(E) is set to become an indispensable asset for the British Army, capable of adapting to the growing demands of modern military operations. Through this contract, Babcock and Supacat not only enhance the British Army’s operational capabilities but also contribute to supporting the national industry, aligned with the strategic vision of the UK government.