Boxer CRV Combat Vehicle

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The modern battlefield demands speed, precision, and survivability. Nations across the globe are investing in advanced combat vehicles capable of delivering overwhelming firepower while ensuring maximum crew protection. Among these, the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV) stands out as a cutting-edge solution designed to provide decision superiority and rapid overmatch in diverse combat environments. Built by Rheinmetall, the Boxer CRV combines modularity, lethality, and survivability, making it one of the most formidable armored platforms available today.

Photo Credit: Rheinmetall

Boxer CRV Firepower and Lethality

At the heart of the Boxer CRV’s combat capability lies its LANCE 30/35mm automatic cannon, capable of engaging targets with extreme precision at ranges up to 3,000 meters, even while the vehicle is on the move. This primary weapon system is enhanced by a Main Sensor Slaved Armament (MSSA), which provides a 360° view and enables hunter-killer and killer-killer capabilities.

The Boxer CRV can also be equipped with dual SPIKE-LR anti-tank guided missiles, extending its reach to 4,000 meters. This ensures the vehicle can neutralize heavily armored threats before they pose a danger to friendly forces. With compartmentalized ammunition storage and up to 200 rounds for the main gun, the CRV is designed for sustained combat operations.

Advanced Turret Technology

The Boxer CRV features one of the most advanced digital turrets currently available. The two-man LANCE turret integrates independent commander and gunner sights, automatic target recognition, and automatic tracking systems. This allows the crew to detect, identify, and engage threats faster than ever before.

Additional systems such as the laser warning receiver, acoustic shooter location system, and rapid obscurant system (ROSY) provide comprehensive situational awareness and protection against enemy fire. The turret’s airburst capability further enhances its effectiveness against infantry, drones, and light vehicles.

Survivability and Crew Protection

Survivability is a cornerstone of the Boxer CRV’s design. The vehicle offers protection against landmines, explosively formed penetrators (EFPs), improvised explosive devices (IEDs), medium-caliber cannon fire, and heavy machine gun ammunition.

Its Active Defence System (ADS) intercepts incoming threats before they reach the vehicle, while the NBC filtration system ensures crew safety in nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare environments. The inclusion of a nuclear and chemical agent detector further strengthens its defensive posture.

The modular armor system is upgradeable, allowing the Boxer CRV to adapt to evolving battlefield threats. This ensures long-term viability and futureproof survivability.

Mobility and Performance

The Boxer CRV is powered by a 720 hp MTU V8 diesel engine, paired with an Allison automatic transmission. This power pack can be swapped in under 60 minutes, ensuring rapid maintenance and operational readiness.

Key performance highlights include:

  • Maximum speed: 100+ km/h
  • Operational range: up to 1,050 km
  • Gradeability: 60% at maximum gross vehicle weight
  • Side slope capability: 30%
  • Turning circle radius: 8 meters

With independent suspension, central tire inflation, and advanced driver assistance systems, the Boxer CRV delivers exceptional mobility across diverse terrains, from urban environments to rugged battlefields.

Modular Mission Flexibility

One of the Boxer CRV’s defining features is its modular mission system, which allows mission modules to be swapped in under 60 minutes. This adaptability enables the vehicle to serve in multiple roles, including reconnaissance, command and control, surveillance, joint fires, ambulance, repair, and armored recovery.

Reconnaissance Variant

Equipped with the LANCE turret, SPIKE-LR missiles, and advanced optics, this variant provides frontline intelligence and combat support.

Command and Control Variant

Designed for battlefield coordination, it integrates full C4I situational awareness systems, enabling commanders to maintain operational superiority.

Surveillance Variant

Fitted with the VINGTAQS surveillance system, this variant enhances long-range observation and intelligence gathering.

Joint Fires Variant

Combining the LANCE turret with the VINGTAQS joint fires system, it coordinates precision strikes across multiple domains.

Ambulance Variant

Capable of transporting three lying casualties and four seated, this variant ensures medical evacuation under fire.

Repair and Recovery Variants

Equipped with a 5-ton crane and recovery systems, these variants provide essential battlefield support, ensuring damaged vehicles return to combat quickly.

Digital Systems and Battlefield Integration

The Boxer CRV is more than a combat vehicle—it is a digital warfare platform. Integrated C4ISR systems provide real-time data sharing, video logging, and health monitoring of onboard systems.

Additional auxiliary systems include:

  • Fire suppression system
  • SOTAS intercom system
  • GPS and inertial navigation unit (INU)
  • Air conditioning for crew comfort

These systems ensure the Boxer CRV remains connected, protected, and operationally effective in the most demanding environments.

Industrial Cooperation and Futureproof Design

Rheinmetall emphasizes that investing in the Boxer CRV is not just about acquiring a vehicle—it is about building long-term land capability. With over 125 years of defense industry experience, Rheinmetall offers extensive opportunities for local industrial participation, ensuring that nations adopting the Boxer CRV can integrate domestic production and sustainment.

The vehicle’s modular design ensures it can evolve with emerging threats, incorporating new technologies such as unmanned systems, advanced sensors, and next-generation weapons.

Boxer CRV Specifications

Overall length7.93 m
Overall width (not incl. mirrors)2.99 m
Overall height (Recon variant)3.3 m
Ground clearance0.5 m

Power Pack quick change

Engine

720 hp MTU V8

Fuel

Diesel, AVTUR F34/35/63

Transmission

Allison Automatic

Speed100+ km/h
RangeUp to 1050 km
Gradeability at max GVW60%
Side slope at max GVW30%
Turning circle (radius)8 m

Turret typeState-of-the-art two-man turret
Ammunition storageCompartmentalised
Main gun30/35mm with airburst capability
Main gun roundsUp to 200
Co-axial weapon7.62mm machine gun
Anti-tank missilesDual SPIKE-LR ATGM
Commander’s sightIndependent
Remote weapon stationIndependent
CapabilityHunter-killer and killer-killer
Situational awareness360° TV & TI system
Warning systemsLaser warning system
Shooter detectionAcoustic shooter location system
TargetingAutomatic recognition & tracking
Obscurant systemROSY rapid obscurant
Non-lethal defencePoint and area capability

ProtectionLandmines, EFP mines, IEDs, medium cannon, small arms, heavy MG ammunition
Survivability systemModular, upgradeable
Active Defence SystemIncluded
NBC protectionFiltration system
DetectionNuclear and chemical agent detector

Mission module swap
DesignLow signature
SuspensionIndependent
Driver stationAdvanced
Driver’s hatchHigh visibility

Fire suppressionIncluded
IntercomSOTAS system
C4ISRHUMS and video logger
Tyre systemCentral inflation system
Climate controlAir conditioning
NavigationGPS and INU system

Boxer CRV in Modern Military Strategy

In today’s uncertain battlefield, where hybrid warfare and asymmetric threats dominate, the Boxer CRV provides a decisive edge. Its combination of mobility, survivability, and lethality ensures that armed forces can respond rapidly to evolving situations.

Whether deployed in reconnaissance missions, frontline combat, or support roles, the Boxer CRV delivers unmatched versatility. Its hunter-killer and killer-killer capabilities allow commanders to maintain initiative, ensuring operational success in contested environments.

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