British Army orders 53 more Jackals from Babcock and Supacat

The British Army has ordered a six-wheeled "Extenda" variant of the High Mobility Transporter (HMT) Jackal 3 vehicle, built as a collaboration between Babcock and Supacat.

News of the contract for 53 of the Jackal 3(E)s broke at the British Army's Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD2024) exhibition in Millbrook, Bedfordshire, this week. As per the Babcock website, the extra axle offers additional payload capacity on the off-road vehicle, which can still reach speeds of about 75mph (120kmh). The HMT is equipped with a sophisticated blast and ballistic protection system, and the platform's double wishbone suspension allows variable ride heights; it can be carried under a helicopter using a sling system.

The order for 53 new vehicles comes on top of the existing production contract for 70 Jackal 3s which began back in February in the south-west of England; 62 of those vehicles are being assembled at Babcock's bespoke Devonport manufacturing facility in Plymouth, with the other eight being built at Supacat's facility in Honiton, Devon.

Work on the 53 Jackal 3(E)s is expected to start in early 2025 and delivery is scheduled from 2026. The U.K. Ministry of Defence (MoD) has the option to extend its Jackal 3 contract to as many as 240 vehicles if needed. Earlier versions of the Jackal were developed for use in Afghanistan; the vehicle has since become an integral part of the force's land capabilities.

Tom Newman, Chief Executive of Babcock's Land Sector said: “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 and while doing so, I am very proud that we are also securing jobs in the South West and delivering on the Land Industrial Strategy.” 

Managing Director of Supacat Phil Applegarth commented: “Firstly, we are enormously proud that Supacat’s Jackal 3 ‘Extenda’ is now adding to the Army’s Land Fleet which will help support CGSs intent of increasing lethality with a modular high mobility platform. We have demonstrated the modularity and the ease of integrating specific mission winning systems and we look forward with continuing our collaboration with the UK MoD and our industry partners in the near future.

Secondly, we are enormously pleased that our partnership with Babcock and Devonport continues to produce Jackal 3 and now the Jackal 3 ‘extenda’ following The British Army’s Land Industrial strategy and the huge benefits to both the UK and local economies through social value.  Coming so soon after last year’s order is a real boon for the company”.

• You can read more details on the Babcock website