Designed by Supacat, the battle-proven high-mobility weapons vehicle is capable of speeds up to 120km/h and can be used for reconnaissance, patrol and logistics tasks.
The new contract will see production of a six-wheeled ‘extenda’ variant - the Jackal 3(E) – whose additional axle will enable greater load carrying whilst maintaining off-road performance.
Initially developed to meet an urgent operational requirement for Afghanistan, Jackal variants are used for deep battlespace reconnaissance, rapid assault, fire support roles and for convoy protection.
Earlier in 2024, Babcock and Supacat started production on 70 Jackal 3s under one of the first contracts to deliver on the UK’s Land Industrial Strategy.
Production will commence on this latest order in early 2025 at Babcock’s Devonport manufacturing facility with delivery of the vehicles expected in early 2026, securing 100 Babcock jobs in the South West.
The programme is helping to fulfil the economic potential of the region with nearly all of the programme’s supply chain sourced in the UK and 50 per cent from the South West.
The programme is also helping people back into employment through Babcock’s Skills-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP). To date, 11 SWAP attendees have been awarded full time employment on the Jackal Programme.
In a statement, Babcock’s land sector chief executive, Tom Newman 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.”
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