Babcock to build 53 new Jackal vehicles for the British Army

Babcock International Group, in partnership with Supacat, has secured a contract to produce an additional 53 Jackal 3 High Mobility Transporter (HMT) vehicles for the British Army.

This new order will see the construction of a 6-wheeled ‘extenda’ variant, known as the Jackal 3(E), at Babcock’s Devonport manufacturing facility.

The Jackal 3(E) is a versatile, high-mobility weapons platform that is battle-proven, having been used extensively in Afghanistan. Designed by Supacat and built in the UK, the vehicle is capable of handling reconnaissance, patrol, and logistics tasks, with the new variant featuring an additional axle for increased load capacity.

Despite the extra axle, the Jackal 3(E) retains its exceptional off-road performance, reaching speeds of up to 120km/h.

Initially developed for Afghanistan, the Jackal can be used for deep reconnaissance, rapid assault, fire support, and convoy protection. The Jackal 3(E) will further enhance these capabilities, ensuring the British Army is equipped for modern combat scenarios.

Babcock and Supacat had already begun production on 70 Jackal 3s earlier this year, as part of the UK’s Land Industrial Strategy.

Tom Newman, Babcock’s Land Sector Chief Executive, commented: “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.”

Production on the Jackal 3(E) will begin in early 2025, with delivery expected in early 2026. Nearly all components for the programme will be sourced within the UK, with 50% of the supply chain coming from the South West, contributing to the region’s economy.

Supacat’s Managing Director, Phil Applegarth, added: “We are enormously proud that Supacat’s Jackal 3 ‘Extenda’ is now adding to the Army’s Land Fleet, supporting the intent of increasing lethality with a modular high-mobility platform. Our partnership with Babcock continues to bring significant benefits to both the UK and local economies through social value.”