British Army Equipment Summary

The British Army has undergone significant modernization and restructuring in recent years to adapt to evolving security challenges. Its current equipment inventory reflects a focus on maintaining a versatile and agile force capable of conducting a wide range of operations. This article provides a detailed look at the primary land equipment used by the British Army as of 2024.

Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) and Main Battle Tanks (MBTs)

1. Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank: The Challenger 2 remains the backbone of the British Army’s armored capabilities, with a planned upgrade to the Challenger 3 configuration, which will include a new turret, a more powerful engine, and enhanced protection systems. The upgrade program aims to modernize 148 units by the mid-2020s, ensuring the platform remains effective against contemporary threats.
2. Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV): Approximately 625 Warrior IFVs are in service, providing protected mobility and firepower for mechanized infantry units. The Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (WCSP) intended to upgrade the fleet has been curtailed, leading to a reevaluation of its future role and potential replacement options.
3. Ajax Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle: The Ajax family of vehicles, currently undergoing extensive testing and trials, will provide the Army with advanced reconnaissance capabilities. It is designed to replace the aging Scimitar fleet, offering improved mobility, protection, and battlefield awareness.
4. Bulldog Armored Personnel Carrier (APC): The Bulldog, an updated version of the FV432, remains in service with around 746 units providing armored troop transport and logistical support.

Protected Mobility Vehicles (PMVs)

1. Foxhound Light Protected Patrol Vehicle: Designed for deployment in urban and rural environments, the Foxhound provides high levels of protection and mobility. It is used extensively in reconnaissance and patrol roles.
2. Mastiff and Ridgback: These heavily armored vehicles, based on the Cougar family, are used for troop transport and convoy protection. Their blast-resistant design makes them suitable for high-threat environments, particularly against improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
3. Jackal and Coyote: Used primarily for reconnaissance and rapid assault missions, the Jackal and Coyote offer high mobility and firepower. They are particularly valued for their ability to operate in rugged and challenging terrains.

Artillery and Mortars

1. AS90 Self-Propelled Howitzer: The AS90 provides the Army with a powerful and mobile artillery capability. Despite a reduction in the fleet, it remains the primary self-propelled artillery platform. Some units have been donated to Ukraine as part of defense support efforts.
2. 105mm Light Gun: The L118 Light Gun is a versatile artillery piece used by both regular and reserve units. It is air-mobile and often deployed with rapid reaction forces due to its ease of transport and setup.
3. Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS): The MLRS provides long-range precision fire support. Upgrades to the system include enhanced targeting and missile capabilities, enabling it to engage a variety of targets with greater accuracy and range.

Anti-Tank and Air Defense Systems

1. Javelin Anti-Tank Missile: Javelin remains the primary man-portable anti-tank weapon system, offering precision engagement against armored threats. It is widely used by infantry units and has seen extensive use in both training and operational contexts.
2. Starstreak High-Velocity Missile (HVM): Mounted on Stormer vehicles and also used in man-portable configurations, the Starstreak provides rapid-reaction air defense against low-flying aircraft and helicopters.

Engineer and Support Equipment

1. Trojan and Titan Armored Engineering Vehicles: The Trojan and Titan provide essential engineering support for breaching and bridging operations. They enable the Army to conduct mobility and counter-mobility tasks in a combat environment.
2. Terrier Combat Engineer Vehicle: The Terrier, a smaller and more agile engineer vehicle, is used for a variety of tasks, including obstacle clearance, route opening, and earth-moving.
3. CRARRV (Challenger Armored Repair and Recovery Vehicle): The CRARRV is vital for the recovery and repair of damaged armored vehicles, ensuring that the Army can maintain operational tempo during high-intensity operations.

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)

1. Watchkeeper: The Watchkeeper UAV provides the British Army with tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. It is used to support both conventional and counter-insurgency operations.
2. Mini and Micro UAVs: Systems like the Puma AE and Black Hornet Nano provide close-range ISR capabilities, enhancing situational awareness for dismounted infantry and special forces.