UNITED KINGDOM

Jackal, Jackal 2 and Coyote vehicles ordered

Babcock International Group PLC, based in Devonport, Devon, has been awarded another £55 million (US$81.5 million) contract to deliver a further 200 4x4 wheeled Jackal 4x4 wheeled long-range patrol vehicles, designed by Supacat Ltd. of Dunkeswell, Devon, to the British Armed Forces in Afghanistan.

      Babcock has meanwhile formed an industry alliance with Supacat to deliver a £74 million (US$109.6 million) contract to the UK Ministry of Defence. This contract covers some 110 improved 4x4 wheeled Jackal 2s and more than 70 of the new 6x6 wheeled Coyote Tactical Support Vehicle (Light), or TSV(L). The vast majority of both vehicle types, together with the above Jackal order, are to be delivered to Afghanistan this year, under Urgent Operational Requirements (UORs).

       Within the alliance, Supacat, as the design authority will be responsible for design, development, prototyping, integration and overall program management. Babcock will take responsibility for detailed production planning, purchasing and manufacture at its site in Devonport Dockyard. A single Project Office, located in Dunkeswell, will provide overall control.