Final British Army Jackal 3 vehicle rolls off production line at Devonport Dockyard

The Babcock-built weapon system will join the military’s operational fleet

The final British Army Jackal 3 vehicle has rolled off the production line at Devonport Dockyard. Defence giant Babcock said it had completed the delivery of the weapon system, hailing the end of the programme as a “landmark moment”.

The company has built and delivered 123 Jackal 3 and Jackal 3 Extenda (E) vehicles, which were designed by Honiton-based engineering firm Supacat.

The last vehicle to roll off the line was a six-wheeled Extenda variant, which will undergo testing before joining the British Army’s operational fleet.

Defence minister Lord Coaker said the Plymouth-built vehicles would give the UK military “one of the most capable” platforms available.

“The Defence Investment Plan reconfirms the vital role that land vehicles play in our armed forces’ capability – ensuring land forces can seize or defend ground in all environments and conditions,” he said.

“It is exactly this kind of collaboration between British industry and our armed forces that helps support local industry and demonstrates that defence is an engine for growth.”

Louise Atkinson, chief executive, land and mission systems, said the programme demonstrated Babcock’s “commitment and expertise” to delivering high-quality military vehicles to the armed forces.

“This critical programme required a large amount of collaboration, and I’d like to thank everyone for their tireless work in making it a success,” she said.

The first Jackal 3 E vehicles for came off the production line at Devonport in December last year. The variant has an extra axle that will allow it to carry a heavier load even while off road.

The completion of the programme builds on the delivery of the initial 70 Jackal 3 vehicles to the British Army.

“This achievement is testament to the strength of our enduring partnership with Babcock and Supacat,” said Major General Lizzie Faithfull-Davies CB CBE, director land environment, national armaments – material.

“Their responsiveness, engineering expertise and collaborative approach has been central to delivering a platform that meets operational needs while maintaining pace and quality. We look forward to continuing this close relationship as we develop and sustain capability into the future.”

The news comes less than a month after Babcock reported a rise in revenues for the full year and announced another £200m share buyback scheme.

The group posted revenues of £5.1bn – up eight per cent on a year earlier – driven by its nuclear and aviation divisions.