Babcock has delivered the first vehicles from the second batch of Jackal 3 Extenda (E) High Mobility Transporters under production for the British Army at its Plymouth facility.
The milestone supports the UK government’s efforts to replenish its tactical vehicle fleet after a number of platforms were donated to Ukraine to support its defense against Russia.
The second production contract, awarded in 2024, provides for the manufacture of up to 53 vehicles. This follows the initial 2023 agreement covering 70 Jackal platforms, with deliveries expected to conclude before the end of the current year.
Babcock is partnering with Supacat, the original Jackal designer, at its Devon site to support production and delivery of the vehicles to the British Army.
Looking beyond the current orders, the British Army holds options to procure up to 240 additional Jackal 3 vehicles should future requirements arise.
First fielded in the 2000s, the Jackal was developed as a fast, protected mobility platform capable of supporting rapid offensive actions, reconnaissance missions, and convoy security operations.
Approximately 5 meters (16 feet) long and crewed by three personnel, the vehicle is commonly fitted with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun or automatic grenade launcher, supported by a 7.62 mm general-purpose machine gun.
The platform is powered by a 185-horsepower diesel engine, enabling a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph) and a maximum range of 800 km (497 miles).
The Jackal 3 Extenda variant introduces greater payload capacity and a configurable driveline, allowing the vehicle to operate in either 4×4 or 6×6 configurations.
