Defence Secretary John Hutton announced more than $1.1 billion for an extra 700 vehicles to further improve the safety and protection of our troops on operations in Afghanistan.
The Oct. 29 announcement included; about $572 million for over 400 new armored support trucks to accompany existing patrols carrying the essential supplies such as water and ammunition. The three distinct categories of Tactical Support Vehicles (TSV) are: the Wolfhound: TSV (Heavy). Heavy armored support trucks–supporting and re-supplying Mastiffs in the highest threat areas. These vehicles will have the highest levels of mine blast protection; the Husky: TSV (Medium). Medium armored support trucks–carrying out support roles in lower threat areas and where heavy vehicles, like Mastiff, cannot be used; Coyote: TSV (Light). Light armored support vehicles – supporting the go-anywhere Jackals across the harsh terrain of Afghanistan; the Warthog: More than 100 brand new cross-country vehicles with greater protection levels, replacing Vikings in Afghanistan; More than 100 more Jackals, extremely agile all-terrain vehicles, with high-levels of off-road mobility and firepower.
Additionally, spending about $156.8 million to develop a specialist route clearance system including the Buffalo mine protected vehicle, which will offer a new high-tech way to counter the IED threat.
Secretary of State for Defence John Hutton said: “Getting the right vehicles and equipment to our Armed Forces has always been an absolute priority. Today’s multi million pound package shows that we are responding to new and changing threats on the ground and will provide our serving personnel with the highest levels of protection and mobility that technology will allow. I have seen first-hand the difference our Mastiff and Jackals are already making to our troops in Afghanistan; the arrival of 700 new vehicles will improve even further their ability to move cross-country and provide vital support with the utmost protection to our existing vehicle fleets.”
In addition, new vehicles, upgrades and modifications were also announced, including buying 30 base Cougar vehicles, a mixture of 4×4 and 6×6 which will be modified to boost the training fleets for Mastiff and Ridgback; the Panther–offering mobility and protection for its size. The new vehicle has been modified and upgraded to prepare for its arrival in Afghanistan; the Snatch-Vixen, a new variant specially designed for Afghanistan. The vehicle has been given extra power and payload to improve the mobility and protection of the vehicle.