Introducing the Jackal 3: The British Army’s New Fire Support and Reconnaissance Vehicle

The British Army is always looking for ways to enhance its capabilities and performance on the battlefield. One of the key areas of focus is the mobility and protection of its troops, especially in challenging and complex environments. That is why the British Army has invested in a new generation of fire support and reconnaissance vehicles, the Jackal 3, which will provide superior mobility, firepower, and survivability to its soldiers.

The Jackal 3 is a product of a successful collaboration between Babcock International Group, a leading engineering support services company, and Supacat, a defence vehicle engineering company. The project was awarded by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in February 2023, as part of the UK’s initiative to re-stock its ground fleet following donations to Ukraine in defence against Russia’s invasion. The first batch of 70 Jackal 3 vehicles is expected to be delivered to the British Army by the summer of 2024.

The Jackal 3 is an evolution of the Jackal 2, which has been used by the British Army in Afghanistan and other operations since 2008. The Jackal 2 was a class-leader off-road, but the Jackal 3 has several improvements that make it even more versatile and effective. Some of the main features of the Jackal 3 are:

• A new suspension system that allows for better off-road performance and variable ride height. The suspension can be lowered onto the bump-stops to provide a stable firing platform when stationary or raised to a maximum 380 mm (15 in) ground clearance allowing it to clear large obstacles. The high levels of off-road mobility enable troops to avoid more conventional routes which may be subject to ambush or enemy reconnaissance.
• Increased crew protection with additional composite armour and blast mitigation seats. The Jackal 3 has been designed to withstand mine and ballistic threats, as well as improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The crew compartment is also fitted with a fire suppression system and an emergency escape hatch. The vehicle can be equipped with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher, or a 7.62 mm general purpose machine gun for self-defence and fire support.
• Increased gross vehicle mass for greater load carrying and flexibility. The Jackal 3 has a payload capacity of 2.5 tonnes, which can be used to carry additional equipment, ammunition, or personnel. The vehicle can also tow a trailer with a maximum weight of 4.2 tonnes, increasing its logistic capability. The vehicle has a range of over 800 km (500 mi) and can operate in temperatures ranging from -46°C to +49°C (-51°F to +120°F).
• The ability to transform from a 4x4 to a 6x6 configuration, which doubles the load carrying capacity and enables different mission roles. The Jackal 3 can be readily converted into a 6-wheel drive vehicle by attaching a third axle module, which also provides additional storage space and a second spare wheel. This feature allows the Jackal 3 to adapt to different operational scenarios, such as reconnaissance, fire support, patrol, command and control, liaison, or casualty evacuation.

The Jackal 3 is a remarkable vehicle that will provide the British Army with a cutting-edge fire support and reconnaissance capability. It is also a testament to the successful collaboration between Babcock, Supacat, the British Army, and the MOD, who have worked together to deliver a world-class product that meets the operational needs and requirements of the UK’s defence. The Jackal 3 is part of the UK’s Land Industrial Strategy, which aims to reduce and replace the number of vehicle types in the British Army’s mobility fleet, increasing efficiency and effectiveness. The first batch of 70 Jackal 3 vehicles will be delivered to the British Army by the summer of 2024, and will be ready to support the UK’s defence and security interests at home and abroad.