UK buying 86 armoured patrol vehicles for Afghanistan
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
London, June 26, IRNA
UK-Afghanistan
A new fleet of 86 armoured patrol vehicles is being bought for British troops deployed in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence announced Thursday.
Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Baroness Taylor said the UK had ordered a further 72 Jackal combat and 14 more Viking amphibious vehicles to support operations and maintain the strength of the country's Armed Forces.
Taylor also unveiled the new Ridgback urban patrol truck, 157 of which are already on order to give more protection from mines and bombs at a cost of some Pnds 150 million (Dlrs 300m). She also presented the new command and liaison vehicle, PANTHER.
The display of new armoured vehicles comes after British troops have faced the increasing peril of improvised explosion device, which have caused the majority of the 21 British soldiers so far killed in Afghanistan this year.
"Getting the right equipment to the Armed Forces is my priority.
I am always looking for the newest technology to address the ever- changing threats, and offer the greatest protection, mobility and firepower," Taylor said.
The Ridgbacks, the UK variant of US Force Protection Inc's Cougar 4x4 vehicles, are being fitted with extra protection, weapons and communications systems, and once modified, they will be taken to Afghanistan for pre-deployment training.
The MoD said the total number of new protected vehicles being delivered to support operations in Afghanistan and Iraq now stands at almost 600.
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