MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
News Release (209/2007) issued by The Government News Network on 5
September 2007
The Ministry of
Defence today signed a £30 million contract with Plymouth-based
DML for 130 weapon mounted patrol vehicles which will be used by
troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The MWMIK vehicles (Mobility Weapon Mounted Installation Kit)
will be built at the Devonport site and will be a considerable
asset to troops on operations. With a top speed of 80 mph, they
will offer increased mobility and protection.
The vehicle can be fitted with a range of firepower, including a
.50 calibre machine gun or an automatic grenade launcher and a
general purpose machine gun.
The MWMIK can carry up to four
soldiers with their individual weapons, and can operate on a
variety of terrains, including off road.
Lord Drayson, Minister of State for Defence Equipment and
Support, said:
"These vehicles are well armed, swift, and agile. They will
boost our capability with some serious firepower. MoD and the
Treasury have worked hard to get these powerful vehicles to our
troops in quick time, and they will start going out to theatre
early next year."
The MWMIK will be produced at DML's Devonport dockyard
facility, based on a design from Supacat Ltd. Universal
Engineering Ltd will manufacture the chassis, Cummings the engine,
and Allison the transmission.
Notes to Editors
1. DML is the prime contractor for MWMIK and is now owned by
Babcock International Group plc.
2. There will be 130 vehicles in the fleet. Delivery will take
place throughout 2008.