UK MoD to Buy New Vehicles for Use in Iraq and Afghanistan

The UK Ministry of Defence has announced it will buy new weapons-mounted patrol vehicles for use in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The MWMIK 4x4 vehicles will deliver a new level of power to the 'weapons mounted installation kit' fleet, with more fire power and a better range of mobility, according to the ministry.

Minister of State for Defence Equipment and Support Lord Drayson says 130 of the vehicles, which can operate across a whole range of terrain, will begin to be deployed to operational theatres early in 2008.

"These vehicles are well armed, swift and agile, and will boost our capability with some serious firepower," he says.

The 4t vehicle has a potential top speed of 80mph and 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.