UK Deploys New Armoured Vehicles in Afghanistan

The UK has deployed tougher armoured vehicles for its forces in Afghanistan to help carry out battlefield tasks more efficiently in the country's rocky terrain. More than 300 new Mastiff 2 and Ridgback armoured vehicles are now operational with improved armour, enhanced explosion-atte

The UK has deployed tougher armoured vehicles for its forces in Afghanistan to help carry out battlefield tasks more efficiently in the country’s rocky terrain.

More than 300 new Mastiff 2 and Ridgback armoured vehicles are now operational with improved armour, enhanced explosion-attenuating seats to give better protection on impact and advanced thermal imaging for the drivers. Greater crew capacity is an additional advantage.

Both vehicles are armed with cutting-edge weapon systems, including a 7.62mm general purpose machine gun, 12.7mm heavy machine gun or 40mm automatic grenade launcher.

The vehicles have a redesigned interior and are provided with Bowman radios and electronic countermeasures giving secure mobility to troops in Afghanistan.