UK armoured vehicle makers have secured a major extension to a multi-billion pound contract with the British Army.
An additional 100 boxer armoured vehicles will be manufactured by WFEL in Stockport and Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land in Telford.
The new deal means a total of 623 vehicles will be made, with the first arriving next year.
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The modern digitalised armoured vehicles can be used to transport troops to the frontline and can be rapidly reconfigured to fulfil different roles on the battlefield.
The first 117 vehicles are being built on German production lines, as UK facilities in Telford and Stockport ramp up for the remaining 506 and begin manufacture.
The Government said the overall programme protecting up to 1,000 jobs nationally. The contract is creating 120 jobs at WFEL, the company confirmed.
Defence Procurement Minister Jeremy Quin said: "This order will accelerate the delivery of the Boxer fleet to the British Army and increase its numbers.
"The land equipment upgrade is a vital element of the Integrated Review, on which we continue to deliver.
"Doing so, alongside our German allies, creates opportunities for both our Armed Forces."
Chris Bushell, Director General Land, Defence Equipment and Support, the procurement arm of the Ministry of Defence, added: "This contract extension is great news for the Boxer programme and committing to buying an extra 100 vehicles demonstrates our confidence in the programme and the benefits of the capability.
"Not only is this great news for the future of the British Army but it will also boost our commitment to investing in the UK’s defence industry and supply chains, meaning we can retain critical engineering and manufacturing skills in the UK."
