MoD in £3.5bn armoured vehicle deal

The deal represents the Army's largest single order for armoured vehicles for more than 30 years. Prime Minister David Cameron said it would aid UK security and safeguard up to 1,300 engineering jobs in the supply chain. The 589 SCOUT Specialist Vehicle platforms, consisting of six variants, will be delivered to the British Army between 2017 and 2024, and will serve at the heart of the Armoured Infantry Brigade structure. General Dynamics describes the SCOUT as a "highly agile, tracked, medium-weight armoured fighting vehicle" which would offer "state of the art" protection to troops. "These new vehicles are testament to the world class engineering skills in South Wales and across the UK, helping to create the Army's first fully digitalised armoured vehicles," said David Cameron. "Not only will they be crucial in helping to keep Britain safe, they will also underpin nearly 1,300 jobs across the UK and showcase the strength of the UK's highly skilled defence sector." Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon, added: "Today's multi-billion pound contract is fantastic news for our soldiers in providing them with the most technologically advanced and versatile AFVs to overcome future threats. "This is the biggest single order placed by the MoD for armoured vehicles for around 30 years and is an important part of the investment we are making to keep Britain safe. It is also excellent news for the supply chain of this state of the art vehicle and will sustain 1,300 engineering jobs across the UK in key defence industries."