Flawed Armoured Vehicles Put British Troops at Risk in Afghanistan

Strategic Insights -

British military experts are questioning the safety of the latest armoured vehicles supplied to troops in Afghanistan, after three soldiers were killed and a fourth seriously injured in an explosion while travelling in a Jackal vehicle. The deaths of Corporal Kevin Mulligan, Lance Corporal Dale Hopkins, and Private Kyle Adams bring the toll in Afghanistan to 195 since 2001. The Ministry of Defence has been criticised for failing to provide mine-resistant vehicles, with at least 37 personnel dying in Iraq and Afghanistan while riding in poorly protected vehicles.

Key Takeaways:

  • 13 soldiers have died in Afghanistan in a Jackal vehicle since September, despite its supposed enhanced protection over the Snatch Land Rover.
  • The Jackal's design, based on a Land Rover, is "fundamentally flawed" due to the driver's vulnerable position over the front wheel and the flat bottom of the vehicle.
  • Dr. Richard North, a defence expert, criticises the Ministry of Defence for not addressing the flaw in the Jackal's design and describes it as "man slaughter" to send troops out in such a vehicle.
  • A quarter of the 195 service personnel to have died in Afghanistan were travelling in poorly protected vehicles, highlighting the ongoing problem of roadside bombs.
  • The Ministry of Defence's 10-year £16bn plan to provide a fleet of new armoured vehicles has been plagued by delays, with a leaked report criticising the MoD for not knowing the cost of any equipment.
  • Only 67 of the ordered 401 all-terrain Panther vehicles have undergone necessary upgrades for use in Afghanistan, while the Vector vehicles, dubbed "coffin on wheels", are being withdrawn due to their vulnerability to roadside bombs.
  • The MoD has delivered 127 highly regarded Mastiff vehicles to Afghanistan, but only 174 were due to be in theatre by the end of November, highlighting the ongoing logistical challenges.

Statistics:

  • 13 soldiers have died in Afghanistan in a Jackal vehicle since September.
  • At least 37 personnel have died in Iraq and Afghanistan while riding in poorly protected vehicles.
  • 195 service personnel have died in Afghanistan since 2001.
  • £100m was spent on ordering 200 Vector vehicles in 2007, which are being withdrawn due to their vulnerability to roadside bombs.
  • £400,000 was the cost per vehicle for the 401 all-terrain Panther vehicles ordered in 2003.
  • £16bn is the budget for the Ministry of Defence's 10-year plan to provide a fleet of new armoured vehicles.
  • 127 Mastiff vehicles have been delivered to Afghanistan.
  • 174 Mastiff vehicles were due to be in theatre by the end of November.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Defence
  • Defence expert Dr. Richard North, author of Ministry of Defeat
  • Defence consultant Paul Beaver
  • Leaked report on Ministry of Defence's equipment ordering
  • MoD spokesman
  • BBC News article (exact date not specified)
  • Daily Telegraph article (exact date not specified)