The case for continuing Boxer rests on an operating British production line and established training facilities. A reported £2 billion reduction is criticised because replacing variants with other vehicles would add production, logistics, training, and support requirements. An earlier personal preference favoured the US Marine Corps' amphibious 8x8 programme, with the Royal Marines and a couple of Army brigades envisaged as expeditionary formations. Boxer nevertheless offers compatibility with European allies and equipment already in production. Substantial numbers of usable vehicles are preferred to repeated searches for an ideal design. The historical comparison stresses retaining existing capability until replacements enter service.
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Boxer and the cost of repeatedly changing procurement plans
An operating production line and established support can outweigh the attraction of a theoretically better vehicle.