In October, John Hutton announced moves to acquire some 700 new armoured vehicles in a package worth £700 million, of which £350 million will pay for around 400 brand new armoured support trucks. The trucks will be used to accompany patrols and carry essential supplies such as water and ammunition.
Today, 19 November 2008, Mr Hutton announced the three distinct categories of Tactical Support Vehicles (TSV) and their Preferred Bidders:
Wolfhound TSV (Heavy) - Based on the Cougar 6x6 flatbed made by Force Protection Industries Inc; will support and re-supply our Mastiffs in the highest threat areas. These vehicles will have the highest levels of mine blast protection.
Husky TSV (Medium) - Based on the International MXT-MVA made by Navistar Defence ; will carry out the support roles in areas where heavy vehicles, like Mastiff, cannot be used. HUSKY will come as three variants; utility, ambulance and command post.
Coyote TSV (Light) - Based on a 6x6 derivative of the Jackal designed by Supacat Ltd, Devon ; will support our go-anywhere, high-mobility Jackals across the harsh terrain in Afghanistan.
Defence Secretary John Hutton said:
"Our new breeds, WOLFHOUND, HUSKY and COYOTE will give the troops in Afghanistan the additional bite they need in the fight against the enemy. They do a formidable job and deserve nothing but the best.
"I look forward to the vehicles being on contract and arriving in the new-year."