MOD orders 53 additional Jackal 3 Extenda vehicles from Supacat and Babcock

Devon-based defence engineering company Supacat, in partnership with Babcock, has received a second contract from the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) for an additional 53 Jackal 3 Extenda High Mobility Transporters (HMT) for the British Army. 

This follows an earlier order placed 18 months ago for 70 Jackal 3 vehicles.

The Jackal 3, a highly versatile high-mobility weapons platform, has proven itself in Afghanistan and is capable of performing various military roles including reconnaissance, patrol, and logistical tasks. 

The new contract includes a 6-wheeled 'Extenda' variant, which will be named the Jackal 3(E). 

The addition of an extra axle enhances its load-carrying capacity without sacrificing its renowned off-road performance, enabling speeds of up to 120 kph.

Manufacturing will take place at Babcock’s Devonport facility, within Plymouth, in the Freeport zone and Supacat’s facility in Dunkeswell.

This batch of vehicles will join the British Army’s growing fleet of Jackals, which have become central to its land tactics and operations.

Supacat’s modular design allows the Jackal 3 Extenda to be adapted with different mission-specific modules, making it suitable for a range of operations. 

It can be configured as either a 4x4 or 6x6 vehicle, with options for left- or right-hand drive. The Jackal series also offers mine blast and ballistic protection, as well as the capability to carry mission-specific equipment such as weapons, communications systems, and surveillance tools.

The original Jackal was developed in response to an urgent operational requirement (UOR) for British forces in Afghanistan, where it replaced older Land Rover models.

Since then, the vehicle has been used extensively for deep battlespace reconnaissance, rapid assault, fire support, and convoy protection. Its flexibility and durability make it a key asset for the British Army.

Phil Applegarth, Director and Head of Supacat, expressed pride in the continued success of the Jackal platform: “We are enormously proud that Supacat’s Jackal 3 ‘extenda’ is now adding to the Army’s Land Fleet which will help support CGSs intent of increasing lethality with a modular high mobility platform. We look forward with continuing our collaboration with the UK MoD and our industry partners in the near future.”

Tom Newman, Chief Executive of Babcock’s Land Sector, said: “This contract cements the success of the Jackal programme and delivers a critical boost to the British Army’s fleet with a vehicle that is the most capable and versatile in its class.”