Recently the UK’s ministry of defense announced the dates for the replacement of the Snatch Land Rover where they revealed the Ocelot on the 22nd of September. The Snatch Land Rover is one of the largest vehicles in terms of numbers in the UK forces arsenal. However they were  hugely criticized over the protection they gave in Iraq and also Afghanistan with vBIEDs as the main threat. With the threat of IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) in mind, the Ocelot (LPPV) Light Protected Patrol Vehicle is built upon a v-shaped hull which also has an exterior which forces the blast away from the vehicle keeping its occupants safe. The vehicle was selected and has been trailed and tested since 2009 to test for threats which commonly come up in Afghanistan. (IEDs)

The first vehicles as stated by the Ministry of Defence ? are to come into service by 2011 where training will start with UK military soldiers. It is hoped that 400 of these vehicles are to be built by 2010. The vehicle is able to carry 6 fully equipped soldiers. With the already improved vehicle presence already versus improvised explosive devices (IEDs) such as Ridgeback and Mastiff the Ocelot (LPPV) will add to the presence of improved vehicle situated and designed for the combat role in Afghanistan. The vehicle will receive the service name as “Foxhound”.

Variations of the Ocelot LPPV

There are different variations of the Ocelot where different whole-top mounts can be placed to make the vehicle combat ready for a specific situation. Number one is where the vehicle can be fitted a cage-like mount, similar to the Jackal 2 vehicle, which can be fitted with a Mk. 19 40mm grenade launcher or commonly 50 .cal M2 browning machine gun. Secondly the vehicle has also a supply function where you the vehicle can carry supplies to the front line if need be it. Lastly the vehicles main purpose, is to carry infantry around on the battlefield in a safe manner, to which it has a closed top, with armour all around where the occupants of the vehicle sit.