Panther Command AND Liaison Vehicle (Panther CLV)

The UK MoD announced in July 2003 that the BAE Systems Land Systems (formerly Alvis) Multi-role Light Vehicle (MLV) had been selected as the British Army's Future Command and Liaison Vehicle (FCLV).

The first procurement contract was signed in November 2003 for an initial 401 vehicles, with an option for up to 400 more. The vehicle has been named the Panther Command and Liaison Vehicle (CLV).

Panther CLV is based on a design by Iveco Defence Vehicles Division of Italy and the vehicles will be manufactured during the period 2006 to 2010. Acquisition cost for some 400 vehicles is £193 million spread over five years. The first batch of 50 vehicles was delivered in late 2007.

The vehicle is air transportable, underslung beneath a Chinook helicopter or carried inside C130, C17 and A400M aircraft and is capable of operations in all weathers, day and night using thermal imaging equipment. The vehicles are protected against a range of threats and are fitted with a 7.62 mm weapon system (capable of upgrade to 12.7 mm) that allows the user to operate the machine guns with a camera and joystick from inside the vehicle.

Panther is already is service with units from the 3rd Division and will replace a range of vehicles which are reaching the end of their operational lives, for example some types of Land Rover, Saxon, some FV432 and a number of CVR(T) vehicles. Panther will also enter service with the Royal Air Force Regiment.
 

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