A champion of British engineering, Rheinmetall UK is committed to ensuring the country remains a global leader in defence innovation as we find out from Deputy CEO, Rebecca Richards.
SOVEREIGN CAPABILITY
Defence has always played a vital role in ensuring national security, but in today’s increasingly complex and uncertain global landscape, its importance has only intensified.
That said, the value of defence extends far beyond security alone; it’s a catalyst for economic growth, innovation, and regeneration, particularly in areas that benefit from long-term investment, skilled employment, and industrial revitalisation.
In Europe and the Middle East (EME) specifically, modernisation and innovation across the sector is being driven by increased defence spending, evolving security threats, and a renewed emphasis on NATO collaboration.
“It’s a truly dynamic environment – one that’s pushing boundaries, advancing technologies, and fostering stronger partnerships between governments and industry,” notes Rebecca Richards, Deputy CEO of Rheinmetall UK (Rheinmetall).
Proud to be at the forefront of this shift, Rheinmetall is delivering next-generation capability through programmes like the Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) and Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank (MBT).
These systems will not only enhance the British Army’s capabilities but also strengthen interoperability with NATO and allied forces.
Another of the key changes in the region has been the growing need for speed and agility in procurement; today, responding quickly to operational requirements is critical.
A great example of this is Rheinmetall’s delivery of 500 HX 8×8 military trucks to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) in just seven months – demonstrating the company’s efficiency and unwavering focus on readiness and mission success.
“With significant investment flowing into the sector, increasing cross-border collaboration, and a strong focus on capability development, this is a genuinely exciting time to be working in defence,” Richards observes.
“At Rheinmetall, we’re playing an active role in shaping the future of land warfare by driving innovation, building strategic partnerships, and delivering mission-critical solutions at pace.”
INVESTING IN THE UK
Rheinmetall is a multi-domestic prime contractor, generating intellectual property, creating jobs, and driving economic growth within the UK defence sector.
From concept and design to production and long-term sustainment, the company offers a full-spectrum capability, ensuring mission-ready solutions.
It has been operating in the UK for nearly two decades across seven sites in Telford, the Isle of Wight, Newcastle, Bristol, London, Bovington, and Southampton.
Rheinmetall House, the Rheinmetall UK headquarters in Bristol, includes the Collaboration and Innovation Centre, a hub for advancing battlefield technology through partnerships with the UK MoD, small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and academia.
Its Telford facility, meanwhile, is home to Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), a defence engineering joint venture, and has undergone a £56 million investment to support major UK defence programmes, including Boxer and Challenger 3 production.
“With a strong industrial footprint and commitment to developing sovereign defence solutions, Rheinmetall is ensuring the British Armed Forces and our allies are equipped for the future battlefield,” Richards tells us.
The Telford site has been transformed into a world-class armoured vehicle manufacturing hub, ensuring the UK retains a leading role in land defence systems.
Rheinmetall stands out through its sovereign manufacturing capability and has strategically invested over £70 million in its UK production facilities, demonstrating the company’s commitment to British-designed and manufactured military vehicles.
In addition to Rheinmetall House and the Telford facility, key areas of this investment include a new large-calibre gun hall and expanded military vehicle production.
“These underpin critical defence programmes and position the UK as a global leader in land defence manufacturing,” adds Richards.
In May 2025, Telford was confirmed as the home of Rheinmetall’s new gun hall, marking a bold step in re-establishing sovereign defence manufacturing in the UK.
BUILT IN BRITAIN
The unveiling of the first British-made Boxer at the International Armoured Vehicles Conference in January 2025 by Maria Eagle, Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Industry, marks a major milestone for Rheinmetall and the UK defence industry, signifying the return of armoured vehicle manufacturing to the UK.
Built at its Telford facility, the achievement highlights Rheinmetall’s investment in sovereign capability, industrial growth, and long-term defence manufacturing.
“It also reflects our commitment to skills, infrastructure, and cutting-edge manufacturing, underscoring the importance of industry-government collaboration in delivering world-class military capability,” Richards highlights.
One of the world’s most advanced wheeled armoured vehicles, the Boxer offers unmatched mobility, protection, and modular adaptability.
“Its reconfigurable design allows for multiple mission roles, ensuring the British Army’s evolving operational requirements are met whilst delivering battle-proven survivability,” she acclaims.
The Boxer has undergone extensive live-fire exercises, mobility trials, and extreme environment testing to ensure peak combat effectiveness.
By exceeding performance benchmarks, the Boxer will deliver game-changing capability to the UK Armed Forces.
The country’s defence industry and economy have been strengthened as a result of this milestone with over 1,000 domestic jobs created, reinforcing its manufacturing base and engineering expertise.
75 percent UK supply chain integration also ensures British SMEs play a central role in Boxer production, whilst its export potential positions domestic suppliers for international contracts.
As production scales up, the Boxer MIV programme will continue to strengthen UK industrial sovereignty, defence capability, and economic prosperity, solidifying Britain’s leadership in global armoured vehicle manufacturing.
A NEW CHALLENGER
Equally, the Challenger 3 MBT programme represents a major leap forward in armoured warfare, ensuring the British Army remains equipped with a world-class tank for decades.
Under an £800 million contract, Rheinmetall is leading the design, development, and production of 148 Challenger 3 tanks through RBSL, with full operational capability targeted for 2030.
“Manufacturing is underway at our advanced facility in Telford, reinforcing our commitment to sovereign UK manufacturing and industrial capability,” reveals Richards.
The Challenger 3 is the most advanced MBT ever fielded by the British Army, with Rheinmetall’s advanced technology at the core, delivering next-generation firepower, survivability, and digital capability.
It features a state-of-the-art, 120-millimetre smoothbore gun capable of firing the latest NATO-standard ammunition for enhanced range, accuracy, and firepower.
It also boasts modular armour, developed in collaboration with UK defence experts, offering superior protection whilst maintaining high mobility.
A fully digitised turret and fire control system provides real-time battlefield awareness and precision targeting, whilst advanced survivability systems ensure crew protection in high-threat environments.
Beyond its battlefield superiority, the Challenger 3 MBT programme delivers long-term benefits to the UK.
These include sustaining and creating highly skilled jobs across engineering, manufacturing, and systems integration; strengthening the country’s defence supply chain with key components sourced from British industry; and enhancing the UK’s defence export potential, positioning the Challenger 3 as a next-generation MBT for allied nations.
“With prototype vehicles undergoing rigorous trials, the programme remains on track, ensuring the British Army retains cutting-edge armoured capability for the future,” Richards details.
INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION
Along with its sovereign manufacturing capability, Rheinmetall’s competitive edge is defined by technological innovation and deep-rooted partnerships.
The company is pioneering the future of armoured warfare, investing in lethality, survivability, and digital systems integration.
“We are expanding our capabilities in electronic systems and digitisation, ensuring future armoured vehicles are fully networked and interoperable with cutting-edge battlefield technology,” Richards informs us.
“This focus on digitisation is critical to enhancing command-and-control capabilities and supporting the integration of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven decision-making tools.”
The company is also launching its Advanced Land Autonomy Centres of Excellence in Germany, the Nordics, and the UK, whilst additionally expanding its current Canadian Autonomy Centre of Excellence.
These pioneering hubs will serve as the core of Rheinmetall’s autonomous systems strategy, providing advanced integration, testing, and national control over next-generation solutions, with a strong focus on the PATH Autonomous Kit.
Close collaboration, meanwhile, ensures future-proof solutions, as demonstrated by the company’s Challenger 3 modular armour system which was co-developed with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and Defence Equipment and Support, an arm’s-length body of the MoD.
“Additionally, the Trinity House Agreement, signed in 2024, further strengthens UK-Germany defence industrial ties by expanding large-calibre weapon production,” shares Richards.
DRIVING DEI
Aside from the Boxer MIV and Challenger 3 MBT programmes, Rheinmetall takes great pride in its commitment to the Armed Forces community and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace.
The company actively recruits veterans and works closely with specialist organisations to help ex-service personnel transition into civilian careers.
“In 2024, we formalised this commitment by signing the Armed Forces Covenant, providing additional leave for reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and supporting military families through flexible employment opportunities,” Richards confirms.
Beyond employment, Rheinmetall is a proud corporate friend of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, engaging in fundraising and initiatives that support veterans, service personnel, and their families.
On driving DEI, Richards firmly believes diversity is essential for better decision-making, broader perspectives, and innovative problem-solving – critical factors in today’s defence industry.
“Different viewpoints lead to stronger outcomes, and we must foster new ways of thinking to address the evolving challenges we face,” she emphasises.
Rheinmetall’s progress in DEI wouldn’t be possible without the full support of its executive leadership, who continue to champion and drive this work forwards.
“We are committed to creating a workplace where every individual feels valued, empowered, and supported.”
As part of this commitment, the company is developing a comprehensive well-being strategy that aims to enhance its focus on employee health, resilience, and an inclusive culture that promotes work-life balance and family-friendly policies.
The strategy will build upon existing support structures to ensure Rheinmetall’s workforce remains motivated, engaged, and equipped to succeed.
“Beyond the workplace, I am deeply passionate about driving gender diversity and inspiring future talent. I want to show my daughters that they can achieve anything they set their minds to, even in traditionally male-dominated industries,” Richards affirms.
“To help achieve this, I volunteer at local schools, mentor young people, and encourage more females to pursue STEM careers. I am also dedicated to raising aspirations in deprived communities.”
As part of its broader commitment to gender diversity, Rheinmetall has signed the Women in Defence Charter, pledging to increase female representation in senior leadership roles.
The company has made great strides in ensuring women are well-represented at all levels, creating a culture where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute.
It is also proud to have recently been endorsed by Work180, which recognised the company’s commitment to gender equality – a milestone that reflects the impact of policies such as 26-week paid parental leave and flexible work options that support parents in returning to the workplace after the birth of a child.
Additionally, the company invests in STEM engagement, apprenticeships, and graduate programmes, ensuring it nurtures a diverse pipeline of future talent for the defence sector.
“I’ve worked closely with schools, universities, and STEM outreach initiatives to help inspire the next generation – especially young women – to consider careers in a sector that has traditionally been male-dominated. Over time, I’ve seen greater diversity emerging across the defence industry, and I’m proud to be part of that shift,” she impassions.
“I believe strongly in being visible, not only for my daughters but for other women looking to build successful, fulfilling careers in defence. I’ve been told I’m looked up to for my personal style – bright colours and bold prints in a world of dark suits; it’s always been a conscious decision.”
Evidently, Rheinmetall recognises the importance of actively engaging with communities that have historically been underrepresented, prioritising initiatives that support veterans, promote STEM opportunities, and address gender equality in a meaningful way.
PASSIONATE PEOPLE
With DEI deeply embedded in its values and how the company operates every day, the greatest strength of Rheinmetall is its people, including some of the most talented engineers, technicians, and defence specialists in the country.
These individuals are not only highly skilled but also deeply passionate about innovation and excellence.
Whether developing cutting-edge military technology, supporting the Armed Forces, or strengthening Britain’s sovereign defence capability, everyone at Rheinmetall plays a vital role in delivering real-world impact.
“I’ve come to appreciate that every member of the team brings unique strengths. High-performing teams are built on diversity of thought and experience; it’s about understanding, balance, and compromise – not one-upmanship,” acknowledges Richards.
“We’ve built a genuinely supportive and friendly workplace culture. It’s the small, thoughtful moments – people checking in, sharing a laugh, or showing a genuine interest in one another – that make a big difference. We’re a motivated, passionate team, and that positive energy is what makes it such an inspiring and dynamic place to work.”
As a growing business, Rheinmetall is investing heavily in the UK and planning for the future, not just in military capability but also in creating high-value jobs and meaningful careers.
With that growth comes the opportunity to help shape the company culture, ensuring it remains a place where people want to work, develop, and stay.
“Being part of that journey is incredibly rewarding. Early in my career, I believed everything in work had to be perfect – contracts had to be flawlessly negotiated and bids had to be won – but as I progressed, I realised that true success comes from building long-term, fair partnerships,” Richards reflects.
“It’s not about winning but achieving the right outcomes for everyone involved. No two days are the same, especially in defence, and even with years of experience there’s always something new to learn.”
THE JOURNEY INTO DEFENCE
Despite having this extensive experience in the industry, Richards’ journey into defence was an unconventional one.
She initially studied law and began her career in a solicitor’s firm before moving in-house to the legal department of an iron and steel company.
When the opportunity arose to move back home, Richards came across a role at military vehicles and communications company General Dynamics, which opened the door to the world of defence.
“That role marked my first real exposure to the industry, and I was immediately drawn in by the scale and complexity of the programmes,” she recalls.
“Defence enabled me to contribute to significant projects whilst remaining rooted in my local community.”
As her career progressed, Richards became increasingly passionate about the wider impact of the industry – not just on national security, but on local economies and social mobility.
Indeed, it plays a valuable role in supporting regional development, particularly in areas that benefit from skilled jobs and long-term investment.
Having progressed to Commercial Vice President of General Dynamics in 2016 – a milestone Richards believed would be the pinnacle of her career – a new chapter soon opened at Rheinmetall when she joined as Managing Director in 2019.
Initially tasked with overseeing key programmes and strategic partnerships across the UK, Richards is now proud to serve as Deputy CEO.
“My focus is on strengthening sovereign manufacturing capability and delivering world-class military vehicle systems to the British Army,” she summarises.
“I have been fortunate to work on some of the UK’s most significant defence programmes, which has provided me with a deep understanding of defence procurement, manufacturing, and the supply chain landscape – knowledge that is instrumental in shaping Rheinmetall’s future.”
PIVOTAL PRIORITIES
The future includes a number of priorities for the company, with 2025 being a pivotal year as Rheinmetall expands its operations and advances key defence programmes.
These priorities include scaling Boxer production capacity, advancing Challenger 3 trials, and operationalising its new large-calibre gun hall.
Rheinmetall is also investing in advanced defence technologies and expanding both the UK defence supply chain and the autonomous revolution.
By 2030, the company aims to be the nation’s leading armoured vehicle manufacturer, not just meeting domestic defence needs but also positioning Britain as a key exporter of advanced military vehicles.
“Our long-term investment in workforce development, infrastructure, and sovereign defence capabilities will be instrumental in achieving this vision.
“Through continued collaboration with the UK government, industry partners, and international allies, we remain focused on delivering world-class defence solutions that strengthen Britain’s strategic position on the global stage,” Richards closes.
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