The MoD has unveiled a range of new armoured vehicles to equip troops deployed in Afghanistan. Titled the Coyote, the Husky and the Wolfhound, the trio's introduction is one component of a wider armoured vehicle programme worth £350 million.

The Land Rover Snatch presently used by the UK armed forces in Afghanistan has come under recent criticism in light of a number of deaths attributed to its limited survivability. As Armed Forces International recently reported, a number of families intend to launch legal action against the MoD in connection with the deaths of four soldiers in Land Rover Snatch vehicles.

These new vehicles are not intended to take over from the Snatch but their introduction, says the ministry, will provide battlefield commanders with an enhanced choice to pick the optimum vehicle for the required task.

Coyote, Husky and Wolfhound

In comments made during the Coyote, Husky and Wolfhound's June 24th launch in the UK, Quentin Davis - Minister for Defence Equipment and Support - highlighted how their introduction would give UK military personnel a "battle-winning edge in Afghanistan".

"We are working tirelessly to ensure they have the right equipment for the right job and ensuring that we respond quickly and innovatively to equipment requests from the frontline", Davis said.

British Armoured Vehicle

Here are some brief facts on each new British armoured vehicle.

The Coyote is an adaption of the Jackal armoured vehicle design, featuring six wheels. The MoD envisages that over 70 Coyotes will have been deployed to Afghanistan before 2009 is out

The Husky is a US-made armoured vehicle that features a machine gun and that, in Afghanistan, will be tasked with transport and command duties, as well as the medical role.

The Wolfhound is an adaption of the Mastiff, again featuring six wheels and designed to carry loads around the UK military's theatre of operations

The Coyote, Husky and Wolfhound are currently still in prototype form, albeit advanced.

During the same launch, the MoD also showcased a new type of textile armour, intended to offer troops protection against grenades. Over 20 Amsafe-made Tarian armour systems are now being utilised by UK forces in Afghanistan.

To find out more about other armoured vehicles in present military service, please visit Armed Forces International's Project's Page.