The selection of a turret is no trivial matter because it contains all of the weapons for the IFV and the majority of its sensors. Typically it is also a major cost driver, representing more than 25% of the price of the vehicle. Both bidders are offering a two-person turret with weapons specified by the Army and there are noticeable differences between the two - something also touched on in the following article. The RFT calls for 281 turreted variants and the remaining 119 with a Remotely Controlled Weapon Station (RWCS) with a .50 calibre machine gun. The turret needs to contain a 30mm automatic cannon; two Rafael SPIKE missiles; a coaxial machine gun; and a RWCS able to house either another machine gun or a 40mm grenade launcher. They also need to contain a variety of sensors and an Iron Fist active self-protection system. Defence was typically guarded when answering a series of questions from APDR, such as whether Rheinmetall has a natural advantage since they are the winner of Phase 2 with the Boxer 8x8, which has the same Lance turret being offered for Phase 3. The official response is:
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