British Army Upgrades Tank Nicknamed 'Swiss Army Knife'

The British military has announced an upgrade to their Terrier Combat Vehicle that gives the tank-style machine deep water capabilities.

Along with a telescopic investigation arm and rock hammer that can stretch up to eight meters, the Terrier can also maneuver through deep water and withstand two-meter-high waves, according to The Telegraph. The company behind the design, BAE Systems, said that the telescopic arm is one of the longest in the world and described the hammer that can cut rocks and slice up concrete. The machine also has a ripper that tears up roads, rendering them unusable.

"The greater wading depth and surge protection will make Terrier even better suited for use in coastal or low-lying areas, where it can play an important role in disaster relief as well as combat situations," said Rory Breen, export sales manager for BAE Systems Land (U.K.).

The Terrier also comes equipped with a machine gun, smoke grenade launchers, a Python rocket that can clear buried explosives, and a plough that clears the path of mines. Its official name is the Terrier, but it has been nicknamed "Swiss Army Knife," the Daily Mail reported.

Originally part of a $520 million project with the U.K.'s Ministry of Defence, the Terrier was designed to complete tasks like digging, drilling, heavy lifting and clearing paths.

Having the capability to lift up to five tons, the tank can move 300 tons of material each hour, according to the Mirror. The Terrier can also be controlled by remote control from about one kilometre away.