The Australian government has signed a $1 billion defence export deal with Germany for the supply of more than 100 Brisbane-built Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles.
Once finalised, defence company Rheinmetall will leverage its production capacity at its Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Redbank, Queensland, to deliver the vehicles to Germany.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese witnessed the signing of the agreement by Ambassador to Germany Philip Green and State Secretary for the Federal Ministry of Defence Benedikt Zimmer during his visit to Berlin.
“The agreement will boost Australia’s sovereign defence industry, secure local jobs and contribute to Australia’s economic growth,” Albanese said. “This deal secures well-paid jobs in Queensland and across the country.”
The major defence export contract represents one of Australia’s largest ever defence export contracts and is expected to support approximately 1,000 local Australian jobs and provide a significant boost to Australia’s defence industry.
“The Defence relationship between Australia and Germany is growing significantly, and we are excited about this in-principle agreement for Rheinmetall to build Boxers for the German Army in Brisbane,” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said.
“This is a significant investment for our local defence industry; securing local jobs and contributing to Australia’s economic growth,” Marles added.
