The Morrison Government has announced the establishment of a new state-of-the-art armoured vehicle centre of excellence at Avalon Airport in Greater Geelong.
Hanwha Defense Australia was awarded a $1 billion defence contract by the Federal Government for new Self-Propelled Howitzers for the Australian Army in December 2021.
Under the $1 billion LAND 8116 program, Hanwha has established its advanced manufacturing facility – the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence – in the greater Geelong region to produce a fleet of locally built and maintained self-propelled howitzers for the Army.
The centre, first of its kind, is set to create at least 300 jobs over the life of the $1 billion project, generating ongoing support opportunities for Australian industry until the late 2040s.
“Hanwha will draw on Greater Geelong’s highly skilled and experienced workforce to deliver this project,” said Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price in a media release.
“About 100 jobs are expected to be created during the two-year, $170 million construction of the armoured vehicle centre of excellence.
“It is great news for the Geelong region economy that the $1 billion program will support at least 300 jobs during its lifespan.
“This project demonstrates the Morrison Government’s commitment to supporting local jobs.”
The facility’s design is nearing completion, and Australian military industry partners may be able to co-locate on-site to speed the manufacturing process and increase export potential for the countries defines industry.
Multiple manufacturing lines, a 1500m test track, a deep-water test facility, and an obstacle course to test capability will all be part of the new complex.
“Avalon Airport, complete with its international terminal which the Morrison Government helped build, is a wonderful asset for our region and will make a first-class home for the Howitzer defence project,” said Senator for Victoria, Sarah Henderson.
“Geelong is set to become one of Australia’s most important defence manufacturing centres. It is expected that other defence industry suppliers will consider re-locating to the Geelong region so the opportunities for future growth are enormous.”
