BAE Systems Australia and Marand have entered into a teaming agreement for the Australian Army’s LAND 400 Phase 2 combat reconnaissance vehicle program, building on their long-term partnership on major projects.
Under the teaming agreement, Marand will contribute leading cross-sector expertise gained from the automotive, aerospace, rail and defence sectors to the program, providing a range of production engineering solutions.
BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive, Glynn Phillips, said Marand has a proven track record in welding ballistic steel, advanced machining and complex assembly performed on a daily basis for defence exports.
“I am delighted that Marand has chosen to work with BAE Systems Australia on Land 400. Today’s announcement demonstrates how Australian industry is getting behind our solution for the Australian Army,” he said.
Marand Chief Executive Officer Rohan Stocker hailed BAE System’s proven capabilities.
“BAE Systems is a great partner. The Company delivers on its industrial commitments, transferring technology that has allowed Marand to create high skilled jobs and defence exports,” he said.
“We have already proven that we can deliver complex defence production technology transfers in Australia with 100 percent quality and delivery performance.”
BAE Systems worked with Marand on its transition from the automotive and aerospace to defence industry through collaboration on the global F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program more than 10 years ago.
The company provides titanium parts to Marand which are used in the manufacture of F-35 vertical tail fins in Australia and are in turn exported to the USA under contract from BAE Systems in the UK.
Last year, BAE Systems and Land 400 bid partner Patria were shortlisted as one of two tenders that will take part in the 51 week Risk Mitigation Activity for the LAND 400 program.
The two companies are offering the combat-proven AMV35 vehicle which will be manufactured in Australia with an industry solution that will grow local manufacturing knowledge, create jobs and bring further economic benefits to the Australian SME supply chain.
