The Federal Government will acquire 251 remote weapon stations in a move that will provide job stability for over 200 workers at Australian defence and space company Electro Optic Systems.
The remote weapon stations, part of the Government’s $270 billion capability upgrade for the Australian Defence Force, will be added to the Army’s Bushmaster and Hawkei protected mobility vehicles, allowing a gunner to operate a weaponised system from a protected position.
Defence Industry Melissa Price said the investment would provide job security for Electro Optic Systems’ workforce directly involved in engineering and support as well as opportunities for other small businesses.
“This investment not only secures local jobs but it also provides certainty for over 100 supply chain businesses across Australia,” Minister Price said.
“More than 80 per cent of the parts that Electro Optic Systems use for these weapons are sourced through the Australian supply chain and that’s good for jobs and small businesses.”
“While the Federal Government’s focus is on keeping Australians safe, our investments in Defence have a significant benefit for Australian businesses and workers – around 15,000 businesses and 70,000 workers benefit from our investments and that’s set to grow.”
