Queensland-made military vehicles are reportedly set to become one of Australia’s largest defence exports as part of a $1 billion agreement to provide the German Bundeswehr with more than 100 Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles (CRVs).
The agreement calls for Australia to sell locally manufactured Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles from Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s headquarters in Ipswich, according to a media statement.
In particular, the Modern Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) for Rheinmetall is situated in Australia’s largest and most technologically equipped heavy vehicle manufacturing area in Redbank.
The announcement, according to Queensland’s Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, is a big victory for advanced manufacturing and employment in the state.
“This is yet another tick for the government’s determination to partner with companies like Rheinmetall and make more in Queensland,” the premier noted.
Being the home of Australia’s most cutting-edge military manufacturing facility in Queensland implies huge deals and more jobs, noted Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Steven Miles.
He said, “Being able to export home-grown state-of-the-art combat vehicles would continue to boost Queensland’s economy and defence manufacturing capabilities.”
Meanwhile, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said the agreement with Germany demonstrates why it was crucial for Australia to build the infrastructure and capabilities necessary to support the defence industries right in Queensland.
“This means highly-skilled engineering jobs for decades to come, and a pipeline of work for the many small and medium businesses that help Rheinmetall build the Boxer,” Minister Dick stated.
Moving forward, he said that the government will keep looking for ways to expand businesses, industries, and skilled, stable jobs in Queensland.
In Redbank, Ipswich, Rheinmetall Defence Australia established its Australia-New Zealand Headquarters and Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) as part of a long-term partnership with the Queensland Government.
Rheinmetall is delivering 211 Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles under the LAND 400 Phase 2 project, which was granted in 2018.
These vehicles are projected to remain in service for the next 30 years.
