Rheinmetall Defence Australia has formally completed the first phase of its Australian Industry Capability (AIC) program with company executives meeting 300 Australian SMEs in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane. 

Rheinmetall Defence Australia Managing Director Andrew Fletcher said the company’s international procurement team was impressed with the calibre of products and services offered by Australian SMEs keen to participate in the company’s global supply chain and forthcoming defence programs including Land 400 Phase 2. 

“Rheinmetall Defence is focused on building long lasting relationships with Australian SMEs,” Mr Fletcher said. 

“An important step towards building those relationships is working with potential suppliers on project bids such as Land 400 Phase 2 which is focused on the supply of 225 armoured vehicles to the Australian Army.” 

"Supply and service opportunities have been presented to Australian SME companies for Land 400 Phase 2 in stages including vehicle parts supply and through life support."

Rheinmetall Defence will bid its Boxer 8x8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle in the Land 400 tender. Boxer delivers the protection required under Land 400 and according to the company it is a formidable MOTS platform when combined with the in-service Lance Turret. 

Supply and service opportunities have been presented to Australian SME companies for Land 400 Phase 2 in stages including vehicle parts supply and through life support. Selected companies will soon be considered for inclusion in the company’s bid for the $4 billion project. 

“Importantly, many companies we met with were very keen to be part of Rheinmetall’s global supply chain and the opportunities to deliver products and services well beyond Land 400 Phase 2,” Mr Fletcher said. 

“This underscores the quality and dedication of these SMEs who are delivering quality products and services at world class levels.” 

Defence and state government agencies in Victoria, South Australia, NSW and Queensland worked closely with Rheinmetall Defence Australia and company representatives to organise the roadshow. 

The second phase of Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s AIC program will include interviews with management at selected Australian companies and assessments of manufacturing facilities and operations at key locations.