The Australian government and Rheinmetall Defence Australia have announced the signing of a production contract to export more than 100 Australian-made Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles to Germany.
This signing event, taking place on April 10, fulfils the intent of the bilateral agreement signed by the Australian and German Governments in March.
The contract is worth over $1 billion to the Australian economy, and will see the Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles built at Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Redbank, Queensland, to supply to the German Army.
This contract will reportedly secure 600 jobs in Queensland, and create economic opportunities that will flow through the defence supply chain.
“This contract will supply our security partner, Germany, with one of the most advanced armoured vehicles in the world, and supports Australia’s world-class defence industry, not only here in Queensland, but throughout the national supply chain," said Major General Jason Blain, Head Land Systems Division.
“This contract signing signals the strength of the ongoing partnership between the Australian Government and our nation’s defence industry, including Rheinmetall Defence Australia.
“Rheinmetall Defence Australia has strong, enduring partnerships with a large number of Australian companies skilled in the delivery of military vehicle capabilities."
The first vehicle to be built in Australia is scheduled to be delivered to the German government in 2026, with the final vehicle due in 2030.
“We are integrating the expertise and capabilities of our Australian MILVEHCOE colleagues from our global Rheinmetall network to provide the German Army with the required combat vehicles as quickly as possible. This further deepens defence ties between Australia and Germany and enhances a sustained sovereign defence capability in Australia," said Armin Papperger, Rheinmetall CEO.
“We welcome the close partnership between Australia and Germany in strategic defence activities as the two nations work together to increase global security. The German Boxer program from Australia has been made possible by Rheinmetall’s long-term Australian investment in product development and advanced manufacturing.”