Queensland-made military vehicles look set to become one of Australia’s largest defence exports in a billion-dollar deal with the German government to be inked by the Federal Government.
The agreement will see Australia export Brisbane-made Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles from Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s Ipswich headquarters.
Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese confirmed the deal to sell more than 100 of the military vehicles to the German army as he met with Chancellor Olaf Scholz for talks in Berlin today.
Rheinmetall’s state-of-the-art Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) is located at Redbank and is part of the largest and most advanced heavy vehicle manufacturing precinct in Australia.
“This announcement is a huge win for advanced manufacturing and jobs in Queensland,” said Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk.
“It means long-term good secure jobs for Queenslanders.
“Queensland manufactures everything from trucks to trains providing good, high-paying jobs and careers particularly in regional Queensland.
“This is yet another tick for the government’s determination to partner with companies like Rheinmetall and make more in Queensland.”
Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, Cameron Dick said the deal with Germany would mean local 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,” he said.
“Our Government will continue to pursue opportunities to bring more industries, more companies, and more skilled secure jobs to Queensland.”
Under a long-term partnership with the Queensland Government, Rheinmetall Defence Australia established its Australia-New Zealand Headquarters and Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) in Redbank, Ipswich.
Under the LAND 400 Phase 2 project awarded in 2018, Rheinmetall is delivering 211 Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles that are expected to be in service for the next 30 years.
Delivery is scheduled to begin in 2025.
