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The Australian Army’s next-generation combat vehicles have been certified for deployment.
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LAND 400 Phase 2 — a $5.2 billion Rheinmetall-led project involving the delivery of Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles (CRVs) to the Australian Army — has officially achieved initial operational capability (IOC).
This follows a test and evaluation process, which included deploying the Boxer during Exercise Sea Raider.
The Boxer CRV will now be operated by the Australian Army’s 7th Brigade.
“Exercise Sea Raider demonstrated the important capability boost provided by the Boxer, and its place as part of the land force and joint operations,” Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart said.
LTGEN Stuart reflected on the importance of the new capability in support of critical Army operations.
“The Boxer will protect our soldiers in high-threat environments as they seek information about an adversary. This information will then help direct our combined arms fighting system for best combat effectiveness,” he added.
“The Boxer can fight its way out of trouble using its 30mm cannon, and as we have just seen during Exercise Sea Raider, can be deployed from amphibious ships.
“The Boxer improves our ability to succeed on operations and survive in battle.”
Rheinmetall has been tasked with delivering a total of 211 Boxer CRVs and a further 490 trucks from the company’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE), based at Redbank, south-east Queensland.
“Australia has a reputation for building high-quality military vehicles. The Boxer will build on this established national industrial expertise,” LTGEN Stuart added.
“This project is a great example of the way Defence and industry work together to deliver large-scale and complex capabilities.”
Gary Stewart, managing director of Rheinmetall Defence Australia, welcomed the IOC declaration, adding the Boxer CRV would increase protection, lethality and digitisation for the Australian Army.
He went on to describe the capability as a “game changer”, allowing Army to operate safely in hostile environments and on peacekeeping missions.
“The Boxer’s journey to IOC has included extensive testing and live exercises with the Australian Army,” Stewart observed.
“I am proud of the global Rheinmetall team who have worked in partnership with Defence to deliver this important capability milestone.
“Following this IOC declaration, Rheinmetall continues our work in supporting the path to final operational capability.”
The Rheinmetall managing director said the company would continue to leverage its local workforce of 730 employees and over 30 Australian industry partners to support the Boxer CRVs.
“As the company continues to design, manufacture and deliver the remaining 186 Boxer CRVs, Rheinmetall’s commitment to Australian industry capability will provide enduring jobs, skills and opportunity in Australia for many years to come,” Stewart said.
LAND 400 Phase 2 is scheduled to achieve final operational capability in 2027, after which Rheinmetall would continue delivering sustainment services from its local facility.
[Related: Thales Australia wins Boxer CRV subcontract ]
