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The global defence prime has welcomed news that the two nations are negotiating an export agreement that would see 100 Boxers built in Australia for the German Bundeswehr.
In March, Germany and Australia signed a letter of cooperation to commence negotiations for Australia to build 100 Boxer heavy weapon carrier vehicles from the company’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Brisbane.
The 8x8 heavy weapon carrier vehicle is based on the Boxer CRV, similarly featuring a two-man Lance turret with an MK30-2 ABM automatic cannon.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy welcomed the commencement of formal negotiations with the German Ministry of Defence and Rheinmetall to establish appropriate legal and commercial arrangements in late March.
“We are excited about the prospect of Boxers for the German Army being built in Brisbane, using suppliers across Australia to assist in the production,” he said.
“This export opportunity would secure well-paid secure jobs in Queensland and across the country, helping to build Australia’s defence industry and boost our economy.
“We are keen to export this world-leading capability to a trusted and respected security partner, and to further strengthen the defence relationship between our countries.”
Rheinmetall Defence Australia recently announced they had officially “struck the arc” in the first weld of materials for the first Australian Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle.
Defence Connect questioned Defence Media about the cost and delivery timeline of Boxer combat vehicles.
“The specific details of this export opportunity are subject to negotiation outcomes,” said a Defence spokesperson.
The global defence prime stated that the production of 100 Boxers for the German Bundeswehr would form one of the largest defence exports in Australia’s history.
