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RUAG Australia will produce world-leading ballistic armour for 225 Australian Army Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRVs) in Bayswater Victoria if BAE Systems secures the LAND 400 Phase 2 bid.
Under the agreement, RUAG Switzerland will transfer the technology to RUAG Australia to enable the armour to be produced locally, a move that would boost Australia’s capability in advanced protection solutions. The arrangement would also allow for RUAG Australia to export the ballistic armour.
The ballistic armour selected for BAE Systems LAND 400 Phase 2 bid, the AMV35, is a multi-material protection system that is combat tested and mission-proven.
BAE Systems Australia chief executive Gabby Costigan said Australian industry content (AIC) would be boosted under the arrangement.
"This is another example of how our bid for LAND 400 is increasing Australian capability and boosting local jobs and investment," Costigan said.
"It brings into Australia new know-how and develops local sophisticated military technology capability that saves lives. It builds on BAE Systems’ unique track record of localising production and supply chains, something we can do with low risk and high value for Australia."
RUAG Australia managing director John Teager added that the RUAG armour is already mission-proven, having been in service with several defence forces.
"Establishing this unique, in-country capability within RUAG Australia will further strengthen the Australian industry content proposed within BAE Systems’ offering for LAND 400 Phase 2 and will ensure that, in RUAG Australia, Australian soldiers can depend on an Australian company to supply them the highest possible level of protection that appliqué armour can provide," Teager said.
"Already in service with a number of Western armies, RUAG’s appliqué armour is mission-proven and is a natural choice for BAE Systems’ LAND 400 Phase 2 solution."
BAE Systems Australia has offered the Finnish-designed Patria AMV35 for the LAND 400 Phase 2 project, while competitor Rheinmetall has offered the Boxer CRV. Should they win, BAE will assemble their vehicles at Fishermans Bend, Victoria, while Rheinmetall will make their vehicles in Brisbane.
Defence has completed its evaluation of the BAE Systems and Rheinmetall vehicles. The government will announce its decision this year.
