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Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne and Minister for Defence Marise Payne have confirmed that the Rafael Spike LR2 missile will be the the anti-tank guided missile that will arm the Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles.
Under project LAND 400 Phase 2, Defence will acquire 211 Rheinmetall Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles, which will provide vital mobility, lethality and protection for the Australian Army. The Boxer will be manufactured in Queensland, creating up to 1,450 jobs across the supply chain.
"The Spike missile is the best anti-tank guided missile for the Boxer. It will give the Boxer the range and lethality it needs to fight and win the land battle," Minister Payne said.
The Spike was selected after an independent comparative evaluation of potential missile options for the vehicle was conducted by the Defence Science and Technology Group. The missile will offer long range, light weight, high resistance to countermeasures and higher technical maturity in the anti-tank role.
Varley Rafael Australia has committed to building the Spike LR2 in Australia, employing up to 70 Australians directly with hundreds more in the supply chain.
Minister Pyne elaborated on this recent joint venture to deliver Australia's next-generation anti-tank system, saying, "This commitment by Varley Rafael Australia is a great vote of confidence in Australian industry, and will bring jobs and high-tech knowledge to Australia’s defence industry."
Coming soon after the contract signing with Rheinmetall for the acquisition of the Boxer, this is the next step in delivering Australia’s future land combat capability.
