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The German Parliament has officially approved the purchase of more than 100 Australian-made Boxer heavy weapon carrier vehicles for the German Army.
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Under the single largest defence export agreement in Australia’s history, the Australian-made armoured vehicles will be built by Rheinmetall at its Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Redbank, Queensland, before being exported to Germany.
This agreement, now passed through the German Parliament, follows Prime Minister Anthony Albanese witnessing the signing of the in-principle agreement between Germany and Australia during his visit to Berlin in July last year.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said today’s announcement will see Australian defence industry at the forefront of delivering world-leading defence capability to Germany, a trusted security partner.
“This significant announcement is worth over $1 billion to the Australian economy in the production and supply of these vehicles,” he said.
“The agreement will boost Australia’s sovereign defence industry, secure local jobs and contribute to Australia’s economic growth.
“This deal secures well-paid jobs in Queensland and across the country.”
The deal is considered a significant milestone for Australia’s defence industry, worth over $1 billion to the Australian economy, boosting sovereign defence industry and securing more than 600 direct jobs in Queensland, with more expected through the supply chain.
“I am pleased to announce the signing of the biggest defence export agreement in Australia’s history,” according to Minister for Defence Richard Marles.
“The build and export of Boxer heavy weapon carrier vehicles to the German Army highlights a strengthening of the relationship between our two countries.
“The Albanese government is not only committed to bolstering our nation’s growing defence industry, technology and talent, but also supporting ongoing economic prosperity in the region.”
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said the announcement underscores the support and immense effort on the part of the federal government in ensuring the nation has a robust defence industry.
“A strong defence industry is crucial to protecting Australians and their interests. This announcement is also a testament to the hardworking Australians employed in this critical industry,” he said.
“Today’s announcement means more than 600 Australians will secure and stable employment at Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Queensland, along with many more throughout our defence industry across the nation.”
Around 200 Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles (CRVs) are currently in production in Queensland for the Australian Army. Late last year, Australian Defence Force personnel tested the new Block II Boxer CRV in Germany. Three soldiers from 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) were involved in testing at the Rheinmetall site in Unterluss, Germany.
Testing of the Boxer CRV conducted in Germany included firing the MK30-2 cannon and MAG58 machine gun in extreme weather conditions, testing new programmable munitions capability as well as a brief on the Block II vehicle design, operation of the combat intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance system and new weapon control systems.
