BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION OF CAPABILITY FOR THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY

The first of the fleet of new Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV) for the Australian Defence Force has been unveiled.

The 211 new Boxer 8×8 CRVs will be delivered by Rheinmetall Defence Australia under the $5 billion LAND 400 Phase 2 Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability project.

Luke Howarth MP, Federal Member for Petrie said the new vehicles, with their high levels of protection, firepower and mobility, will provide a world-class capability to the Australian Army.

“These new vehicles are part of the Morrison Government’s $200 billion investment in our defence capability over the next decade to ensure the Australian Defence Force is equipped to succeed in our challenging strategic environment,” Mr Howarth said.

“This project presents an exciting opportunity for Australian industry to play a vital role in delivering leading-edge capability and technology to Australia’s Army.

“We have a large number of people in Petrie working directly and indirectly with the Australian Defence Force and the Boxer project will create around 330 jobs in Queensland – a welcome boost for Defence capability and the local economy.”

The vehicles will be able to undertake a range of missions from regional stability and peacekeeping through to high-threat operations, and will provide improved safety to Australian soldiers on deployment and on exercises around the world.

Over the 30-year life of the vehicles, Australian industry will secure $10.2 billion of the total investment in acquiring and maintaining the fleet.

Twelve businesses across Australia have contributed to the production of this first Boxer, ensuring the delivery of these vehicles is a national enterprise.

The first 25 vehicles will be assembled in Germany and delivered to Australia as part of technology transfer activities to familiarise Australian workers and suppliers on the specific manufacturing techniques of these vehicles.

The remaining vehicles will be assembled at Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) facility in Redbank, near Ipswich, using companies located across Australia.