Thu. Nov 14th, 2024

Update: Australia’s Largest Defense Export Is Going To Germany – Rheinmetall

ByLisa Luckas

04/10/2024
Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier Vehicles by RheinmetallBoxer Heavy Weapon Carrier Vehicles by Rheinmetall Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier Vehicles by Rheinmetall

Duesseldorf, Germany —Australia and Germany have embarked on a historic defense partnership with the signing of a production contract for 123 Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles. In a move marking Australia’s largest foreign military export to Germany, this agreement is valued at a striking €2.7 billion, inclusive of maintenance and repair services.

This order is Australia’s largest foreign military export to Germany, Rheinmetall, the German defense contractor, said Wednesday. Deliveries are scheduled to start in 2025 with the first Australian-built vehicle to be delivered in 2026.

The German Boxers are to be produced at Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicle Centre at Redbank in South East Queensland, where more than 650 Rheinmetall workers produce vehicles, armour and electronics for Australia and global partners, the company said.

The Boxer vehicle, acclaimed for its advanced design and protective features, is an armored 8×8 vehicle used by various global armies. Its capabilities include enhanced troop safety, superior firepower, and mobility, making it suitable for diverse operations from peacekeeping to high-intensity combat. The vehicle incorporates a two-person digital Lance turret, representing the first crewed medium-calibre turret on the Boxer platform.

This defense contract, forged on a mutual agreement between the Australian and German governments, aligns with both nations’ strategic military and economic interests. The procurement of these vehicles by Germany from Australia not only bolsters military capabilities but also strengthens the bilateral ties between the two countries in defense cooperation.

The Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier Vehicle deal, a testament to the growing stature of Australia in the global defense market, demonstrates the nation’s ability to produce sophisticated military equipment for international partners. This venture is expected to further solidify Australia’s position in the global defense industry while enhancing Germany’s military capabilities.

ByLisa Luckas

Lisa Luckas is a Sr. Business News Editor at Nobot.News.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *