Australia to export 100 Boxer armoured vehicles

Australia has consummated its biggest ever defence export deal, with the federal government entering into an agreement to supply Australian-made Boxer armoured vehicles to Germany.

Under the agreement, more than 100 Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles will be built by Rheinmetall at its Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Redbank, Queensland and exported for use by the German Army in a $1 billion deal.

The agreement, now passed through the German parliament, was foreshadowed in July 2023, and confirmed in an in-principle agreement between Germany and Australia signed during Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to Berlin in July last year.

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said: “This announcement underscores the support and immense effort on the part of the Albanese Government in ensuring we have 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.

“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.”

The government said in a statement that the deal was a significant milestone for Australia’s defence industry, boosting sovereign defence industry and securing more than 600 direct jobs in Queensland alone, with even more through the supply chain.

“Today’s announcement will see Australian defence industry at the forefront of delivering world-leading defence capability to our trusted security partner, Germany.”

The Minister for Defence Richard Marles said the export of Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles to the German Army highlights a strengthening of the relationship between the two countries.

Further reading:
Australia to export Boxer armoured vehicles to Germany

Picture: Reinmetall/Boxer