Australia's largest ever defence export agreement has taken its next step today, with the signing of a production contract between the Australian Government and Rheinmetall Defence Australia.
The signing of the production contract fulfils the intent of the bilateral agreement signed by the Australian and German Governments in March to export more than 100 Australian-made Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles to Germany.
This contract, worth more than $1 billion to the Australian economy, will see Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles, built at Rheinmetall Defence Australia's Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Redbank, Queensland, supplied to the German Army.
This contract will secure 600 direct jobs in Queensland, in addition to the economic opportunities that will flow through the defence supply chain.
The first vehicle to be built in Australia is scheduled to be delivered to the German Government in 2026 with the final vehicle due in 2030.
Quotes attributable to Major General Jason Blain, Head Land Systems Division:
"This contract will supply our security partner, Germany, with one of the most advanced armoured vehicles in the world, and supports Australia's world-class defence industry, not only here in Queensland, but throughout the national supply chain.
"This contract signing signals the strength of the ongoing partnership between the Australian Government and our nation's defence industry, including Rheinmetall Defence Australia.
"Rheinmetall Defence Australia has strong, enduring partnerships with a large number of Australian companies skilled in the delivery of military vehicle capabilities."
