Queensland will play host to the Asia-Pacific's pre-eminent showcase for armies across the region, Land Forces 2020.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the announcement reinforced Queensland's position as the new home of Australian defence industries.
"This is great recognition for the hard work of so many Queensland businesses that support the men and women who serve in the Australian Army," the Premier said.
"With Rheinmetall, Queensland is already set to build the Army's new Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles as part of the $5 billion Land 400 Phase 2 contract that will deliver 450 long-term advanced manufacturing and engineering jobs.
"Building the Boxers puts Queensland and Rheinmetall in the box seat when it comes to the contract for Land 400 Phase 3, a $15 billion project to build Infantry Fighting Vehicles for the Australian Army.
"Having the eyes of the defence world on Queensland will further enhance our reputation as the new home of Australia's defence industries.
"Queensland is also home to over 40 per cent of the Australian Army, including two of the Army's three combat brigades.
"The recent natural disaster in Townsville and north west Queensland have once again highlighted the close bonds that Queensland shares with the Australia Army."
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the Land Forces 2020 would provide future growth opportunities for companies across Queensland.
"Queensland's defence industries now employ more than 6500 people," Mr Dick said.
"In 2017-18 $9.55 billion in Australian defence contracts were awarded to companies based in Queensland, more than double the value of the previous year."
"Just this morning I was inspecting the construction underway at Rheinmetall's Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) at Redbank near Ipswich.
"That facility will be where the Boxers are manufactured that will protect the men and women of the Australian Army.
"After the Boxers, we are hopeful it will be where the Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicles are made, ensuring Queensland is home to long-term, highly skilled defence industry jobs for decades to come.
"We want more Queensland companies, big and small, to have the opportunity to grow in this key sector of advanced manufacturing.
"Hosting Land Forces 2020 creates the perfect backdrop for that to occur."
The Land Forces event was last held in Queensland in 2014, followed by South Australia in 2016 and 2018.
Land Forces 2018 attracted more than 15,000 visitors and exhibitors, including 67 official defence, government and trade delegations.
540 companies from 25 countries participated in the exhibition.
Learn more about Queensland Defence Industries 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan and how it's shaping the future direction and global growth of defence industries in Queensland.
