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Australia ,Germany

Australia has clinched its largest foreign military export deal with Germany, signing a production contract for 123 Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles. The agreement also includes the export of over 100 vehicles to the German Army. This milestone follows a mutual agreement between the Australian and German governments, with Rheinmetall, the defense contractor, spearheading the initiative.

The contract, valued at €2.7 billion, encompasses production, maintenance, and repair services. Rheinmetall's Managing Director in Australia, Nathan Poyner, affirmed the significance of this order, marking a pivotal moment in Australia's defense export history. Deliveries are slated to commence in 2025, with the first Australian-manufactured vehicle expected to roll out in 2026.

The Heavy Weapon Carrier, also known as the "Schwerer Waffenträger Infanterie" vehicle, is derived from the Australian Army's Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV). The Boxer platform is globally renowned for its advanced features, including enhanced troop safety, firepower, and mobility, making it adaptable for various operational scenarios, from peacekeeping missions to high-intensity combat.

One of the key components of the CRV is its reconnaissance mission module, equipped with the two-person digital Lance turret. This marks the first utilization of a crewed medium-caliber turret on the Boxer platform, further enhancing its capabilities on the battlefield.

Production of the German Boxers will take place at Rheinmetall's Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in South East Queensland, Australia. This facility, staffed by over 650 skilled workers, serves as a hub for vehicle, armor, and electronics production, not only for Australia but also for global partners.

The contract underscores Rheinmetall's commitment to fostering Australia's defense industry capability, creating local value, and integrating Australian companies into its global supply chain. Armin Papperger, Chairman of the Executive Board of Rheinmetall AG, expressed gratitude for being selected to supply the Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles, emphasizing the importance of this endeavor for the German Army's new force category, the 'medium forces.'

By leveraging the expertise of its Australian workforce and integrating capabilities from its global network, Rheinmetall aims to expedite the delivery of combat vehicles to the German Army. This collaboration not only strengthens defense ties between Australia and Germany but also contributes to enhancing global security.

In addition to the Boxer vehicles ordered under Australia's LAND 400 Phase 2 project, which includes the CRV variant with the crewed digital Lance turret, Rheinmetall provides services for the Australian Army's HX truck fleet and supplies the Multi-Ammunition Soft-Kill System to the Royal Australian Navy. Furthermore, Rheinmetall has been instrumental in managing training systems for Defense and has delivered a significant number of HX Trucks to the New Zealand Defense Force.

In conclusion, the signing of the production contract for Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles marks a significant milestone in Australia's defense export history. This collaboration between Australia and Germany, facilitated by Rheinmetall, not only enhances bilateral defense cooperation but also contributes to global security efforts. With deliveries set to commence in 2025, this partnership underscores the shared commitment to bolstering defense capabilities and fostering innovation in the defense industry.