The Queensland Government has announced that production has begun on the first Australian-built Boxer CRV miliary vehicles to the south of Brisbane. Source: Rheinmetall Defence
Full-scale production has begun on the first wholly-Australian built Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRVs) at Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) in Redbank, Ipswich, south of Brisbane.
Rheinmetall, with the support of the Queensland Government, secured the project worth $5.2 billion for the delivery of 211 Boxer CRVs to the Australian Defence Force.
The beginning of production is particularly notable, due to concerns the ABC rose in 2021 that the project would face length delays due to technical issues.
But with with production commencing, the MILVEHCOE has created 600 jobs for Queenslanders at the facility with more through the local supply chain.
The facility is also expected to contribute more than $1 billion to Queensland’s economy over the life of the project.
In October last year, the Australian Army announced that the first 25 Boxer CRVs, partially manufactured in Germany, had achieved their initial operating capability, following extensive testing and live exercises.
Australia’s and Germany’s government had also recently announced that talks are underway to manufacture and export the Queensland-made Boxer CRVs to the German Army.
Rheinmetall has also been shortlisted for another multi-billion-dollar project, and to produce hundreds of Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicles from the MILVEHCOE facility.
“This potential export opportunity demonstrates the world-class capabilities of Australia’s defence industry and will likely result in increased employment and a longer production skyline for Boxer CRVs at the MILVEHCOE,” the Queensland Government announced in a media release.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Deputy Premier Steven Miles and Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum toured the military vehicle manufacturing facility to celebrate the new production of Boxer CRVs.
“This is a very proud day for Queensland’s defence manufacturing capabilities, as our association with Rheinmetall on the $5.2 billion LAND 400 Phase 2 project delivers locally built Boxer CRVs,” said Palaszczuk.
“That means local, specialised jobs for Queenslanders.”
Miles also praised the project. “As a global defence giant, Rheinmetall’s presence in Queensland is an economic development game-changer,” he said.
“Queensland is creating new jobs and boosting economic growth by supporting this growing industry sector and maximising the opportunities for Queensland enterprises in both local and export markets.”
The Queensland Government’s full statement can be read here.
