Photo: Defence Connect

Australia and Germany have signed a letter of cooperation to start formal negotiations for exporting Boxer heavy weapon carrier vehicles in one of our largest ever defence export contracts.

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy met with German Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Defence, Thomas Hitschler, for the major defence export discussion on 23 March.

More than 100 Boxer heavy weapon carrier vehicles could be produced for Germany by Rheinmetall under the possible deal, using production capacity from the Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Brisbane.

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said Defence will now enter into formal negotiations with the German Ministry of Defence and Rheinmetall to establish appropriate legal and commercial arrangements.

“We are excited about the prospect of Boxers for the German Army being built in Brisbane, using suppliers across Australia to assist in the production,” he said.

“This export opportunity would secure well-paid secure jobs in Queensland and across the country, helping to build Australia’s defence industry and boost our economy.

“We are keen to export this world-leading capability to a trusted and respected security partner, and to further strengthen the defence relationship between our countries.”

Rheinmetall Defence Australia recently announced they had officially “struck the arc” in the first weld of materials for the first Australian Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle.

Defence Connect questioned Defence Media about the cost and delivery timeline of Boxer combat vehicles.

“The specific details of this export opportunity are subject to negotiation outcomes,” said a Defence spokesperson.

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