The Albanese Government has agreed to a major defence export deal with Germany, signing an in-principle agreement for Australia to supply more than 100 Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles, built in Brisbane.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese witnessed the signing of the agreement by Ambassador to Germany Philip Green and Mr Benedikt Zimmer, State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Defence, during his visit to Berlin.
Once finalised, the deal would see Rheinmetall leverage its production capacity at its Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Redbank, Queensland to supply the vehicles to Germany.
The deal represents one of Australia’s largest ever defence export contracts, worth over $1 billion to the Australian economy in the production and supply of vehicles, supporting approximately 1,000 local Australian jobs and providing a significant boost to our sovereign defence industry.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:
“This is one of the biggest defence sales in Australia’s history and is worth over $1 billion to the Australian economy in the production and supply of these vehicles.
“The agreement will boost Australia’s sovereign defence industry, secure local jobs and contribute to Australia’s economic growth.
“This deal secures well-paid jobs in Queensland and across the country.”
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said:
“The Defence relationship between Australia and Germany is growing significantly, and we are excited about this in-principle agreement for Rheinmetall to build Boxers for the German Army in Brisbane.
“This is a significant investment for our local defence industry; securing local jobs and contributing to Australia’s economic growth.
“I look forward to seeing this significant deal between our two countries continue to progress.”
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said:
“We are excited that Boxers made in Brisbane, using Australian suppliers, will be used by the German Army.
“This export opportunity highlights the world-leading skills and capabilities within Australia’s defence industry.
“This deal will support hundreds of well-paid, high skill jobs and grow the defence relationship between Australia and Germany.”