The Australian Army will purchase over 1000 vehicles and trailers to be manufactured at the Thales production line in Bendigo.
The $1.3 billion agreement includes 1100 Hawkei protected vehicles and over 1000 trailers.
The vehicles are designed to provide protection from improvised explosive devices, mines and small arms ambushes. It will also include a next generation communications management system being developed by Thales.
The Thales assembly line at Bendigo has been producing the Bushmaster vehicle since 2004. As Bushmaster production winds down, pilot Hawkei vehicle production will start in early 2016 with first deliveries expected towards the end of 2017.
Smaller than the Bushmaster, the Hawkei will be the only protected mobility vehicle in the Australian Defence Forces that can be transported by ADF helicopters.
Thales Australia CEO Chris Jenkins said it was a great story about what Australian industry and international partnerships can achieve.
“Hawkei is a highly capable vehicle that will serve this country well for many years to come, and we are delighted that the Department of Defence has recognised the importance of this vehicle by reaching this milestone,” he said.
“As we move into the manufacturing phase, we will now be able to consolidate the work already begun across the Thales group worldwide to ensure the export success of this impressive vehicle.”
Photo: ADF