Chief
Executive Officer, Michael Moody, said that following
discussions with the State Government and potential suppliers,
South Australia offered the most suitable manufacturing
base for the Ocelot.
“Since
we first met with the Government and potential suppliers
in 2009, it has become clear that South Australia can
provide the essential ingredients we need to successfully
manufacture and support the Ocelot,” Mr Moody said.
“This view was confirmed during my recent discussions
with Premier Mike Rann.
“The
South Australian Government has been very supportive and
highly professional in its discussions with us. South
Australia’s reputation as Australia’s ‘Defence
State’ is well-founded. I certainly believe that
with our Ocelot, the strength and capability of Force
Protection and our collaboration with South Australia,
we will have a compelling offering for the Commonwealth
of Australia.”
Force
Protection has identified a site within the Edinburgh
Parks precinct, in Adelaide’s northern suburbs,
as a suitable location for its proposed vehicle manufacturing
base.
He
said today’s announcement strengthened Force Protection’s
commitment to operating in Australia, and looked forward
to making further announcements about the company’s
plans.
This
is a significant step forward in the potential development
of the Ocelot in Australia.
It
also follows an announcement last month that the UK’s
Ministry of Defence (MoD) had selected Force Protection
Europe as preferred bidder to supply its Ocelot for the
MoD’s urgent operational requirement for the Light
Protected Patrol Vehicle program (LPPV).
Mr.
Moody concluded, “The Ocelot now has a first class
endorsement from the United Kingdom and is ideally suited
to the Australian requirement."
