British Company Supacat has opened facility Australia to produce special operations vehicle 2212121.

"Australia will be the first country outside the United Kingdom where Supacat provides complete in-country support," said Clare.

"Its establishment here in Melbourne shows the strength of our local industry."

The first SOV (Special Operations Vehicle) prototype was recently delivered to the army and the Supacat facility is focusing on analysis of the project, the Ministry of Defense said. The vehicle can carry a range of weapons, communications and surveillance equipment.

Supacat, with headquarters in the United Kingdom, was this year selected to develop a prototype vehicle for the Special Operations Vehicle -- Direct Action requirement under Project JP2097 Phase 1B. The prototype will establish capability options for Second Pass project approval by the government and final design of the vehicle.

Last year Supacat put together what it calls Supacat Team Australia, a supply chain partnership of Australian companies which made up the British firm's bid for the contract.

The SOV is a more robust vehicle that includes stronger rollover protection, a remote weapon station, an ability to carry a Javelin Anti-Tank missile system and improved self-recovery capability.

The vehicle is capable of being slung under a CH-47 Chinook helicopter for fast interjection and evacuation in the field.