Australia Exports 100 Boxer Armored Vehicles to Germany.

In a historic transaction representing the most significant defense export agreement ever concluded by Australia, the Albanese government has finalized the sale of more than 100 Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier armored vehicles made in Australia to Germany. These vehicles, manufactured by Rheinmetall in the Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Redbank, Queensland, are intended to enhance the capabilities of the German army.
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The Australian government has finalized the sale of more than 100 Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier armored vehicles to Germany. (Picture source: German MoD)

The ratification of this agreement by the German parliament follows an initial in-principle agreement observed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his visit to Berlin in July of the previous year. This agreement not only marks a key moment for the Australian defense industry but also represents an economic advancement, contributing over a billion dollars to the Australian economy. It is expected to support more than 600 direct jobs in Queensland, with additional jobs generated throughout the supply chain.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the agreement, emphasizing its importance in strengthening Australia's sovereign defense industry, securing local jobs, and contributing to national economic growth. "This agreement secures well-paid jobs in Queensland and across the country," Albanese said, highlighting the economic and employment benefits of the agreement.

Defense Minister Richard Marles expressed satisfaction with the finalization of this historic defense export deal, focusing on the strengthened ties between Australia and Germany. Marles noted, "The Albanese government is committed to enhancing our nation's growing defense industry, its technology, and talent, while also supporting ongoing economic prosperity in the region."

Furthermore, Minister for Defense Industry Pat Conroy emphasized the government's commitment to a robust defense sector, crucial for protecting Australians and their interests. The announcement is seen as a testament to the government's efforts and the hard work of Australians in the defense industry. Conroy highlighted the impact on employment, stating, "Today’s announcement means that more than 600 Australians will obtain stable employment at Rheinmetall's Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Queensland, as well as many others across our defense industry in the nation."

The Boxer is a multifunctional armored vehicle jointly designed by Germany and the Netherlands. It is armed with either a 12.7 mm machine gun or a 40 mm grenade launcher. Its protection is provided by steel and ceramic armor, with the option to add reactive armor and active protection systems to increase its resilience against modern threats.

This combat vehicle, weighing 33 tons, stands out for its versatility and capability to operate in various environments, thanks to a complete range of accessories such as air conditioning, a fire extinguishing system, a navigation system, NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection, a rearview camera, and crew seats equipped with airbags. These features underline the Boxer's commitment to ensuring the comfort and safety of its crew, consisting of 3 members plus 8 transported soldiers.

The Boxer is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 103 km/h, offering exceptional mobility on the battlefield, while having a maximum road range of 1,000 km, making it an ideal choice for extended missions without frequent refueling. Its dimensions are 7.93 meters in length, 2.99 meters in width, and 2.37 meters in height, providing an optimal balance between interior habitability and maneuverability.

Currently, in service in several countries, including Australia, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, the Boxer is recognized for its ability to effectively meet the demands of modern military operations, proving its reputation as one of the most advanced and reliable armored vehicles on the international defense market.

The Australian Army's contract with Germany to incorporate the Boxer vehicles into its forces was part of a broader initiative under Australia's LAND 400 Phase 2 project. This project aimed to replace the army's ageing fleet of Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs) with newer technology to enhance its operational capabilities. In March 2018, Rheinmetall Defense Australia was selected as the preferred tenderer for the project, which involved supplying 211 Boxer vehicles.

This agreement positions the Australian defense industry at the forefront of providing cutting-edge defense capabilities to Germany, a trusted security partner, thereby solidifying the international standing and technological expertise of Australia's defense sector.