Hanwha Aerospace Unveils New Armored Vehicle Centre in Australia.

On August 23, 2024, Hanwha Aerospace announced the completion of its Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) in Geelong, marking a significant advancement in the defense industry and the collaboration between Australia and South Korea. The new site represents the first overseas defense production base for the Korean company.

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Hanwha Aerospace announced the completion of its Armoured Vehicle Centre in Australia (Picture source: Hanwha)

According to Jae-il Son, CEO and President of Hanwha Aerospace, this center symbolizes the company's long-term commitment to Geelong, Victoria, and Australia. "H-ACE will play a crucial role in our global defense supply network, and we are determined to integrate more Australian companies into our future initiatives," Mr. Son stated during the inauguration.

The opening event was attended by several dignitaries, including Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Richard Marles, South Korea's DAPA Minister, Jong-gun Seok, the Chief of the Australian Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, and the Head of Land Capability, Major General Richard Vagg.

The H-ACE center, covering an area of 150,000 square meters, includes various facilities such as a main building, a production building, an assembly plant, a driving test site, and a shooting range. Located an hour's drive from Melbourne and ten minutes from Avalon Airport, the center offers excellent logistical opportunities.

The initial production projects at H-ACE will include the AS9 Self-Propelled Howitzer and the AS10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicle, with plans to supply 30 and 15 units, respectively, to the Australian Army. Additionally, the center will manufacture the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle, with a contract already in place for 129 units, following the delivery of prototypes scheduled after 2026.

The commissioning of H-ACE represents a key milestone for Hanwha Aerospace, which is looking to strengthen its presence in the AUKUS markets at a time when demand for defense products is increasing in the Indo-Pacific region due to rising geopolitical tensions.

This development promises not only to strengthen Australian national defense but also to boost the local economy through job creation and increased industrial production, marking a significant turning point in the defense sector relations between Australia and South Korea.