Defence has contracted Rheinmetall Defence Australia to deliver and support 211 Boxer 8x8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV) for the Australian Army.
This is a significant Army capability that will enhance the safety, security and protection of Australian troops for the next 30 years. The Boxer CRV will replace the Australian Light Armoured Vehicle, which has seen extensive operational service since its introduction in 1996.
The Boxer CRV will operate in a range of environments, from the littoral environment of our near region, to contested complex urban environments. The high levels of protection, firepower and mobility provided by the vehicle will enable sustained operations, varying from peacekeeping to close combat.
Rheinmetall Defence Australia has delivered the first 25 Boxer CRVs (known as Block I vehicles) to Defence. The Block I vehicles were built and assembled primarily in Germany and underwent final integration and acceptance testing in Australia.
With a deliberate period of transition, the remaining Boxer CRVs (known as Block II vehicles) will be built and assembled in Australia, under a gradual ramp down in Germany and ramp up in Australia. This will enable progressive technology transfer of the manufacturing techniques and assembly line processes to Australia during this period.
The Resident Project Office in Hamburg continues to support the delivery of the capability and will be in operation until December 2023.
Rheinmetall has officially opened its Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) facility in Redbank, Queensland, and is progressively establishing contracts with its major Australian sub-contractors.
The Australian workforce involved in the construction of the vehicles will be used to support sustainment, progressive development and upgrades to the Boxer CRV. They will also be used to support potential export opportunities.
Some variants of the CRV will be equipped with:
- an Anti-Tank Guided Missile; and
- a Remote Weapon Station – Block I (Kongsberg) and Block II (Electro Optic Systems).
Australian Industry Capability (AIC)
- Rheinmetall Defence Australia has committed to Australian expenditure of $1.685 billion under the Boxer CRV acquisition contract, as outlined in the AIC Plan.
- Rheinmetall Defence Australia has committed to Australian expenditure of $173 million under the initial support contract for the Boxer CRV, as outlined in the AIC Plan.
- Defence has contracted Australian company Universal Motion Simulator to deliver a high fidelity and immersive training solution to support the Boxer CRV driver training. This includes a commitment to Australian expenditure of $22 million, as outlined in the AIC Plan.
- Defence has contracted Australian company Electro Optic Systems to provide Remote Weapon Stations for the Block II vehicles. This includes Australian expenditure of $35 million, as outlined in the AIC Plan.
Rheinmetall Defence Australia has established an online industry portal for LAND 400 Phase 2, to advertise future work and communicate with the Australian industry network.