Defence News

Thales Australia to make weapons components for Defence vehicles

Eliza Sayon Sep 28, 2021

2 min read

Thales Australia has been contracted to manufacture critical weapons components for the new Boxer 8×8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles, adding further support to Australia’s defence industry.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price has revealed that Thales was contracted by Rheinmetall Defence Australia for the creation of the Boxer Vehicles.

The company would be drawing from its extensive experience and Australian supplier base to assist with the manufacture of components for the vehicle’s 30mm cannon, which will be assembled at Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Redbank, Queensland.

Minister Price said that Defence’s partnerships with the local defence industry were critical as it ensures that the country’s industrial base is effectively supported by national security.

“This contract is a great testament to the Australian Government’s commitment to strengthening Australia’s sovereign defence industrial capability and maximising opportunities for local business in defence manufacturing,” Minister Price said.

With the defence industry playing a vital role in providing resources for the Australian Army, these partnerships are sure to help Australian businesses and support local jobs.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee welcomed the announcement as a boon for jobs and investment in the Lithgow community.

“In 1912, the Lithgow Small Arms Factory, which would become Thales Australia, began producing SMLE 303 rifles carried by Australian forces in WW1,” Minister Gee said.

“More than a century later, the tradition of the Australian Defence Force employing not only Australian-made but Lithgow-made weapons continues, with Thales Australia to deliver 30mm cannon components for the new Boxer 8×8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles.

The first samples of the weapons components manufactured by Thales Australia have passed the stringent quality control checks by Rheinmetall in Germany.

The manufacturing partnership between the two defence companies is expected to create about 10 new jobs and provide support for the 130 jobs that are already at the Lithgow site.

“The Lithgow Arms Factory is part of the fabric of the Lithgow region, and plays a key role in our national defence capability, ensuring our ADF personnel have access to world-class military weapons,” Minister Gee said.

As a key investment of the 2020 Force Structure Plan, Rheinmetall Defence Australia will deliver and support 211 Boxer 8×8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles. This project is expected to replace the Australian Army’s Australian Light Armoured Vehicles.

The Boxer Vehicles are said to provide enhanced mobility, firepower and protection in environments ranging from regional stability missions to high threat operations.

Source: Department of Defence Media Release

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.