The Australian order for 200 Boxer 8x8 combat reconnaissance vehicles granted last March to Rheinmetall Defence in the framework the Land 400 Phase 2 programme leads to generates many additional part supplier contracts next financial year.

The Boxer contract involves a large increase of  Rheinmetall's Australian part suppliers (Picture source: Wikipedia)

The army’s $5 billion Land 400 Phase 2 prime contract for the Boxers will involve a 69% participation of Australian part suppliers starting in 2019, a significant increase from the current 40%. A military vehicle centre of excellence is planned for the Brisbane area. The first deliveries of the planned eventual 211 CRVs are expected by 2020 for cavalry regiments. About $1.8bn out of the total contract will be spent in Queensland.

According to The Australian newspaper, near-future army contracts, the Australian Defence Force also faces decisions under Land 907 Phase 2 on upgrading the Abrams tanks and Hercules armoured recovery vehicles for up to $1bn, and on Land 8160 Phase 1 contracts for new armoured specialist engineering-work vehicles, costing at least $1bn.

The Land 400 Phase 3 project for more than 400 new infantry fighting vehicles begins later this year with an industry briefing and possible request for tender. Rheinmetall’s Lynx could make the shortlist for the IFVs too. RDA includes other units of the German parent’s local defence businesses: Rheinmetall MAN Manned Military Vehicles Australia, which delivers Land 121 army transport vehicles, Rheinmetall Electronic Solutions and Logistic Solutions.