shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > News > World News > Article > German firm gets biggest defence contract in Australian history

German firm gets biggest defence contract in Australian history

Updated on: 14 March,2018 11:50 AM IST  |  Canberra
IANS |

German contractor Rheinmetall has won a $4.08 billion contract to build 211 light armoured vehicles for the Australian Army

German firm gets biggest defence contract in Australian history

Representation pic
Representation pic


German contractor Rheinmetall has won a $4.08 billion contract to build 211 light armoured vehicles for the Australian Army. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull while announcing the contract on Wednesday, said it was the single-largest acquisition in the Australian Army's history, with the purchase and maintenance of the vehicles to cost $12.1 billion.


"This is about lethality and survivability. This is about capability and protection," Xinhua quoted Turnbull as saying. The vehicles will be built at a new facility in Ipswich, west of Brisbane, creating 1,450 jobs across Australia. The federal government also considered a bid by the Britain's BAE Systems, which would have built the vehicles in Victoria, but Defence Minister Marise Payne said the chosen prototypes had been through rigorous testing.


The vehicles will have a 30-year life and will be equipped for peacekeeping and high-threat operations, the Australian Defence Force said. The opposition Australian Labor Party has accused the government of choosing Rheinmetall's bid to appease voters in marginal electorates in Queensland, a suggestion dismissed by Defence Industry Minister Chris Pyne.

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK