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Australia, Germany enter record defence export deal

By AAP Newswire

Mar 21, 2024

Rheinmetall Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Redbank — German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall will build more than 100 armoured vehicles in Queensland. -AAP Image

Australia has signed an agreement to send armoured vehicles to Germany in what is being billed as the biggest Australian defence export in history.

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German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall will build more than 100 Boxer heavy weapon carrier vehicles at its facility in Queensland before they are exported for use by the German army.

The deal, worth $1 billion to the Australian economy, has passed the German parliament and will secure at least 600 jobs in Queensland, with more to come further in the supply chain.

The deal marked the "single largest defence export agreement" in Australia's history, the government said in a statement.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the deal would boost Australia's sovereign defence industry, secure local jobs and contribute to the nation's economic growth.

The agreement was signed in-principle when the prime minister visited Berlin in July.

"This announcement underscores the support and immense effort on the part of the Albanese government in ensuring we have a robust defence industry," defence industry minister Pat Conroy said.

"A strong defence industry is crucial to protecting Australians and their interests."

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press