Rheinmetall Defence Australia today signed the production contract for 123 Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles, with more than 100 of these vehicles to be exported from Australia for use by the German Army; becoming Australia’s largest foreign military export to Germany.
+ Video: Fire Tests in Germany for the Boxer Reconnaissance Vehicle
The acquisition of the Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles is based on a mutual agreement between the Australian Government and the German Government. Rheinmetall announced the contract with the German authorities totaling €2.7 billion, including maintenance and repair, following the commissioning in March 2024. The corresponding production contract has now been awarded in Australia.
Nathan Poyner, managing director of Rheinmetall Defence Australia, confirmed that the order is the largest foreign military export from Australia to Germany. “Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2025, with the first vehicle built in Australia to be delivered in 2026,” added Poyner.
The Heavy Weapon Carrier, or “Schwerer Waffenträger Infanterie” is based on the Australian Army’s Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV).
The Boxer vehicle is an advanced 8×8 armored vehicle in service with armies around the world. It offers enhanced troop safety and protection, along with high levels of firepower and mobility for sustained operations ranging from peacekeeping to high-intensity combat.
The CRV is equipped with a reconnaissance mission module, including the two-person digital Lance turret; the first manned medium-caliber turret to be placed into service on the Boxer platform.
The German Boxers will be produced at the Rheinmetall Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Redbank, Southeast Queensland.
Source, photos, and video: Rheinmetall Defence Australia – This content was created with the help of AI
