Significant step toward Geelong defence production facility

Posted: 9th Oct

Creation of an elite defence production facility in Greater Geelong is one step closer to reality with Hanwha Defence Australia progressing to Phase 3 of the LAND 400 Project.

LAND 400, managed by the Department of Defence, will supply the Australian Army with updated infantry fighting vehicles. Phase 3 will test the updated vehicles in combat conditions to identify, manage and mitigate risks in the current designs.

Hanwha’s Redback infantry fighting vehicle has been developed to meet the Australian Army’s requirements. If successful in LAND 400 Phase 3, the Redback will be produced in Victoria from 2023 / 2024 at Hanwha’s proposed Greater Geelong production facility, a development that is expected to generate hundreds of jobs for the region.

Additionally, Hanwha’s facility will have capacity to produce the Huntsman self-propelled howitzers proposed under the Australian Government’s LAND 8116 project, further boosting its employment potential.

The Geelong Defence Alliance, a collaboration between Geelong-based industry and key stakeholders focused on increasing local involvement in the defence industry, has strongly supported Hanwha’s bid to develop a presence in Greater Geelong.

Hanwha is one of two participants in LAND 400 Phase 3. The Australian Government will confirm the successful Phase 3 participant in 2022.

Source: Mirage News - https://www.miragenews.com/significant-step-toward-geelong-defence-production-facility/