Australia to make, export Germany's Boxer armed carrier to Germany

(Reuters) – In a major defence export deal, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the country will sign an in-principle agreement to deliver over 100 Australian-made Boxer armed carriers to the German military during his visit to Berlin. This deal signifies one of Australia’s largest defence export deals and highlights the growing collaboration between the two countries.

German defence contractor Rheinmetall commenced the manufacturing of the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle in Queensland, Australia, earlier this year. This contract aimed to supply 211 vehicles to the Australian military and consequently generate 1,000 new jobs within the next decade. The success of this partnership has led to the opportunity to bring German military technology back to its home country, as a result of the increased demand in Europe following the war in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Albanese expressed his excitement about this agreement, stating, “We will deliver over 100 Boxer armed carriers here to Germany. This will not only secure the future of the 1,000 jobs in Queensland, but also contribute over A$1 billion to the Australian economy.”

During his visit to Berlin, Prime Minister Albanese is scheduled to meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to solidify the in-principle agreement. The discussions will cover various aspects of defence and trade. Following this meeting, Prime Minister Albanese will attend the NATO leaders summit in Lithuania on Tuesday.

The inclusion of Australia as part of the Indo-Pacific Four initiative, together with Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand, demonstrates the increased global recognition of Australia’s strategic importance within the region.

Reporting by Kirsty Needham in Sydney; Editing by Lincoln Feast.