Australia and Germany negotiate Boxer export deal.

Photo: Soldiers from the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) in an Australian Army Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle conduct a battle run at Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland. Photo: CPL Nicole Dorrett

By Robert Doughety

Australia and Germany have signed a letter of cooperation to start formal negotiations for exporting Boxer heavy weapon carrier vehicles in one of our largest ever defence export contracts.

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy met with German Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Defence, Thomas Hitschler, for the major defence export discussion on 23 March.

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said Defence will now enter into formal negotiations with the German Ministry of Defence and Rheinmetall to establish appropriate legal and commercial arrangements.

“We are excited about the prospect of Boxers for the German Army being built in Brisbane, using suppliers across Australia to assist in the production,” he said.

“This export opportunity would secure well-paid secure jobs in Queensland and across the country, helping to build Australia’s defence industry and boost our economy.

“We are keen to export this world-leading capability to a trusted and respected security partner, and to further strengthen the defence relationship between our countries.”