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A Victorian company has been selected to support Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s export deal with the United States.
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Rheinmetall Defence Australia (RDA) has awarded a contract to Marand Precision Australia, which has been tasked with manufacturing a Roof Module for the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle (IFV).
The partnership supports RDA’s export deal with the US, with Team Lynx to deliver vehicles for testing activities associated with the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) program — aimed at delivering a next-generation armoured vehicle to the US Army.
This is in addition to a teaming arrangement supporting RDA’s bid for the Commonwealth government’s LAND 400 Phase 3 program — an $18-27 billion project to replace the Australian Army’s ageing M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers.
As part of the LAND 400 Phase 3 push, Marand is expected to produce Roof Module subassemblies and other parts for all variants of the vehicle from its manufacturing facilities in Geelong.
This latest arrangement between Marand and Rheinmetall is scheduled to commence ahead of the LAND 400 Phase 3 bid decision.
Marand chief executive Rohan Stocker said the contract would bolster the company’s global export footprint.
“By producing such a major component in the form of the Roof Module for the Lynx IFV in Geelong, Marand and Rheinmetall will be working in partnership to further develop the Australian supply chain and establish armour steel welding capabilities in support of the LAND 400 Phase 3 program,” Stocker said.
“We welcome the opportunity to leverage the investment we have made in the local LAND 400 Phase 3 program, and in the process help our partner Rheinmetall on their other campaigns.
“Going forward we continue to build on our teaming agreement, and this roof module will serve to de-risk the planned Australian production, should the Lynx bid be successful.”
Marand supplies engineering solutions to the defence, aerospace, rail, automotive and mining sectors.
RDA joins the list of major multinational companies supported by the Victorian company, following the likes of Lockheed Martin, Boeing, BAE Systems, BHP and Rio Tinto.
[Related: Rheinmetall Defence Australia confirms Lynx IFV export deal to United States]
