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Defence Minister Linda Reynolds and Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price have welcomed the signing of a $21.4 million support contract with Geelong-based Universal Motion Simulator to provide the sustainment of training simulators for the new Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles and Army’s M1A1 Abrams.
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In addition to supporting Boxer training, the simulators can be reconfigured to train Army drivers on other types of armoured vehicles including the M1A1 Abrams main battle tank and the future infantry fighting vehicles.
Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said this milestone was another step towards modernising Australia’s armoured vehicle fleet through the $5 billion LAND 400 Phase 2 Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability project.
"The new Boxer vehicle fleet is part of the government’s $200 billion investment in our defence capability to deliver a more potent, agile and capable Australian Defence Force," Minister Reynolds said.
Minister Reynolds added, "The new vehicles will provide a world-class capability to the Australian Army with their high levels of protection, firepower and mobility."
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the Australian government is committed to maximising Australian defence industry involvement in the project.
"This seven-year contract will provide long-term employment opportunities for Universal Motion Simulator Pty Ltd and its Australian workforce," Minister Price said.
"The potential for growth for this Geelong-based company is indicative of this government’s commitment to further strengthen Australia’s defence industry."
Defence’s acquisition of six driver training simulators was announced in February 2019, with the first simulators expected to be delivered in 2022.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
