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The first batch of Australian‑built Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles (CRV) have rolled off the assembly line at Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s facility at Redbank, Queensland.
The first seven Boxers have now been completed, marking a major milestone for Australia’s sovereign defence industry.
A total of 211 Boxers will be built for the Australian Defence Force under the partnership with Rheinmetall Defence Australia, boosting domestic supply chains and creating high-skilled jobs nationwide. This includes the 25 Boxer CRVs built in Germany and already in service with the Australian Army.
The partnership with Rheinmetall Defence Australia (RDA) also underscores growing defence industry collaboration between Australia and Germany to deliver critical capabilities for both militaries.
More than 50 Australian companies have been contracted to support RDA in delivering the new fleet of Boxers, providing work for more than 500 people around the country.
In addition to these Boxers, RDA will also produce more than 100 Australian‑made Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles for the German Army, in a contract worth more than $1 billion to the Australian economy.
“This announcement reflects the Albanese government’s commitment to a future made in Australia that is providing superior protection and firepower to our ADF personnel but also supporting industry and creating jobs around the country,” Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said.
“We proudly welcome the first seven Australian-built Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles, a world-class capability forged with Australian expertise and Australian steel to protect our soldiers on operations.
“Rheinmetall Defence Australia, their industry partners and a highly skilled Aussie workforce have partnered to deliver this homegrown capability for our ADF. But this partnership with Rheinmetall also shows how closely Germany and Australia are working together on critical military capabilities.”
Boxer CRV variants include reconnaissance, command and control, joint fires and surveillance, repair and recovery. The reconnaissance variant features a turret fitted with a 30mm automatic cannon and an anti‑tank guided missile system.
