SYDNEY, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- The Australian Army has awarded Thales Group a $936 million contract to supply 1,100 Hawkei light protected mobility vehicles, the company announced Monday.
The company says the Australian Army will benefit from the vehicle's increased protection, mobility and adaptability. The contract follows Australia's earlier purchase of the larger Bushmaster vehicle, which was also used for armored protection and transportation. Thales Chairman and CEO Patrice Caine commended the partnership between his company and the Australian military, and said the Hawkei will give the Army what it needs.
"This is a great day for the Australian Defence Force and for Australian industry," Caine said in a statement. "Hawkei is a highly capable vehicle that will serve Australia for many years to come, and we are delighted that the Australian Department of Defence has recognised the importance of this vehicle by reaching this milestone."
The 4x4 vehicles will replace Australia's Land Rover fleet. The light PMVs can be equipped with heave machine guns, grenade launchers and other weapons, and can be carried by helicopter.
In addition to the vehicles, Thales Group will provide the Australian Army with 1,000 trailers. Production of the vehicles is scheduled to begin in mid-2017, with deliveries set to begin later that same year.
"As we move into the manufacturing phase, we will now be able to consolidate the work already begun across the Thales group worldwide to ensure the export success of this impressive vehicle," Caine added.
