Australia to Export 100 Armored Vehicles to Germany

Australia signed an agreement worth more than $662 million today (Thursday) to export over 100 armored vehicles to Germany, in what is described as the largest-ever contract for the Australian defense sector, according to the German Press Agency.

Under the agreement, the German weapons manufacturer Rheinmetall will produce Boxer armored fighting vehicles at its factory in Queensland, eastern Australia, for later export to the German Army.

The German parliament approved the agreement after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Germany and Australia during his visit to Berlin last July.

Albanese stated that the agreement, valued at over AUD 1 billion ($662 million USD), will provide more than 600 direct jobs.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said the deal is the largest defense export agreement in Australia's history.

He added in a statement that "the manufacturing of Boxer armored fighting vehicles and their export to the German Army underscore the strengthening of our bilateral relationship."

The deal marks a significant milestone in the defense collaboration between Australia and Germany, highlighting the growing cooperation between the two countries in the defense industry.