A massive jobs boost for Geelong, with a defence contract awarded to build infantry fighting vehicles.
Hanwha Defense Australia, which is building a $170 million plant at Avalon, has been successful in th Land 400 Phase 3 bid, which will provide the Army with 129 Redback vehicles.
Hanwha was one of two companies vying for the multi-billion dollar contract, but there were fears it could have been scrapped in the federal budget.
Labor reduced the number of infantry vehicles being built from 450 to 129.
The new vehicles will replace the Armoured Personnel Carriers, which have been used since the 1960s.
Former Victorian Minister Martin Pakula took to Twitter to say it was amazing news for Geelong and all those who worked hard on the bid.
“Special shout out to the Victorian Defence Industry Advisory Council and the Defence Industry Advocate John O’Callaghan,” he wrote.
Picture: Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle [supplied]
