First Complete Vehicle Export for MILVEHCOE

Rheinmetall Defence Australia (RDA) announced a build and export contract for a LYNX IFV test chassis to the USA on 25 October. RDA Managing Director, Gary Stewart, said the contract was the first of its kind, and provided design and manufacturing export work both for the Rheinmetall team and its growing Australian industry network.

“This is a landmark for Rheinmetall and Australia. with the LYNX Infantry Fighting Vehicle test chassis to be manufactured at the state-of-the-art Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) at Redbank, Queensland and, importantly, contributes to the federal government’s objectives as set out in the Australian Defence Export Strategy […] The Australian-manufactured LYNX Infantry Fighting Vehicle Chassis is a test rig, destined for Rheinmetall’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) campaign to showcase advanced automotive capabilities in the LYNX platform,” he said.

“LYNX is a next-generation fighting vehicle with unmatched protection and lethality. Rheinmetall has developed a next-generation electronic architecture to ensure onboard sensors, systems and effectors are able to be networked into Defence’s broader network architecture […] The new test vehicle will demonstrate advanced features of mobility.”

He also pointed out the potential economic advantages for Australian partner companies on the programme, which form “the backbone of our LYNX manufacturing in Australia.” These include companies such as Marand (roof module), Supashock (running gear) and MILSPEC Bisalloy (alternator and mechanical/electrical manufacturing).

Although Rheinmetall has previously announced the export of a LANCE turret to Hungary from Australia, this contract marks the first complete vehicle so exported.