Revamping Australia’s Armoured Forces: Strategic Relocation and Regional Maintenance

The Australian Army is undertaking its most significant armoured vehicle modernization in decades, replacing its aging fleet of M1A1 tanks, ASLAV wheeled fighting vehicles, and M113 armoured personnel carriers. These vehicles will soon be retired, possibly finding their way to Returned Services League clubs or kept in storage for potential reactivation during emergencies. The new arsenal will include the M1A2 SEPv3 tanks, Redback infantry fighting vehicles, Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles, and the soon-to-arrive K9 self-propelled howitzers.

The Australian government has confirmed the suppliers and assembly locations for these new vehicles: Hanwha’s Redbacks and K9s will be assembled in Geelong, Rheinmetall’s Boxers in Ipswich, and General Dynamics’ M1A2s will be directly imported from the United States. Despite their southern origins, these vehicles will be primarily deployed in the north, specifically with the 3rd Brigade based in Townsville, making it the most formidable fighting force in the region.

However, maintaining nearly 300 heavy armoured vehicles presents significant logistical challenges. These vehicles require substantial fuel, ammunition, spare parts, and regular maintenance to remain operational. While returning them to their assembly sites for deep maintenance might seem cost-effective, the long distances involved—up to 3,200 kilometres—would be logistically complex and inefficient. Transporting these massive vehicles across the continent would also result in increased fuel consumption, higher emissions, and extended downtime during overhauls, thus reducing fleet availability and training opportunities.

A more practical solution is to establish maintenance facilities closer to where these vehicles are stationed. Northern Queensland, particularly in cities like Mackay, Townsville, and Cairns, already supports heavy vehicle maintenance for the resources industry and has the necessary infrastructure and expertise. Expanding these capabilities to include military vehicles would not only be cost-effective but would also enhance regional economic investment.

There is already precedent for such an approach: Boeing Defence Australia maintains the Army’s Chinook and Apache helicopters in Townsville, ensuring that deeper maintenance occurs where the aircraft are operated. Establishing similar facilities for armoured vehicles in Northern Queensland would ensure timely, cost-effective, and efficient maintenance, enhancing operational readiness.

Additionally, a regional maintenance hub could attract international business. Just as Australian subsidiaries of Lockheed Martin and Boeing maintain aircraft for other countries, a northern maintenance hub could service foreign armoured vehicles, strengthening Australia’s position as a reliable strategic partner in the region.

Given these advantages, it is clear that Australia’s new armoured vehicles should not only be operated in the north but also maintained there. This approach aligns with national strategy, supports local logistics, and solidifies Australia’s role as a key regional player.