Armoured Vehicles to be Manufactured in Geelong

Media Release – 30/08/2024

Today marks a pivotal moment in Geelong’s history, signalling a new era in our economic and industrial landscape. Known historically for our automotive industry, with Ford establishing its presence here in 1928, Geelong faced a significant challenge when Ford announced in 2013 that it would cease manufacturing, affecting about 900 local jobs.

However, we now stand on the brink of a major transformation with the opening of Hanwha’s new facility, the first phase of a project that will play a crucial role in both our local economy and national defence. This facility will produce 28 self-propelled howitzers, known as the Huntsman, and 14 supply vehicles. These will be joined by two additional howitzers and another supply vehicle currently being built in Korea, with delivery to the Australian Army coinciding with the start of local production in just a few months.

This is just the beginning. The second phase of this facility will see the construction of 129 infantry fighting vehicles, the Redbacks. When fully operational, Hanwha’s facility is expected to support 1,800 jobs, underscoring its significance not only to Geelong but to Victoria and Australia as a whole. This development not only strengthens Geelong’s industrial base but also contributes critically to our nation’s defence capabilities. The Huntsman and Redbacks will significantly enhance the Australian Army, with the Redbacks scheduled to enter service in 2027, years ahead of the original timeline.