Armoured vehicle centre completed at Avalon

GEELONG’S defence industry sector has taken a huge step forward with the official opening of Hanwha Defence Australia’s Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE).

Located in Avalon next to Avalon Airport, the 3200sqm facility was constructed by Built two-and-a-half months ahead of schedule at a cost of about $140 million, and officially opened on Friday last week.

Stage 1 of H-ACE – built for the local subsidary of South Korean company Hanwha – features a 1500m test track, an integrated training wing, a deep-water test facility and obstacle course, a research and development centre, and space for multiple assembly lines.

The centre will initially focus on the production of 45 Huntsman self-propelled howitzers and armoured ammunition resupply vehicles under the Land 8116 Phase 1 Protected Mobile Fires program, and will later produce 129 Redback infantry fighting vehicles under the Land 400 program.

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Defence and Corio Labor federal member Richard Marles attended the official opening of H-ACE.

“This is a state-of-the-art facility right here in Geelong, providing well-paid, secure jobs, all the while manufacturing key capabilities for Australia’s Army,” Mr Marles said.

“Approximately 100 local jobs were created during the construction phase of this facility, creating a boost for the Geelong economy.

“The Republic of Korea is an important partner to Australia, and today’s opening of the H-ACE reflects the strong government and industry collaboration between our two countries.

“This facility establishes a sovereign production and maintenance capability while allowing Australian companies to participate in the global supply chain, supporting local jobs and Australian defence industry.”

Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson said the contract to build the howitzers was signed while her party was in government.

“This multibillion-dollar investment will bolster our nation’s sovereign defence capability and keep Australian soldiers safe,” she said.