Elbit lands deal to help build Redbacks in Geelong

HANWHA Defense Australia has awarded a $917 million contract to Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems to provide systems for the new infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) that will be built in Geelong.

In a statement, Elbit Systems said the project would to deliver advanced protection, fighting capabilities and sensors to the Redback IFVs for the Australian Army.

The estimated $5 billion-$7 billion IFV project is one of the largest capability acquisition projects in the Army’s history.

The Redbacks will be constructed at the Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence, now being built at a site next to Avalon Airport.

A spokesperson for Deputy Prime Minister and Corio Labor federal member Richard Marles said the Elbit Systems deal represented a major manufacturing opportunity for the region.

“The manufacture of 129 infantry fighting vehicles in Geelong represents a major manufacturing opportunity for the region and other centres of Australian manufacturing, which will support almost 2,000 direct jobs.

“This project is yet another example of the Albanese Government’s commitment to investing in Australian defence industry so we can make the critical defence equipment we need in this country and develop our sovereign capability.”

Greens Member for Western Victoria Sarah Mansfield voiced strong opposition to the deal, emphasising the local desire for peace rather than military expansion.

“Another huge weapons maker being funded by taxpayers and profiting from war is the last thing Geelong needs,” Dr Mansfield said.

“People in Geelong want peace, not more weapons.

“The reality is weapons manufacturers create few local jobs. But the harm they cause is immense.

“I have heard from so many, including those in the local Muslim community, who feel betrayed by the Labor Party at all levels of government.

“They see deals with arms manufacturers involved in the invasion of Gaza as a demonstration of Labor’s indifference to their suffering.”