But the figures released in an independent report are based on the Australian Defence Force requiring 1300 Hawkei vehicles, a decision that will not be made until at least 2011.

The ACIL Tasman report finds that the 1100 jobs now supported by the Bushmaster armoured vehicle will come under threat as production ceases in that year.

Thales Australia managing director Chris Jenkins said the success of the Hawkei project was central to securing Bendigo jobs.

“As production of the Bushmaster is forecast to peak in 2010-11 and then decline, the Hawkei program is vital for the future of Bendigo vehicle production.

“Thales is working closely with the Victorian and Federal governments, and industry groups, to maximise the benefits of the Hawkei program.

“We have conducted industry briefings for suppliers, and already more than 250 small and medium-sized enterprises have expressed interest in being involved in the program.

“The forecast job generation does not include orders beyond the 1300 vehicles required by the ADF.

“So there is very real potential for Hawkei export sales to boost the economic value even further, as we have achieved with Bushmaster.”

Federal member for Bendigo Steve Gibbons said Thales would find out early next year if the Federal Government decided to provide funding for further development of the vehicle.

Hawkei has been designed to replace Land Rover fleets in international defence forces.

“Thales had provided a submission under the Defence Department’s request for proposal process,” Mr Gibbons said.

“That will enable the department to assess the company’s capability to provide suitable vehicles for prototype development.”

The report showed that troops could be given the best protected vehicles, while supporting the central Victorian economy.