DECEMBER 2012: Hawkei prototype ready for testing

DECEMBER 2011: Thales wins $1.5 billion Hawkei contract

OCTOBER 2009: First look at Hawkei

LOCKING in a $1.5 billion contract for Thales Australia to build the Hawkei military vehicle in Bendigo must be a priority for the country's new Defence Minister, Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters says.

The company is considered the frontrunner for the contract to build 1300 Hawkei light protected mobility vehicles to replace part of the military's ageing Land Rover PMV fleet.

Thales has tested the Hawkei vehicles and has previously built Bushmaster armoured vehicles.

Kevin Andrews was sworn in as Defence Minister on Tuesday, replacing the outgoing David Johnston.

Ms Chesters said the new Minister had to sign the contract as soon as possible.

"My understanding is that a contract to manufacture the Hawkei needs to be signed in the first quarter of 2015 to ensure the sustainability of the facility," she said.

"If the contract is signed on time it will allow a smooth transition with the last Bushmaster rolling off the production line followed by the first Hawkei."

Thales' Bendigo site manufactured six Hawkei vehicles, which underwent 130,000 kilometres of testing in a range of conditions.

In 2011, former Defence Minister Stephen Smith announced Thales' Hawkei had beaten two overseas-produced vehicles during testing.

Thales' Bushmaster ute was overlooked for a $1.9 billion contract in 2011 to supply the Land 121 Phase Three program, and instead won a $205 million contract in 2012 to produce 214 of the vehicles.

More than 120 businesses were involved in the supply chain for the Bushmaster vehicle.

Ms Chesters said it was encouraging that David Johnston had publicly backed the Hawkei, but uncertainty would still remain until the contract was signed.

"The importance of the Hawkei defence contract to Bendigo cannot be understated," she said.

"The Bushmaster is a Bendigo success story and proof that we can provide the ADF with the armoured vehicles they need."

A spokesperson for Defence Minister Kevin Andrews said he was still being briefed.

"As the minister was sworn in yesterday he has begun to receive a number of briefings from defence officials," she said.

"The Abbott government will continue to invest in the safety and security of all Australians."