THE Japanese vice-minister of defence Kenji Harada will visit Bendigo on Thursday to see first-hand the city's defence manufacturing staff and facilities.
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Mr Harada will tour the Thales factory with Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters after Japan purchased 10 Bushmaster vehicles for their ground force.
The pair met during Ms Chesters visit to Japan last month, when she presented Mr Harada and the Japanese Minster of Defence with miniature replica Bushmasters.
Ms Chesters said the visit was another "huge tick of approval" for Bendigo's defence manufacturing capabilities.
"During my visit to Japan last month I invited the vice-minister to visit Bendigo so he could meet the men and women who build our Bushmasters and appreciate first-hand the skill and professionalism of the Bendigo Thales workforce," she said.
"The Bushmaster is an outstanding vehicle with a proven track record of saving troops' lives."
The Japanese finalised the purchase of the Bushmasters in April last year.
Ms Chesters said the vehicles would aid in Japan's peacekeeping work.
"Japan takes its role as a peacekeeper very seriously," she said.
"These efforts are based on the belief that Japan, as a 'Proactive Contributor to Peace', has an active role to play in ensuring the peace and stability of the region and international community."
Ms Chesters said the export orders were "vital" to securing jobs at Bendigo Thales, as the Australian Defence Force finalises the contract for the Thales-built Hawkei vehicle.
