Former deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer has hinted Bendigo's own Hawkei project should be partially sold off to the US.
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The Vietnam veteran said the local Thales project should consider going into a joint venture with the US to crack the American market, under the name "Hamel", during a visit to Bendigo to promote The Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience.
"It is terrific it is being built in Bendigo, but… it might be worth considering an attempt to sell Hawkei to the US," he said.
"The only way to crack the US market is under joint venture under licence.
"It's better to have a share of a huge company in a huge market than no share at all."
In a bid to making the military vehicle attractive to the US market, he suggested re-badging the Hawkei "the Hamel" - referring to the first battle where Australian and American troops fought side by side on the Western Front in World War I.
"The 'Hamel' could be produced under joint venture licence produced in partly in Bendigo, partly in Boston or somewhere in Louisiana," he said.
"The idea should be carefully weighed, but I want to put it out there. I am wanting to see Bendigo thrive as the home of the Hawkei, and the indirect home of the Hamel."
But in August this year it was announced that Oshkosh Defense had won the contract to manufacture the joint light tactical vehicle (JLTV) for the United States Army.
Bendigo Federal MP Lisa Chesters said it was an “odd” suggestion from the former deputy Prime Minister for Thales, which employs about 250 people in Bendigo.
She said it was more likely that a US subsidiary of Thales would build Hawkei there for the US Army, as US protectionism means the country would not import a foreign vehicle.
She said Bendigo Thales has secured the federal government contract, worth $1.3 billion, to manufacture 100 Hawkei military vehicles after “a long and drawn-out process”.
"We fought hard to ensure this contract was awarded to the Bendigo based Thales manufacturing facility,” Ms Chesters said.
"I'd be very concerned if Mr Fischer is suggesting any work should be taken from Bendigo. This contract secures hundreds of local jobs.”
"Mr Fischer should be advocating for the US and other countries to purchase the Bendigo made and manufactured Hawkeis as it is a far superior armoured defence vehicle in comparison with the Humvee (an American-made vehicle)."
She added that the Hawkei’s military features made it already an attractive option for the international market.
A spokesperson for Thales declined to comment.