Thales wins $1.5 billion Hawkei contract

DEFENCE manufacturer Thales is the front runner to secure a $1.5 billion contract to build light protected mobility vehicles in Bendigo.Federal Defence Minister Stephen Smith announced Thales’ Hawkei prototype vehicle had beaten two overseas vehicles during testing for the Land 121 Phase Four program.The Hawkeis would replace part of the army’s fleet of Land Rovers with light protected mobility vehicles.Thales will develop up to six other prototypes and enter contract negotiations to supply up to 1300 Hawkeis to the Australian Defence Force.But the government has overlooked Thales’ Bushmaster ute for the Land 121 Phase Three replacement program.German company Rheinmetall MAN today won that $1.9 billion contract.Bendigo MP Steve Gibbons visited Thales for the announcement today.The government has also ordered that all existing Bushmasters, including those in Afghanistan, receive an protection upgrade.Thales’ Bendigo plant will complete the upgrades.Mr Gibbons, a passionate and vocal Thales supporter, said the announcements ensured Thales would have a long-term presence in Bendigo.“I think the Australian Defence Department officials are slowly realising that Thales is much, much more than just a tin shed in Bendigo with a couple of blokes with a welder”.For full coverage of the contract announcement and reaction to the decision, see tomorrow's Bendigo Advertiser.