Marand Precision Engineering is the latest company in Australia to partner with Rheinmetall Defence Australia (RDA) in bidding for the Australian Army’s programme to procure infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) under Land 400 Phase 3.
Victoria-based Marand said in a press release that it had teamed with RDA on its proposal for the contract, which is worth up to AUD27 billion (USD20.5 billion). Marand did not say what its responsibilities in the partnership would be, but in the defence domain the company provides precision-engineering services including the production of components and sub-assemblies, ground support equipment, and tooling.
Marand Precision Engineering has joined Rheinmetall in its bid to supply its Lynx infantry fighting vehicle (pictured) to the Australian Army. (Rheinmetall)
Marand is partnered on other Australian programmes with companies including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Rolls-Royce, and BAE Systems. It also operates in sectors including aerospace, rail, mining, and energy.
On Land 400 Phase 3 RDA is bidding with its Lynx IFV. As part of the bidding process, RDA has recently delivered three Lynx vehicles to the army to compete in evaluation trials to be conducted around Australia over a 12-month timeframe. The trials will incorporate tests covering lethality, mobility, and protection.
RDA is competing for the contract against Hanwha Defense Australia’s (HDA’s) Redback IFV. The two companies were shortlisted in 2019.
A preferred tenderer is scheduled to be announced by the Australian government in 2022, with the contract winner delivering to the Australian Army 450 IFVs and 17 manoeuvre support vehicles.
If RDA wins the contract the company has proposed to build the Lynx in Queensland at its new Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) at Redbank, southwest of Brisbane.
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