Martin Pakula, Vic Minister for Industry Support and Recovery, Media Release, 13 December 2021
Australian military systems will be built and maintained in the Geelong region by Hanwha Defense Australia – backed by significant support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula congratulated Hanwha Defense Australia on its successful bid to deliver the Commonwealth’s LAND 8116 program in Victoria, strengthening the state’s defence capabilities and creating 300 highly skilled local jobs in design, engineering and manufacturing.
Hanwha will establish its advanced manufacturing facility – the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence – in the greater Geelong region.
The $1 billion LAND 8116 program, announced by the Commonwealth Government this morning, will establish a fleet of locally built and maintained self-propelled howitzers. Supply chain businesses will directly benefit from working with Hanwha and their global partners, generating more local jobs, investment and export opportunities.
Hanwha Corporation is South Korea’s largest defence company and also operates in aerospace, fintech, mining and clean energy. Hanwha Defense Australia was established in 2019 and is headquartered in Melbourne.
The Victorian Government in January signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hanwha to formalise a long-term partnership to support the establishment of Hanwha’s defence manufacturing operations in the state.
Hanwha is also one of the final two bidders to deliver the Commonwealth Government’s Land 400 Phase 3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle program in Victoria. A PWC report commissioned by Hanwha estimated that the program’s manufacturing effort will generate $5.7 billion in total economic impacts in the state.
The Victorian Government is supporting major global firms like Hanwha to invest in Victoria and develop the state’s capabilities in defence and advanced manufacturing. Victoria is already home to word-leading defence companies including SYPAQ Systems, Moog Australia and Segula Technologies.
The Victorian defence sector contributes $8.4 billion to the economy each year, employing around 24,000 people in 6,300 businesses. The sector provides services and manufactures defence equipment across military vehicle production, maritime design, aerospace components, digital and cyber security, and munitions.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula
“Victoria is the manufacturing state and this project will further boost our capabilities, creating hundreds of jobs and delivering benefits across the supply chain.”
“This decision reinforces the strength of Victorian advanced manufacturing and the skills of our workers.”
Quote attributable to Hanwha Defense Australia Managing Director Richard Cho
“We thank the Victorian Government for its continued support as we grow our Australian workforce in Victoria for these important national security projects.”
