Bendigo Business Council excited as Thales reveals Hawkei prototype.
Posted 29/09/2009
Bendigo Business Council excited as Thales reveals Hawkei prototype.
The Bendigo Business Council said today that the prototype Hawkei light protected mobility vehicle revealed by Thales represents an exciting opportunity for the Bendigo based design and production facility.
Kevin de Vries, BBC Executive Officer said today, "We commend Thales and their engineering and design team for the work done to date on the prototype vehicle. The unveiling of the new vehicle design is the next step for Thales in introducing a revolutionary vehicle to a market with enormous national and international potential."
"The design advantages of the Bendigo produced Bushmaster have been proven time and again in combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. The capability and the capacity of the Thales Bendigo site are very highly regarded." Mr de Vries said.
"With the Australian Government placing a high level of importance in the protection of our nation's troops, I expect that the Australian Defence Force will take a very close look at these vehicles to replace their current Land Rover fleet. Like the Bushmaster, these vehicles could also be produced for other nations."
"The BBC understands that a successful bid for Thales to produce the Hawkei in Bendigo would bring many millions of dollars into the Bendigo economy, create significant employment opportunities and have flow-on benefits to local manufacturing and support businesses."
"Today's announcement reflects the strength and the capability of Bendigo's specialist manufacturing industry." Mr de Vries said.
Back
