The Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, visited the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) facility to receive the first LAND 8116 vehicles in Australian camouflage markings today.
“We are excited to have the first vehicles here in Australia as we prepare to deliver this capability to the Australian Army,” said Acting Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA) Managing Director, Dean Michie. “Production of the hulls and turrets is already taking place at Elphinstone in northern Tasmania, and our production line here at the H-ACE has also begun work.”
The three vehicles, two AS9s and one AS10, arrived in Australia in December 2024 from the Republic of Korea. The remainder of the vehicles are being produced at the H-ACE, at the Avalon Airport Precinct.
“The technology transfer on the program between South Korea and Australia is an important part of this program, demonstrating the close ties between the two nations,” explained Michie.