Rheinmetall expands industry team for Australian IFV bid

Rheinmetall Defence Australia (RDA) has formed a partnership with a Brisbane-based firm to support its proposal to supply the Australian Army with its Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV).

RDA said on 24 November that Queensland Gaskets, which manufactures gaskets and sealing devices, will join its “growing team of Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)” supporting its bid for the Land 400 Phase 3 contract.

If RDA’s bid is successful, Queensland Gaskets will supply a range of locally produced precision-cut components for the Lynx vehicle.

RDA also proposes to assemble the vehicle in Queensland at its new Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) at Redbank, southwest of Brisbane.

Earlier in November, Rheinmetall unveiled the first of three Lynx IFVs that will compete in test and evaluation trials for the Land 400 Phase 3 contract.

Rheinmetall is delivering the vehicles as part of a Risk Mitigation Activity (RMA) set to be conducted in Australia over a 12-month period starting this month. These trials will incorporate tests including lethality, mobility, and protection.