Contract awarded for new Special Operations vehicles under JP2097 Phase 1B REDFIN

The Australian Government has awarded a multi-million dollar contract to provide specialised vehicles for the Australian Defence Force’s Special Operations.

Defence Minister Senator David Johnston today announced that Supacat Ltd will supply 89 Special Operations Vehicle – Commando, in a contract that will create approximately 150 new jobs in western Sydney and Victoria.

“This will provide significant opportunities to Australian industry during the production, integration and through-life support phases of the project,” Senator Johnston said.

“Approval has also been given to enter into a number of contracts for the provision of support vehicles, as well as various communication and networking systems that will make up a communications capability and provide additional opportunities for Australian industry.”

“The acquisition of these vehicles will enhance our Special Forces’ ability to maintain a capability edge over emerging threats to Australia’s national interests.”

Senator Johnston said the contract was valued at more than $130 million.

“These are modern, highly mobile vehicles that can be re-configured to suit the individual mission and the communications on board will provide digital connectivity to across the ADF as well as Coalition partners.”

Senator Johnston said the Government was appreciative of the participation by both domestic and international industry in assisting the ADF to meet this important capability requirement.

“This is an important step in the continued enhancement and modernisation of the ADF to provide for a safe and secure Australia,” the Defence Minister said.