The Australian Army is in need of up to 450 new infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) for combat, and Rheinmetall's Redbank production line is driven to deliver them. 

The Ipswich suburb’s Rheinmetall Defence Australia site could provide the IFVs if granted their LAND 400 Phase 3 contract valued at up to $27 billion.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Rheinmetall’s Redbank site on Tuesday morning and said Rheinmetall had the full support of the Queensland Government in landing the Phase 3 contract. 

“Rheinmetall estimates the Phase 3 project could create an additional 500 jobs in addition to the 450 highly skilled positions being brought to Queensland through their Phase 2 win,” the Premier said.

“I have brought my entire Cabinet here today to familiarise them on the capabilities of this world-class facility that has categorically boosted Queensland’s defence manufacturing firepower.

“Rheinmetall’s new Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) here in Redbank is the most advanced military vehicle manufacturing facility in Australia, if not the world, and it would definitely be a compelling consideration in the Commonwealth’s LAND 400 Phase 3 tender evaluation.

“The production line that’s happening here opens up this gateway between Toowoomba and Ipswich and the Gold Coast to really supercharge our defence industries in this state.”

The Premier said while the current role of the state government was just supporting Rheinmetall there was potential for the state to make an investment “down the track”. 

Students from local high schools also took part in a tour of the hub on Tuesday. Ms Palaszczuk said it was a chance for young people in the region to see what manufacturing opportunities Ipswich could provide. 

“I want to show them first hand so they can see the opportunities that manufacturing presents to them,” she said. 

“Now we’ve got advanced manufacturing but there are a range of jobs whether it’s welders or painters or electricians. 

“There’s even more opportunities especially when it comes to artificial intelligence partnering with universities and partnering with TAFE.” 

TAFE Queensland and Rheinmetall also have a Memorandum of Understanding which delivers a range of skills development programs to match Rheinmetall’s current and future needs. 

Rheinmetall Defence Australia Managing Director Gary Stewart said the partnership with the State Government was critical to the company’s offer for LAND 400 Phase 3. 

“Every Rheinmetall employee understands that equipping the Australian Defence Force with the most advanced combat and logistics capabilities is our primary objective,” he said. 

Rheinmetall has offered the Commonwealth the LYNX KF41 Infantry Fighting Vehicle as part of its bid for LAND 400 Phase 3.

The Premier said the commitment to which company would produce the IFV’s would come later in 2021. 

“My understanding is that later this year the decision will be made by the Federal Government,” she said.