Hanwha Aerospace has completed its Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) in Geelong, Australia, as the first overseas production facility set up by a Korean defense company. The $170 million facility, located in Avalon’s Industrial Precinct, will be responsible for producing infantry fighting vehicles and self-propelled howitzers for the Australian Army.
The H-ACE facility was officially opened on August 23, following a two-year construction period. The opening ceremony was attended by Australia’s Defence Minister and Member for Corio, Richard Marles, who highlighted the importance of this advanced manufacturing center to the region and the country’s defense capabilities.
He highlighted that the facility not only advances Australia’s defense industry but also integrates Australian companies into the global supply chain, ensuring long-term benefits for the local economy and defense sector.
The newly completed Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) spans 32,000 square meters. It aims to boost Australia’s defense and aerospace capabilities. Located at Avalon Airport near Geelong, this facility will produce key military vehicles for the Australian Army, including 129 AS21 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), 30 AS9 Huntsman Self-Propelled Howitzers (SPHs), and 15 AS10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicles (AARVs).
The facility also features a 1200-meter test track, a deep-water testing area, an obstacle course, and a research and development center, all designed to support advanced manufacturing and engineering processes. Production at H-ACE is set to commence later this year, with the goal of delivering the initial batch of AS9 and AS10 vehicles by 2027.
At full capacity, H-ACE is expected to create approximately 2,100 jobs, including 1,800 direct positions and 300 indirect roles, providing an employment boost to the region. The establishment of this facility is expected to strengthen the defense relationship between Australia and South Korea.
The new facility features a range of amenities, including a production building, assembly plant, driving test track, and a research and development center. This state-of-the-art center aims to bolster Australia’s defense manufacturing capacity, with production on the AS9 Self-Propelled Howitzer and AS10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicle slated to begin later this year.
The facility’s strategic location near Melbourne and Avalon Airport offers logistical and recruitment advantages, making it a crucial part of the global defense supply chain while fostering strong ties between Australia and South Korea.
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