Rheinmetall Defence Australia has completed the first phase of its engagement with industry for LAND 400 and other projects, with company executives meeting 300 Australian SMEs across the country.

Managing director Andrew Fletcher stated that the company’s international procurement team was impressed with the quality of the products and services being offered by SMEs that are keen to participate in Rheinmetall’s global supply chain and forthcoming projects including LAND 400 Phase 2 Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability.

“Rheinmetall Defence will bid its combat-proven Boxer 8×8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle in the LAND 400 tender,” the company stated. “Boxer delivers the highest levels of protection required under LAND 400, and is a formidable [military-off-the-shelf] platform when combined with the in-service LANCE turret.”

Rheinmetall said that supply and service opportunities have been presented to Australian SMEs for LAND 400 Phase 2 in stages including vehicle parts supply and through-life support. Selected companies will soon be considered for inclusion in the bid for the project, which Rheinmetall valued at $4 billion.

Rheinmetall confirmed that it would be taking part in the Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle competition in May.