Following the delivery of the final two of an initial run of 10 Thales Australia Hawkei 4×4 protected mobility light vehicles that were commissioned by the Australian Defence Force in mid-November 2016, the service will begin to receive first initial production vehicles from early 2017.
1100 vehicles and 1058 lightweight trailers were ordered by the Australian Department of Defence”s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) on 5 October 2015 for AUD1.3 billion to meet Australia”s project LAND 121 Phase 4, thus enabling the gradual replacement of some unprotected wheeled vehicles of the Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force. In December 2011, the Hawkei was selected as the preferred vehicle to meet this Phase”s requirements.
The project”s Stage 1 is now completed and was aimed for engineering and manufacturing development with a small run of vehicles manufactured to support testing and further development activity. Low-rate initial production will be carried out in 2017-2018 as part of Stage 2 with around 100 vehicles due for final testing and initial deliveries. Stage 3 will see full-rate production 2018-2022 of the remaining 1000 vehicles and 1058 trailers. Initial operating capability (IOC) will be achieved in 2019 and final operating capability (FOC) in 2021. First combat brigade equipped with Hawkei will be ready in 2019.