Rheinmetall completes landmark LAND 121 Programme with Over 3,500 HX trucks delivered to Australia

By Defence Industry Europe

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia (RMMVA) has successfully concluded the LAND 121 Phase 3B/5B programme, delivering more than 3,500 HX trucks to the Australian Defence Force. The final acceptance ceremony took place on 20 February 2025 at the Military Vehicles Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) in Queensland.

 

The completion of this project marks a significant milestone in the modernisation of the Australian Army’s logistics fleet. Over a ten-year period, RMMVA supplied 3,580 medium and heavy military trucks along with 3,165 modules and protected cabs, all delivered on time and within budget.

The HX fleet consists of various configurations, including recovery vehicles, transporters, fuel trucks, self-loading hook-lift systems, tractors, and tippers. Extensive testing and verification of the vehicles were conducted at the Australian Automotive Research Centre (AARC) near Anglesea, Victoria.

Michael Wittlinger, Chief of Staff at Rheinmetall AG, described the HX truck as the “workhorse of the Australian Army” and praised the project’s successful execution. He highlighted that the HX truck has been a core component of the Australian military’s logistics operations for over a decade.

The HX trucks play a vital role in supporting the Australian Army by transporting troops, supplies, and equipment across the country. Their durability and reliability make them a key logistical asset in both routine and operational environments.

Manufacturing of the HX trucks took place in Vienna, Austria, with final assembly completed at Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s facilities in south-east Queensland. The project was supported by additional team members in Victoria and Queensland.

With the procurement phase now complete, Rheinmetall is shifting its focus to sustaining and maintaining the HX fleet through a nationwide support network. The company’s Field Service Representatives will provide ongoing maintenance, ensuring the fleet remains fully operational across Australia.

Globally, more than 20,000 HX trucks are in service with NATO members and partner nations, demonstrating their strategic importance. Australia joins a group of international operators that includes New Zealand, Germany, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Singapore, and Canada.

The HX series is designed as a military-off-the-shelf system, capable of carrying up to 41,000 kilograms and operating in extreme temperatures ranging from -32°C to +49°C. It is highly versatile, with configurations including cranes, container carriers, tankers, recovery vehicles, and artillery systems.

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