Joern Buelter, Rheinmetall Defence Australia General Manager Logistic Vehicles, confirmed that the organisation has provided Medium Heavy Capability (MHC) Introduction and Maintenance training in collaboration with RGM Maintenance. “Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s training program ensures that RGM’s certification levels are the same as those performed by Australian Army personnel at Robertson Barracks in the Northern Territory on Rheinmetall MAN vehicles across the HX Truck fleet,” Mr Buelter said.
Highlighting the strategic significance of this development, Mr Buelter added, “The partnership reflects the strong commitment to regional maintenance capability development as outlined in the recent Defence Strategy Review (DSR) to force posture in the north of Australia.” Rheinmetall has delivered Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) HX Logistic Vehicle maintenance training to RGM Maintenance personnel in Darwin, Townsville and Rockhampton, further strengthening capability across the region.
Mr Buelter noted that RGM Maintenance first partnered with Rheinmetall in 2022 to support secure jobs, training and sovereign industrial capability in regional Australia. “RGM is the only trade repair organisation Rheinmetall has provided this certification to and is the in-region OEM repairer of choice,” he said.
He further emphasised the ongoing partnership’s importance by stating, “This training reinforces the enduring partnership between Rheinmetall and RGM Maintenance to successfully sustain the HX vehicles in-region.” Rheinmetall has established maintenance support facilities not only in Queensland (Townsville and Rockhampton) and the Northern Territory but also in Western Australia.
“Our head office maintenance bases in Ipswich at our Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence ensures the needs of Australia and its allies are well served,” Mr Buelter added. This announcement follows Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia’s February celebration of the LAND 121 3B/5B program Final Acceptance, marking the delivery of over 3000 HX Trucks and 3000 modules on time and on budget.
The HX Truck, a workhorse of the Australian Army, is equipped with a six-cylinder, in-line diesel engine and weighs over 41,000 kilograms. It can operate in temperatures ranging from -32°C to +49°C, traverse water depths exceeding 1.2 metres, and is capable of multiple configurations including Load Handling System, Crane, Container Carrier, Recovery, Tractor, Tanker, Tipper, System Carrier and Artillery System.
