Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

Just on the number, because I think it's an important point: the Defence strategic review looked at what is the capability the Australian Defence Force needs across the board. It made a recommendation to reduce the number of infantry fighting vehicles to 129. That is about transforming the Army to operate in the littoral environment, which is consistent with the recommendations and the direction of the Defence strategic review, given the circumstances Australia faces.

Subject to commercial negotiations, these vehicles are intended to be built in Australia. This requires, as you allude to, establishing capability in Australia to build more. We understand the importance of the building of exports to grow and sustain the defence industry businesses. The Defence Export Office is working closely with Defence attaches and Austrade's managers in key markets— (Time expired)