Greg Combet, the Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today announced that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has taken delivery of eleven Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon vehicles.
“Under Project Land 121 the Defence Materiel Organisation is acquiring 1200 of the G-Wagon vehicles in order to replace the current fleet of Land Rover vehicles which have been in service since 1987,” Mr Combet said.
“The G-Wagon offers enhanced levels of mobility and operational functionality and will provide a new capability for Defence. It is already used by the defence forces of Austria, Canada, Germany, Singapore and the United States.
“The G Wagon vehicles being delivered include four-wheel drive station wagons; cab-chassis units; and six-wheel drive vehicles in both single and dual cab-chassis configuration.
“These first G Wagons will undergo compliance and accepting testing program during 2010. Full production of the ADF’s G Wagon vehicles will commence later this year with deliveries to commence in 2011.
“The G Wagon is being manufactured in Austria and is powered with a Mercedes-Benz 3.0 litre turbo-diesel V6 engine that will be EuroV compliant.
“Specific models of the G-Wagon will be fitted with specialist modules (for example Ambulance and Command Posts).
“These modules will be built by the Australian Engineering firm G.H. Varley Pty Ltd of Newcastle. This will directly create 75 and indirectly lead to a further 100 jobs for the Hunter Region.
“The vehicles can also be fitted with additional armoured protection when required,” Mr Combet said.
