An export version of Thales’s innovative Hawkei light protected vehicle will be on display at Eurosatory, the largest international land and air-land defence and security exhibition in Paris this week.
KEY POINTS
- During Eurosatory, Hawkei export version will make its international debut on track at the live demonstration zone, twice daily, from 16-19 June at 10.30am and 3.00pm.
- Press briefings on Thales’s stand (A690) will be organised on Monday 16th from 10:00am to 10:30am and on Tuesday 18th from 2.00pm to 2.30pm.
The brand new left-hand drive version will be appearing in the live demonstration zone, offering potential international customers a first opportunity to see the vehicle in action.
A right-hand drive version will also be on the Thales stand, along with many of the company’s other capabilities.
Chris Jenkins said: “The Hawkei’s bolted modular design enables Thales to support technology transfer to countries where industrialisation can be performed at lower cost, giving customers the opportunity to develop their own in-country protected mobility capabilities and skills.”
The 7-tonne, 4x4 Hawkei is designed for rapid airmobile deployment. Available in a variety of variants including command, reconnaissance, liaison and utility, it is a compelling choice for operations with limited point-of-entry options.
In 2013 Thales delivered six Hawkeis to the Australian Department of Defence under Stage 2 of the Manufactured and Supported in Australia option of Land 121 Phase 4. The vehicles, comprising two Command, two Utility and two Reconnaissance variants, plus a trailer, have been subject to an extensive 130,000 km testing programme.
The LAND 121 Phase 4 programme plans to acquire 1,300 Hawkei vehicles next year to replace the current Australian Army Land Rover fleet.
“We developed Hawkei to appeal to the global market from the outset, based on class-leading foundations of protection, mobility and payload combined at an affordable price point. These ensure the vehicle can be readily configured to meet the specific needs of countries looking to keep their soldiers safe on operations”.
Chris Jenkins, CEO Thales Australia.