<p class="font_8">Status: Complete</p>
Category: Defense
Stage 1 of the $170 million H-ACE facility, opened in the Geelong region under an accelerated two-year build program in August 2024, is bringing back high technology vehicle manufacturing.
Under Stage 1, the 32,000 square metre state-of-the-art facility is focused on production of Hanwha’s AS9 Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) and AS10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicle (AARV) under the LAND 8116 Phase 1 Protected Mobile Fires program.
Stage 2 construction commenced in March 2025 and will see the facility expanded to fulfill the Australian Army requirement for 129 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), under LAND 400 Phase 3.
The plant features a 1,200-metre test track, deep-water test facility, incline test, production halls, workshops and space for up to 400 workers on site.
Stage 2 will see the addition of a purpose built Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMI / EMC) anaechoic chamber, one of the most advanced and largest in the region, alongside an enclosed firing tunnel, additional production space and support structures. Ample provision has been made for Hanwha’s Australian industry partners to co-locate on the 20-hectare site as necessary to streamline the manufacturing process and add maximum versatility, as HDA expands to support Australian and international customers.
Derek led the Stormwater Drainage, Water Sensitive Urban Design, Pavement Design, Grading and Earthworks and Flood Mitigation during construction