Page 5 - DSEi JAPAN 2023 - DAY 3 | DAILY NEWS

with advanced C4I capabilities leveraging a
unique open-architecture ASGVA-compliant
Integral Computing System. The Hawkei
vehicle was possibly the first vehicle in
the world, built to be digitally wired, which
means it was designed to integrate vari-
ous new digital systems in a far more
seamless manner than possible before. In
older vehicles, a lot of time is spent trying
to integrate and reconfigure new systems
and equipment.

The Hawkei is available in 2-door (3 occu-
pants) and 4-door (6 occupants) variants
and can carry a three-tonne payload.
According to company officials, it offers
unparalleled levels of ballistic and blast
protection and is transportable via the
underslung load on a CH-47 helicopter. The
vehicle is powered by a Steyr 200Kw tur-
bo-diesel engine with an 8 speed automatic
transmission and can achieve a maximum
range of 600 km.

The Hawkei has a large protected air con-
THALES HAWKEI ditioned cabin and was designed from the
outset with built-in features that deliver an
PROTECTED MOBILITY VEHICLE integrated high-performing vehicle elec-
tronic architecture that is GVA compliant.
UNDERGOING TESTING IN JAPAN The Hawkei platform can be integrated

The Thales Australia-built Hawkei next-gen-
eration seven tonne 4X4 protected mobility
vehicle is undergoing trials with the Japan
Self Defence Forces. According to a source
familiar with the matter, the Hawkei on
display at the ongoing show is the same
vehicle that performed the trials.

According to company officials, the Hawkei
is at the top end of the spectrum for light
protected mobility vehicles and offers
capability far exceeding that of many other
competitors. The Hawkei can operate in
roles such as troop carrier, command &
control, liaison, surveillance, reconnais-
sance, electronic warfare (EW), etc.
The Hawkei is being considered for procure-
ment by the Japan Ground Self-Defence
Force (JGSDF) as a replacement for its It joins the Australian Defence Force’s with a wide portfolio of mission systems,
Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV). Mitsubishi (ADF) existing Bushmaster and Protected delivered as “capability packages”, to allow
Heavy Industries (MHI) is the Japanese Medium Heavy Capability trucks to create Hawkei to fulfill current and future defence
partner for Thales Australia and if selected, a suite of protected mobility vehicles. The
will manufacture the Hawkei under license Australian Department of Defence granting requirements. It can be fitted with a range
in Japan. approval of Initial Operational Capability to of weapons – such as RWS 12.7 mm HMG,
the Hawkei in July 2021 and is expected to 40 mm auto grenade launcher, 5.56 mm
Komatsu, one of the manufacturers of light reach Full Operational Capability later this and 7.62 mm swing mounts. The armour
armoured vehicles for the JGSDF, ended year. The Hawkei took 7 years to develop systems on the vehicle allow troops to
production of these vehicles in 2019. from a clean sheet of paper. and delivers add or take off the armour, depending on
The Hawkei is in service with the Australian a balance of class-leading protection and the environment. Hawkei is built by Thales
armed forces, with Thales Australia, having mobility with the payload and power to in Bendigo, Victoria, with production sup-
delivered all 1100 vehicles on contract. offer Defence a truly multi-role platform ported by many Australian suppliers.

DSEi JAPAN 2023 MARCH-17-2023 5