The Hawkei next-generation seven tonne 4X4 protected mobility vehicle built by Thales Australia, has been undergoing trials with the Japan Self Defence Forces. According to a source familiar with the matter, the Hawkei on display at the ongoing show, was...
To read the full article, please log in or enter your email below:
The Hawkei next-generation seven tonne 4X4 protected mobility vehicle built by Thales Australia, has been undergoing trials with the Japan Self Defence Forces. According to a source familiar with the matter, the Hawkei on display at the ongoing show, was the same vehicle that performed the trials. The vehicle on display appeared to be in remarkably good condition after a year’s worth of 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, reconnaissance, electronic warfare (EW), etc.
The Hawkei is being considered for procurement by the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) as a replacement for its Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV). Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) is the Japanese partner for Thales Australia and if selected, will manufacture the Hawkei under license in Japan.
Komatsu, one of the manufacturers of light armoured vehicles for the JGSDF, ended production of these vehicles in 2019.
The Hawkei is in service with the Australian armed forces, with Thales Australia, having delivered all 1100 vehicles on contract. It joins the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) existing Bushmaster and Protected Medium Heavy Capability trucks to create a suite of protected mobility vehicles. The Australian Department of Defence granting approval of Initial Operational Capability to the Hawkei in July 2021 and is expected to reach Full Operational Capability later this year. The Hawkei took 7 years to develop from a clean sheet of paper. and delivers a balance of class-leading protection and mobility with the payload and power to offer Defence a truly multi-role platform 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 various 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 occupants) and 4-door (6 occupants) variants and can carry a three-tonne payload. According to company officials, 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 turbo-diesel engine with an 8 speed automatic transmission and can achieve a maximum range of 600 km.
The Hawkei has a large protected air conditioned cabin and was designed from the outset with built-in features that deliver an integrated high-performing vehicle electronic architecture that is GVA compliant. The Hawkei platform can be integrated with a wide portfolio of mission systems, delivered as “capability packages”, to allow Hawkei to fulfill current and future defence requirements. It can be fitted with a range of weapons – such as RWS 12.7 mm HMG, 40 mm auto grenade launcher, 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm swing mounts. The armour systems on the vehicle allow troops to add or take off the armour, depending on the environment. Hawkei is built by Thales in Bendigo, Victoria, with production supported by many Australian suppliers.
Japan is strengthening its defence ties across Southeast Asia, deepening security partnerships with nations that share similar concerns about regional…
In a move that could reshape naval stealth capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, India and Japan have embarked on a…
Toshiba is showcasing a range of capabilities at the show, including its multi-mission surveillance radar, ELINT system (relocatable type), radar…
U.S. based Raytheon, an RTX business, will equip the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) with Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) Block…
Swatter, a Portuguese technology startup, has developed a new anti-drone system designed to counter the growing threat posed by unauthorised…
At the ongoing show, Patria is showcasing the NEMO turreted mortar system as an integrated container solution. The system was…
Marco Zoff, former Managing Director – Aircraft Division at Leonardo, in an exclusive interview with our correspondent Jay Menon, patiently…
Japan is set to boost its air power with a set of joint air-to-surface standoff missiles with extended range. The…
Japan has offered to co-produce advanced engines for next-generation fighter aircraft and tanks in India. The development emerged from a…
Exosens will present its latest innovations in night vision and infrared imaging at DSEI Japan 2025, to be held from…
The Slovakian company Decent Cybersecurity is showcasing showcase its advanced post-quantum security solutions for aerospace, defense, and space sectors, including…
Three Cohort Group subsidiaries - Chess Dynamics, MASS, and SEA - have brought a range of capabilities to DSEI Japan,…
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) hopes to induct its indegenously developed Hyper-Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP) in 2026, three years…
Ground Team Red (GTR), Malaysia's leading ground handler that provides comprehensive aviation services across 17 stations nationwide, announced the official…
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) announced at the ongoing airshow that it had selected Airbus’ industry-leading Flight Hour Services (FHS) to…
Russian Helicopters, part of State Corporation “Rostec”, is exhibiting the Mi-171A3 offshore helicopter, the Ka-32A11M firefighting helicopter, and the Ansat…
Türkiye’s leading naval company, STM, has unveiled its Multi-Role Support Ship (MRSS) design for the first time at the ongoing…
Airbus Helicopters, which is participating at the ongoing airshow, is eyeing Malaysian multirole military helicopter and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS)…
Malaysian aviation operator Weststar Aviation Services announced, at the ongoing airshow, the launch of the country’s largest ever government helicopter…
The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) recently opted for fixed triple configuration Torpedo Launcher Systems (TLS) for its five Maharaja Lela-class…
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) recently announced that its PU Kuching Engineering Branch had successfully completed 2nd line servicing…
2025 marks 10 years since the first Airbus A400M tactical transport (MSN22) was delivered to the Royal Malaysian Air Force…
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has now fully operationalised the three CN235s converted into maritime surveillance aircraft boosting its…
The RMAF is displaying its advancements as a combat force at the ongoing LIMA. Malaysia’s air arm has transformed in…
Malaysia will soon acquire Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods following U.S. approval for a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) at an estimated…
The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) recently opted for fixed triple configuration Torpedo Launcher Systems (TLS) for its five Maharaja Lela-class…
The Turkish shipbuilder STM Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş (STM) is participating at the ongoing show and eyeing greater…
RMN’s KD Kasturi Completes RefitOne of the most important warships in the Royal Malaysian Navy, the KD Kasturi, the lead…
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is to receive the first of two ATR 72 MPA platforms, ordered in a…
Military helicopters must be equipped to perform the most demanding battlefield missions in the harshest environments. The AW149 is a…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2024. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2025 GBP all rights reserved.