Hawkei deploys for action in Iraq
AUSTRALIA’S new Hawkei Protected Mobility Vehicles have deployed into a war zone for the first time.
Defence Minister Senator Marise Payne and Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne yesterday announced the Army had successfully deployed two Hawkei vehicles into the Middle East Region, as part of a Defence trial.
Senator Payne said the trial vehicles were sent to Iraq’s Taji Military Complex to test their sustainability overseas and their ability to deploy to and from an operational area.
“This will enable the Army to learn how to best deploy this capability to an opera- tional environment and ensure it is ready prior to full production in 2019,” Senator Payne said.
“Throughout the trial these vehicles will be employed by our soldiers within Task Group Taji Six in Iraq’s Taji Military Complex.
“The two Hawkei vehicles will complete defined tasks designed to ensure we are best prepared to deploy this capability when it enters service.”